Adult education programs in human anatomy are available at several schools around the country. Learn about some course options, and find out about career information to see what you might want to pursue.
Program Information
Adult students can enroll in human anatomy courses to expand their knowledge or prepare for degree programs. Introductory and advanced human anatomy courses are available through the continuing education departments or extension offices of colleges and universities. These courses typically cover human anatomy and physiology and are often designed as prerequisites to fulfill admission requirements for related degree programs.
Generally, programs available in this format come in a few forms. Human anatomy and physiology I and II are offered, as well as human anatomy and physiology as it relates to health. Some schools offer these courses online. Both credit and non-credit courses are available, and some courses may require students to have already completed a college-level biology course. More information can be found below.
Coursework
Human Anatomy and Physiology
- This is a non-credit course with no prerequisites.
- It can sometimes be found partially online.
Human Anatomy and Physiology and Application to Health
- This is an undergraduate course with no specific prerequisites.
- This course is usually offered online as self-directed study.
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- This is an undergraduate follow-up to Anatomy and Physiology I.
- It is possible to find this class online with on-person or online lab requirements.
Common Course Topics
Human anatomy courses of this nature can often be used as prerequisites or to meet requirements for other more advanced programs students may wish to pursue at a later date. These classes cover the structure and functions of the human body. Students learn about the different systems within the body as well as the location and role of all of the body's organs. These courses often include labs; online classes may include video courses and virtual labs where students work with anatomical models to learn about the body, though others will require in-person work. Specific topics covered in this course may include cell anatomy, skeletal system, respiratory system, genetics, nervous systems, the human heart and arteries, muscles and tissues, and reproductive system.
Career Information
There are many reasons for taking human anatomy courses. Medical billing and coding professionals can take human anatomy courses to be able to use ICD-10-CM coding, which is coding system where injuries are grouped by anatomical site. Adults interested in the subject can take a human anatomy course to learn more about health and the human body. These courses may also fulfill the requirements for enrolling in a degree program in nursing or another healthcare-related field.
Students wishing to pursue human anatomy education in adult or continuing format can typically choose from several options, including beginner and advanced courses, as well as a course specific to human anatomy and physiology and its application to health.
