Diseases and Disorders for Allied Health Professionals

Pathology is the science that focuses on disease processes allied health professionals, regardless of the healthcare area or specialty, are in the business of supporting the healthcare providers and the healthcare team members in either preventing diseases and disorders, diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders, or educating patients about potential or real related to their unique situations.

The purpose of this course is to assist allied health professionals in understanding the disease states and processes as well as potential causes and risk factors they may encounter with their patients. The disease discussions include information about how these conditions develop and progress and how patients may take steps to prevent the condition or slow its progress. The assumption is that the more healthcare team members understand about diseases, the better they may assist in quality patient care.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain the abnormal conditions related to cells, including atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, and intracellular accumulations, aging, and death.
• Discuss inflammation in terms of signs and symptoms, body system changes, etiology, and healing and repair.
• Describe the immune response and related pathologies of the immune system.
• Describe neoplasia and the resulting tumors and cancer, including carcinogens, incidence, prevalence, mortality, and signs and symptoms.
• Discuss common genetic and developmental diseases.
• Explain the processes leading to fluid and hemodynamic disorders, such as edema, hyperemia, hemorrhage, thrombosis, embolism, infarction, and shock.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the respiratory system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the hematopoietic and lymphoid systems.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the liver and biliary system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the pancreas.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the kidney and urinary tract.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the breast.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the endocrine system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the integumentary system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the skeletal system and joints.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the muscular system and peripheral nerves.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the eye.
• Discuss the major diseases and disorders of the ear.

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Disease and Disorders for Allied Health Professionals (DDAH) Certification

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.