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Get an Anatomy and Physiology Certificate
Does the human body fascinate you? In this course, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to anatomy (the structures of the body and their physical relationships) and physiology (the study of the functions of those structures).
Whether you are a health sciences student, or simply interested in equipping yourself with more knowledge about human bodies and how they work, this course will equip you with a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology.
What Happens in the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course
The Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course is an online learning program with recommended readings from the textbook (Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, 2e). This course is self-directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.
This part-time Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 9 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 18 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 9 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course.
Register NowCourse Topics
The Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College).
An Introduction to the Human Body
- Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
- Structural Organization of the Human Body
- Functions of Human Life
- Requirements for Human Life
- Homeostasis
- Anatomical Terminology
- Medical Imaging
The Chemical Level of Organization
- Elements and Atoms: the Building Blocks of Matter
- Chemical Bonds
- Chemical Reactions
- Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
- Organic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
- The Cellular Level of Organization
The Cell Membrane
- The Cytoplasm and Cellular Organelles
- The Nucleus and DNA Replication
- Protein Synthesis
- Cell Growth and Division
- Cellular Differentiation
The Tissue Level of Organization
- Types of Tissues
- Epithelial Tissue
- Connective Tissue Supports and Connects
- Muscle Tissue and Motion
- Nervous Tissue Mediates Reception and Response
- Tissue Injury and Aging
The Integumentary System
- Layers of the Skin
- Accessory Structures of the Skin
- Functions in the Integumentary System
- Diseases, Disorders, and Injuries of the Integumentary System
Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System
- The Functions of the Skeletal System
- Bone Classification
- Bone Structure
- Bone Formation and Development
- Fractures: Bone Repair
- Exercise, Nutrition, Hormones, and Bone Tissue
- Calcium Homeostasis: Interactions of the Skeletal System and Other Organ Systems
Axial Skeleton
- Diversions of the Skeletal System
- The Skull
- The Vertebral Column
- The Thoracic Cage
- Embryonic Development of the Axial Skeleton
The Appendicular Skeleton
- The Pectoral Girdle
- Bones of the upper Limb
- The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Development of the Appendicular Skeleton
Joints
- Classification of Joints
- Fibrous Joints
- Cartilaginous Joints
- Synovial Joints
- Types of Body Movements
- Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints
- Developments of Joints
Muscle Tissue
- Overview of Muscle Tissue
- Skeletal Muscle
- Muscle Fiber Contraction and Relaxation
- Nervous System Control of Muscle Tension
- Types of Muscle Fibers
- Exercise and Muscle Performance
- Cardiac Muscle Tissue
- Smooth Muscle
- Development and Regeneration of Muscle Tissue
The Muscular System
- Interactions of Skeletal Muscles, Their Fascicle Arrangements, and Their Lever Systems
- Naming Skeletal Muscles
- Axial Muscles of the Head, Neck, and Back
- Axial Muscles of the Abdominal Wall, and Thorax
- Muscles of the Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limbs
- Appendicular Muscles of the Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limbs
The Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
- Basic Structure and Function of the Nervous System
- Nervous Tissue
- The Function of Nervous Tissue
- The Action Potential
- Communication between Neurons
Anatomy of the Nervous System
- The Embryologic Perspective
- The Central Nervous System
- Circulation and the Central Nervous System
- The Peripheral Nervous System
The Somatic Nervous System
- Sensory Perception
- Central Processing
- Motor Responses
The Autonomic Nervous System
- Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System
- Autonomic Reflexes and Homeostasis
- Central Control
- Drugs that Affect the Autonomic System
The Neurological Exam
- Overview of the Neurological Exam
- The Mental Status Exam
- The Cranial Nerve Exam
- The Sensory and Motor Exams
- The Coordination and Gait Exams
The Endocrine System
- An Overview of the Endocrine System
- Hormones
- The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
- The Thyroid Gland
- The Parathyroid Glands
- The Adrenal Glands
- The Pineal Gland
- Gonadal and Placental Hormones
- The Endocrine Pancreas
- Organs with Secondary Endocrine Functions
- Development and Aging of the Endocrine System
Fluids and Transport
- An Overview of Blood
- Production of the Formed Elements
- Erythrocytes
- Leukocytes and Platelets
- Hemostasis
- Blood Typing
The Cardiovascular System: the Heart
- Heart Anatomy
- Cardiac Muscle and Electrical Activity
- Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Physiology
- Development of the Heart
The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels and Circulation
- Structure and Function of Blood Vessels
- Blood Flow, Blood Pressure, and Resistance
- Capillary Exchange
- Homeostatic Regulation of the Vascular System
- Circulatory Pathways
- Development of Blood Vessels and Fetal Circulation
The Lymphatic and Immune System
- Anatomy of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- Barrier Defenses and the Innate Immune Response
