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Best Anatomy & Physiology Accredited Online Courses

Best Human Anatomy Courses Online

You might be looking for the best anatomy course online. I have written this post for review and side-by-side comparison of top human anatomy and physiology classes that are accredited by leading universities.

A good anatomy course should provide knowledge of all parts of a human body, its normal development process, functioning, and changes across the lifespan. It should also give details of diseases, their causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, it should help you in your career and job.

In this post, I have reviewed only those programs that are offered by leading universities. I have done so because a c;ass from accredited university will not only help you in obtaining in-depth knowledge but also give you a credential certificate and industry recognition.

Best Human Anatomy & Physiology Online Course

1. Best OverallCoursera Anatomy Specialization

2. Best for BeginneredX Human Anatomy for Stroke

3. Best Value for MoneyStraighterline Online Anatomy & Physiology I

You can find detailed information about these classes below in this article. I have rated and ranked them according to their accreditation.
Here is a quote that suggests why you should pursue a career in human anatomy.

“Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups. This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services.”

– US Bureau of Labor statics

The above statistics are from 2019 but things have changed rapidly after 2019. The demand for healthcare workers have grown rapidly all over the world due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has put extra pressure on healthcare services.

I have not included some other courses in the ranking as they focus on specific parts of the human body. But you may be interested in them. Here is a list of those courses.

  1. Coursera – Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems
  2. Coursera – Anatomy: Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems
  3. Coursera – Anatomy: Human Neuroanatomy
  4. Coursera – Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems
  5. Coursera – Anatomy of the Abdomen and Pelvis; a journey from basis to clinic
  6. Coursera – Anatomy of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis
  7. edX – Applied anatomy of the locomotor system
  8. edX – Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases

Review of Top University Accredited Courses

1. Coursera Anatomy Specialization – University of Michigan

Coursera Anatomy Specialization - University of Michigan

  • University of Michigan Certificate
  • 5 Months
  • 4 hours a week
  • Self-Paced
  • Introductory

In this course, you can explore human anatomy using a systems approach and a vast library of multimedia materials so that you may understand the features of different organ systems about the human body’s form and function.

This course is offered by Coursera, which is an accredited platform for the students. You can read my article to understand why Coursera is legit.

This Specialization covers the following organ systems:

  • Integumentary System
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Respiratory System
  • Urinary System
  • Nervous System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Reproductive System
  • Endocrine System

This Specialization takes advantage of a highly visual multimedia library of accurate anatomical models and materials to help you better understand the topics.

What will you learn?

  • Integumentary system anatomy and function
  • Skeletal system anatomy and function
  • Joint classifications, function, and clinical correlations
  • Skeletal muscle anatomy and function

Key features

  • Earn a Certificate upon completion
  • 100% online courses. Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
  • Flexible Schedule. Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
  • Beginner Level. No prior experience required.
  • Approximately 5 months to complete. The suggested pace of 4 hours/week
  • Language English. Subtitles available in English, Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, Spanish

Course structure

  • Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems
  • Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems
  • Anatomy: Human Neuroanatomy
  • Anatomy: Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems

Certification

Available with Paid Plans.

Trainers

  • Kathleen Alsup – B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology, University of Tennessee
  • Glenn M. Fox – Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Kelli Sullivan – Ph.D. in Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Kentucky

Additional features

  • Shareable Specialization and Course Certificates
  • Self-Paced Learning Option
  • Course Videos & Readings
  • Practice Quizzes
  • Graded Assignments with Peer Feedback
  • Graded Quizzes with Feedback
  • Graded Programming Assignments

Things I Didn’t Like

You will need to pay for all support, quizzes, assignments, and certification.

2. Best for Beginner – edX Human Anatomy for Stroke – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

edX Human Anatomy for Stroke - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University Certificate
  • 2 Months
  • 4-2 hours a week
  • Self-Paced
  • Introductory

This course is from multiple healthcare professional perspectives through a case-based study of stroke.

If you find the Human Anatomy textbooks are too difficult to read, or if you want to freshen up quickly your knowledge, this is the course for you. edX offers this course with a university certificate.

You can read more about advantages and disadvantages of edX in my article on review of edX.

What will you learn?

  • Effects of stroke on the human body
  • Anatomy of relevant body systems at gross and histological levels
  • Services provided by healthcare professionals for stroke patients
  • Relevant knowledge of anatomy for application of clinical procedures

Key features

  • Estimated 8 weeks – 2–4 hours per week
  • Level: Introductory
  • Language: English
  • Progress at your own speed
  • Free – Optional upgrade available

