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Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease Screenings: Foundations for the Health Care Practitioner (2025 Update)
Course Overview
Gain a working knowledge of the language pertaining to human anatomy and physiology, as well as some major disease screening guidelines for preventive care.

Those who are students in a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program at any point in time are not eligible to participate in the ABR-OE program. Also, those who at any point in time have held the CMA (AAMA) credential (or its predecessor credential, CMA) are not eligible for the ABR-OE.

Visit the AAMA website for more information on eligibility and application policies.
Course Information
Course Description
A strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology helps medical assistants communicate accurately and support effective patient care. This course reviews anatomical directional terms, body planes, major body systems, and the relationship between body structures and their functions. It also examines how this knowledge supports disease prevention and screening. Learners will explore common screenings for osteoporosis and breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancers.

In addition, learners will consider how medical assistants can use reminder systems, prepare screening documentation, educate patients, and coordinate follow-up. By connecting foundational science with preventive care, this course can help learners recognize screening needs and support patients in taking appropriate next steps.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Identify common directional terms and body planes used in health care documentation.
  • Describe the structures and functions of the major body systems.
  • Explain how anatomy and physiology support the recognition of disease processes.
  • Compare common screening methods for osteoporosis and selected cancers.
  • Apply patient education, reminder, and follow-up practices that support preventive screening.
Course Contributors
Kelly Shriver Kolln
Authored the original disease-screening article adapted for this course.

Chris Hollander, CMA (AAMA)
Updated the content in October 2017. 

John McCormack
Updated the content in November 2021. 

Clare Ley, CMA (AAMA)
Updated the content in April 2023.

Summer O’Neal, CMA (AAMA)
Updated the course content in August 2025.

Fred Lenhoff
Updated the course content in August 2025.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, students, and other allied health professionals who need foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology to support documentation, patient education, preventive screening, and coordinated follow-up in ambulatory care.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $10.00
Nonmember: $15.00
CEU Offered:
2 Clinical CEUs
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