Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online Medical Ethics Courses and Classes Overview

Online courses in medical ethics are available through the continuing education division of some medical schools and as a part of both graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Introductory online courses in medical ethics are also sometimes offered as a part of associate degree programs.

Overview of Online Medical Ethics Courses

Since physicians often treat patients daily, they need access to online courses in order to easily keep up with continuing education requirements. Online courses in medical ethics are often offered as part of a continuing education certificate for physicians and medical professionals. Other online courses in medical ethics are available in master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs, and are aimed at self-motivated students.

Course Requirements

Students in most online medical ethics courses need to have Internet access and word processing capabilities. Many students will be required to engage in virtual discussions and should be comfortable posting and answering questions on Internet forums. Though courses are taught through online software, students may have to purchase books and additional reading material to complete online coursework. Because some courses use audio or video files, students may be required to have multimedia software available.

List of Online Courses

Introduction to Medical Ethics

This course is aimed at providing a general understanding of the ethical questions posed by maintaining and improving public health. It addresses ethical issues raised by clinical research and medical practice. Students will likely engage in online classroom discussions with classmates or write research papers.

Medical Ethics Overview

Students interested in an in-depth discussion of medical ethics at the associate or bachelor's degree program level may take a general medical ethics course. The course will likely cover traditional philosophical ethical theories which students will then apply to contemporary ethical dilemmas. Teachers may try to stimulate discussion by requiring students to analyze and reply to their classmates' questions in a public forum.

Clinical Topics in Medical Ethics

Mostly aimed at practicing physicians, this course discusses new technological advances and ethical situations often encountered in clinical practice. Students may utilize ethical decision-making models and apply them to current ethical issues in clinical practice such as end-of-life decision making, euthanasia or clinical research.

History of Medical Ethics

A study of the philosophical origins of medical ethics may be offered in graduate degree programs. The course will likely explore the basics of moral philosophy and classic ethical theories before discussing contemporary medical ethics. The course may also introduce students to the development of the idea of a medical professional and their role throughout history.

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