Course structure

Module 1 – Stroke Case Presentation

    • Micro Movie
    • Clinical summary
    • Interview with the stroke survivor

Module 2 – Human Anatomy Lectures

    • Body systems and important organs
      • Locate the body regions and cavities
      • Describe the systems involved in each region
      • Identify the major organs (tissues and cells) in each system
    • Anatomical orientation and skeletal system
      • Define the anatomical position and planes
      • Classify different types of bones
      • Describe the bone structure
      • Locate the major bones of the skeleton
    • The muscular system
      • Classify different types of muscles tissues
      • Indicate the characteristics and location of different types of muscles tissues
      • Illustrate the actions of muscles
    • The nervous system and special senses
      • Explain the differences between the central and peripheral nervous system
      • Describe the structure of neurons
      • Describe the major component of the brain
      • Describe the major structure of the spinal cord
      • Recognize the special sensory organs and their functions
    • Cardiovascular and pulmonary system
      • Recognize the structure of the heart and different types of blood vessels
      • Trace the major blood flow through the heart
      • Recognize the major structure of the lung and passageways
      • Trace the airflow through the pulmonary system

Module 3 – Healthcare-discipline Specific Role Plays and Round-up Session

    • Six role-play videos demonstrating the application of anatomy knowledge being used by the six healthcare disciplines

Visiting Professors to share opinions in the application of essential anatomy knowledge related to the case and their disciplines

Certification

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University edX certification (Paid only)

Trainers

  • John Yuen – Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Allen Cheong – Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Josephine Lau – Lecturer at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Richard Li – Clinical Neurologist at The Hong Kong Stroke Society
  • William Tsang – Professor at The Open University of Hong Kong
  • Kevan MA Gartland – Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Roger Watson – Professor at University of Hull
  • Patrick Brennan – Professor at University of Sydney
  • Helen Eng – Clinical Optometrist at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Kit Sinclair – Past President at World Federation of Occupational Therapists
  • Judi Laprade – Senior Lecturer at University of Toronto

Additional features

  • World-class institutions and universities (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
  • edX support
  • Shareable certificate upon completion – Paid
  • Instructor support – Paid
  • Graded assignments and exams – Paid

Things I Didn’t Like

You will need to pay in order to get assignments and support.

3. Best Value for Money – Straighterline Online Anatomy & Physiology I

Straighterline Online Anatomy & Physiology Course

  • Course Completion Certificate
  • 1 Month
  • 20-25 hours a week
  • Self-Paced
  • Introductory

This course has a well-structured syllabus and complimentary study material.

It includes the organization of the body, characteristics of life, anatomical terminology, how the body maintains homeostasis, the relationship of chemistry to anatomy and physiology, cell function and division, skin, skeletal system, muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, and the endocrine system.

What will you learn?

It provides a working knowledge of college-level anatomy.

This course fulfills general education requirements in science, fits into our affordable degree plans, includes one-on-one academic support (tutoring), and is covered by the StraighterLine Credit Transfer Guarantee.

Key features

  • Sign up and get started in minutes
  • eTextbooks included for FREE!
  • Work at your own pace
  • Take your exam when you’re ready
  • You can finish in less than 30 days
  • No-fee transcripts and easy credit transfer

Course structure

This course is structured in two parts

  1. Anatomy & Physiology I from McGraw-Hill – 3 Credits
  2. Anatomy & Physiology I Lab from eScience Labs – 1 Credit

Anatomy & Physiology I from McGraw-Hill – 3 Credits

    1. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
    2. Chemistry for Anatomy and Physiology Students
    3. Cell Biology
    4. Genetics
    5. Tissues
    6. Integumentary System
    7. Bones and Skeletal System
    8. Joints
    9. Muscular System Histology and Physiology
    10. Muscular System Gross Anatomy
    11. Functional Organization of Nervous Tissue
    12. Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, Brain, and Cranial Nerves
    13. Integration of Nervous System Functions
    14. The Special Senses
    15. Autonomic Nervous System
    16. Functional Organization of the Endocrine System and Endocrine Glands

Anatomy & Physiology I Lab from eScience Labs – 1 Credit

    1. Introduction to Science
    2. Cell Structure and Function
    3. Mitosis and Meiosis
    4. Diffusion and Osmosis
    5. Tissues and Skin
    6. The Skeletal System
    7. The Muscular System
    8. The Nervous System
    9. The Endocrine System

Certification

StraighterLine Credit Transfer Guarantee

Trainers

No Information is provided by the institute.

Additional features

  • Buy the course and get a copy of “Seeley’s Anatomy & Physiology” at no additional cost (a $332.33 value)
  • Quiz with every chapter
  • End term exams
  • Online proctored final exam in order to complete the course

Things I Didn’t Like

Student’s reviews are not encouraging. According to many student “classes were not much helpful”.

Non-Accredited Classes and Certifications from Udemy

Udemy offers a no. of anatomy courses that may help you to understand the topic. But the problem with Udemy is that a university or institution does not accredit it.

But if your priority is to gain knowledge only then you can click here to see a list of all Udemy anatomy courses.

Udemy does provide a course completion certificate but it is not much useful while seeking a job. You can read my article on Value of Udemy Certificates for more information.

Conclusion

There is a whole pool of knowledge out there on the internet. But if you want to play smart, you should go with a piece of structured information that will teach you to step by step.

People who are looking forward to work in the anatomy sector should start with a university-recognized anatomy course.

Over To You

Before starting a course, you must look into the course structure and resources you need to start studying.

Let me know which course did you choose and why. I would love to hear your comments.

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