- The Adaptive Immune Response: T lymphocytes and Their Functional Types
- The Adaptive Immune Response: B-lymphocytes and Antibodies
- The Immune Response against Pathogens
- Diseases Associated with Depressed or Overactive Immune Responses
- Transplantation and Cancer Immunology
The Respiratory System
- Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System
- The Lungs
- The Process of Breathing
- Gas Exchange
- Transport of Gases
- Modifications in Respiratory Functions
- Embryonic Development of the Respiratory System
The Digestive System
- Overview of the Digestive System
- Digestive System Processes and Regulation
- The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus
- The Stomach
- The Small and Large Intestines
- Accessory Organs in Digestion: The Liver, Pancreas, and Gallbladder
- Chemical Digestion and Absorption: A Closer Look
Metabolism and Nutrition
- Overview of Metabolic Reactions
- Carbohydrate Metabolism
- Lipid Metabolism
- Protein Metabolism
- Metabolic States of the Body
- Energy and Heat Balance
- Nutrition and Diet
The Urinary System
- Physical Characteristics of Urine
- Gross Anatomy of Urine Transport
- Gross Anatomy of the Kidney
- Microscopic Anatomy of the Kidney
- Physiology of Urine Formation
- Tubular Reabsorption
- Regulation of Renal Blood Flow
- Endocrine Regulation of Kidney Function
- Regulation of Fluid Volume and Composition
- The Urinary System and Homeostasis
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
- Body Fluids and Fluid Compartments
- Water Balance
- Electrolyte Balance
- Acid-Base Balance
- Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
The Reproductive System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System
- Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
Development and Inheritance
- Fertilization
- Embryonic Development
- Fetal Development
- Maternal Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
- Adjustments of the Infant at Birth and Postnatal Stages
- Lactation
- Patterns of Inheritance
What Is Included in the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course
This all-inclusive Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course Online package includes:
- Registration for the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course Online
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance
- Textbook: Anatomy and Physiology 2e (e-book edition)
- Downloadable Anatomy and Physiology Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
- (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
- (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Organization of Business Professionals for only US$ 2.99 per month
Register for the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.
You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.
Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 169.00 for the September 14, 2026 course.
Associated Courses
Register today for the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.
If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.
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What is anatomy and physiology?
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body, while physiology focuses on how those structures function. Together, they form the foundation of understanding how the body works—from the cellular level to entire organ systems.
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What will I learn in the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course?
You’ll explore the major systems of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. The course also covers cellular biology, tissue types, and homeostasis. It’s an ideal introduction to key concepts typically taught in college-level anatomy and physiology courses.
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How long does the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course take to complete?
The Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course is designed to be self-paced, with a recommended completion time of 9 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 18 weeks, depending on your schedule.
Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access. -
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to better understand how the human body works—whether you're preparing for future studies in health, fitness, or wellness, or you're simply curious about human biology. It’s also helpful for students or professionals in related fields looking to refresh their knowledge.
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Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed for those with no prior background in science or healthcare. It introduces complex concepts in a straightforward, accessible way—perfect for adult learners or those returning to education.
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Can I take the Anatomy and Physiology Certificate Course from outside of North America?
Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced, which means you can enroll and complete it from anywhere in the world. All course materials are accessible 24/7 on your schedule.
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Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
Yes! Upon completing the course, you will receive an Anatomy and Physiology Certificate from IAP Career College. This certificate demonstrates your understanding of foundational biological and physiological principles and can support your personal, academic, or professional development.
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What is IAP Career College?
The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.
Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.
