Human Anatomy & Physiology Certificate - Curriculum | Penn Foster
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Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course Details

The goal of the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate program is to provide students with the knowledge of the major body systems necessary in many health careers, to aid medical professionals seeking to reinforce the skills needed to analyze and interpret medical reports, or to prepare an allied health professional to sit for licensure and certification exams.

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Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

The goal of the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate program is to provide students with the knowledge of the major body systems necessary in many health careers, to aid medical professionals seeking to reinforce the skills needed to analyze and interpret medical reports, or to prepare an allied health professional for licensure and certification exams. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of the human body, including anatomy and its various branches; chemical organization; cells, tissues, organs, and various body systems; as well as special topics like body planes, directional terms, cavities, regions, pregnancy, and human development Discuss the processes involved in the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of the human body, including anatomy and its various branches, chemical organization, cells, tissues, organs, and various body systems, as well as special topics like pregnancy and human development
  • Explain the importance of maintaining homeostasis in the body
  • Discuss the processes involved with the senses of taste, smell, and touch
  • Identify common disorders and dysfunctions that may occur within the various organ systems

Starting Your Program

Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program.

Objectives:

  • Understand how to use your Student Portal.
  • Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers.
  • Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.
Lesson 1: Basic Concepts, The Human Body, Biochemistry, Cells, Tissues, and the Skeletal System

In this lesson, you’ll begin your study of anatomy and physiology.

Objectives:

  • Define terms referring to location, position, direction, body planes, and sections.
  • Locate the major body cavities.
  • Identify and describe the basic anatomical structures of the human body.
  • Discuss the process and mechanics of homeostasis.
  • Explain how human anatomy and physiology are related.
  • List and discuss the organizational levels of the human body in order of increasing complexity and explain how these levels are related to each other.
Lesson 2: Muscles, The Skin, The Nervous System, The Senses, and the Endocrine System

In this lesson, you’ll continue your in-depth study of specific body systems. You’ll complete a final exam at the end of the course.

Objectives:

  • Explain the structures, functions, and diseases of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems in humans.
  • Identify similarities between these body systems.
  • Describe the physiological functions of these body systems.
Additional Course Material

Access card to software called Anatomy and Physiology Revealed 3.0

Textbook: Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions: An Interactive Journey

Lesson 1: The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

In this lesson, you’ll learn about the complex characteristics and properties of blood that make it literally the life force within us.

Objectives:

  • Recognize and define anatomical and physiological term
  • Describe the indicators of common disorders and diseases
  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of blood
  • Describe the processes of inflammation and coagulation
  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of the circulatory system
  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of the respiratory system
Lesson 2: The Lymphatic, Immune, and Gastrointestinal Systems

In this lesson, you’ll learn about the lymphatic system, causative microorganisms, infectious processes, and prevention techniques for the spread of infection.

Objectives:

  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of the immune and lymphatic systems
  • Define and describe the types and disorders of immunity
  • Explain the disease mechanisms involved in common diseases of the immune system
  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of the digestive system
Lesson 3: The Urinary and Reproductive Systems

In this lesson, you’ll learn how the respiratory system is intimately related to the cardiovascular system. You’ll also learn about the digestive system, the principles of sound nutrition and the main functions of the urinary system. You’ll take a midterm examination following this lesson.

Objectives:

  • Identify and describe the components, functions, and disorders of the urinary system
  • Identify and explain the functions of the reproductive system
  • Describe the disorders of both male and female reproductive systems
Lesson 4: Forensics, Geriatrics, and Wellness

In this lesson, you’ll learn about the organs of the reproductive system, genetics, and genetically linked diseases. At the conclusion of this lesson, you’ll complete a research project and take a comprehensive final exam.

Objectives:

  • Discuss the relationship between forensics and anatomy and physiology
  • Explain expected physiological changes in anatomy and physiology with aging
  • Identify approaches to attain maximum wellness and prevent the onset of disease

Additional Details

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this Program. Click here for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements.

Penn Foster Career School Accreditation & Licensing Details

Penn Foster has been accredited for over 50 years. Penn Foster Career School has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations, certifications, and licensing. Most importantly, Penn Foster Career School is both regionally and nationally accredited.

Accreditation
DEAC
MSA
Short Lessons
Easy-to-Access Lessons
Each lesson is broken into short chapters that allow you to fit learning into whatever time you have available. Don’t have time to finish a lesson? Not a problem - pick up where you left off next time!
Digital Flashcards
Digital Flashcards
A fun and interactive way to test your knowledge before your exams. Find out what information you've mastered, and what material needs additional review.
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
With Penn Foster Career School, you are never alone! Our learning platform includes discussion boards so you can connect with instructors and other students in this program.

Sample Anatomy and Physiology Lesson

Penn Foster courses are written in a way that is easy to understand, and materials are broken down into manageable lessons. Take a look at what a Anatomy and Physiology course would look like.
View Sample Lesson
Sample Anatomy and Physiology Lesson
Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
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