Medical English

Brief Program Description

The Medical English Program at Glenn College is designed for individuals who are working in, or planning to enter, the healthcare field and wish to improve their English communication skills in medical contexts. Students will learn patient communication strategies, vocabulary for common symptoms and illnesses, and essential medical terminology. The program prepares students to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals in English-speaking environments.

* This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). As such, this program has not been reviewed by PTIRU.

Admissions Requirements

Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following:

• BC English 12 with a minimum C+ grade
• IELTS 5.5
• TOEFL iBT 46–59
• TOEIC band 605 - 780

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Recognize and employ English words and phrases used to describe common symptoms and illnesses
• Identify a variety of illnesses using English medical terminology relating to symptoms
• Correctly utilize essential vocabulary for body parts, nutrition, medical equipment and apparatuses, and hospital wards
• Demonstrate competency in communicating with a variety of patients and others in the health and medical field
• Recognize and use terminology related to pharmaceuticals and treatment

Method of Evaluation

• Module quizzes (10% per module)
• Midterm examination (20%)
• Final test (20%)
• Final assignment (20%)

Completion Requirements

• 70% minimum attendance
• Completion of all coursework within the set timeline
• Minimum overall program mark of 70%

Program Duration

• Total Instructional Hours: 240 hours
• Each course: 80 hours over 4 weeks
• Entire program: 12 weeks if completing all three courses

Homework Hours

• Estimated 5–10 hours per week

Delivery Method(s)

Distance Education

Online (Asynchronous)

In-Class Instruction

Available (Lecture format)

Required Course Materials

Program Organization