Are you a high school medical student interested in learning more about the human body, diseases, and treatment? You can take free online medical courses provided by top universities and institutions. In these courses, you will learn about various topics, such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, and epidemiology.
There are numerous medical courses for high school students; however, enrolling in free online courses will be the best option. This is because, with free online medical courses, high school students can flexibly and conveniently learn from home without going to the classroom. Additionally, online classes usually offer a lot of helpful materials that you might not find in a regular classroom.
If you are a high school student who is dreaming of becoming a doctor, you can enroll in these courses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that average doctors and surgeons typically earn $110.24 per hour and $229,300 per year.
Furthermore, the number of doctors and surgeons hired is expected to go up by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is about the same rate as most jobs. Every year, there will be around 24,200 job opportunities for doctors and surgeons. This includes replacing those who switch jobs or retire. For more information about the wages of doctors, see Physicians and Surgeons: Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Keep reading this article for details about the best free online medical courses for high school students.
Top 4 Learning Platforms that Offer High School Level Online Medical Courses
Here are the top 10 platforms to learn online medical courses for high school. I chose them because they have comprehensive lessons, a good reputation, qualified instructors, and positive reviews and ratings from students.
Coursera
Coursera is a learning platform that provides a diverse selection of medical courses and specializations from top institutions like Johns Hopkins, Yale, Stanford, MedCerts, and others. You can delve into various aspects of medicine and healthcare through this extensive offering.
Moreover, this platform provides courses at different levels, from beginners to advanced. This makes it great for high school students with varying levels of understanding. These courses also include practical skills that can be useful in the medical field. If you want to become a doctor, Coursera has basic medicine courses taught by experts. This can get high school students ready for medical school.
Courses on Udemy are flexible and self-paced. You can access them anywhere with an internet connection. You can rewatch lectures as many times as you need.
Udemy courses are interactive and engaging. You can ask questions, take quizzes, and earn certificates. Instructors and other students are there to help.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is great for learning medical courses, and many high school students find it helpful. In addition, it also strives to simplify complex medical concepts, making them easier to understand. This is especially helpful for high school students who are just starting to explore these topics.
Furthermore, this platform is a nonprofit on a mission to offer free, top-notch education to anyone, anywhere. This means that students can access high-quality educational content, no matter their financial situation. If you are a high school student, you can also learn medical courses on this platform at your own pace.
Keep in mind that, although Khan Academy is helpful, it is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health provider if you have questions about a medical condition.
edX
edX is among the best online platforms for high school students learning medical courses. Many online medicine courses and programs are available on this platform. These courses cover different fields like biochemistry, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, and epidemiology.
Additionally, it enables you to learn at your own pace. You can access the courses on your computer, tablet, or phone, making learning flexible to fit your busy life. The courses on this platform were created by leading high schools, secondary schools, and universities. This guarantees high-quality and up-to-date content.
edX provides courses designed to prepare you for Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. This is especially helpful for high school students who plan to pursue medicine in college.
See also: 10 Free Online Physiotherapy Courses with Certificates.
OpenLearn
OpenLearn is a free online learning platform. It provides courses on different topics, including healthcare and medicine. This platform will also allow you to learn whenever you want, fitting your studies into your schedule.
Moreover, OpenLearn courses, crafted by experts from The Open University, a leader in open and distance learning, offer high-quality teaching. You can benefit by gaining valuable insights into the latest developments in the medical field.
This platform provides free courses, which is great for high school students who cannot spend much money. There are about 35,000 pages of really good resources, including over 900 courses with a total of 10,000 study hours. This means students can easily get detailed and comprehensive material.
See also: Best Free Medical Courses Online.
List of 11 Best Free Online Medical Courses for High School Students
- Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specialization
- Introduction to human body systems
- Basic Anatomy for Everyone
- Blood and the respiratory system
- Anatomy Specialization
- Circulatory system anatomy and physiology
- Introduction to Health and Wellness
- General principles of cellular communication
- Medicine in the Digital Age
- Introductory Human Physiology
- Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis
See also: Best 4-Week Medical Certificate Programs For You.
11 Best Free Online Medical Courses for High School Students
Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specialization
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: you can learn this course for free. However, a certain amount of money will be needed to get certified.
- Learning platform: this course is available on Coursera.
- Course duration: it will take you approximately a month if you learn for the recommended 10 hours per week.
The Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specialization provides engaging, interactive materials to educate you on the human body’s anatomical structure, bodily systems, and medical language. Moreover, it will help you understand the basics of medicine and the human body. This knowledge is important for reading medical records and working in healthcare.
This course provides flexible learning options and financial aid. It is taught by Jennifer Zabel, a certified instructor with more than 20 years of medical experience. After completing the course, you will earn a shareable career certificate from MedCerts. If you are interested in knowing more about this course, see Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals Specialization.
Introduction to Human Body Systems
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: this course is completely free.
- Learning platform: if you want to study this course, it is available at Khan Academy.
- Course duration: the duration of this course depends on your pace. You can start and finish it at your convenience.
Introduction to Human Body Systems explores the main organ systems of the human body. These include the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems.
This course uses videos, articles, cards, and quizzes to explain concepts and test learners’ knowledge. It is free and available to anyone with internet access and a device. Experts from Khan Academy, a non-profit, teach it, aiming to offer top-notch education globally. For more information about this course, see Introduction to human body systems.
See also: 10 Best Free Online Medical Courses with Certificates in UK.
Basic Anatomy for Everyone
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: I could not find any information on this information.
- Learning platform: you can enroll in this course on edX.
- Course duration: this course allows you to learn at your own pace. It is recommended to learn about 1–2 hours per week for around 8 weeks.
Basic Anatomy for Everyone facilitates the learning of human anatomy, catering to both beginners and those with a modest interest in the subject. This course aims to provide easy-to-understand and engaging content, even for non-medical individuals.
The content of the course is structured into 8 episodes. It explores anatomical concepts, definitions, and directions. It progresses from planes to encompass bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and the brain of the head and neck region. Special emphasis is given to sensory organs in the face, starting with the lips.
Uniquely, the course integrates cultural, historical, and societal perspectives, utilizing quotes, historical figures, and artistic techniques to enhance accessibility. While concentrating on the head and neck anatomy this season, future series will expand to cover other body parts. If delving into understanding your body interests you, I strongly suggest taking and enjoying this course. For more information about this course, see SNUx: Basic Anatomy for Everyone.
Blood and the respiratory system
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: this course is available at no cost to ensure its accessibility for a wide range of students.
- Learning platform: it is available on OpenLearn.
- Course duration: this course has an estimated duration of approximately 8 hours.
Blood and the Respiratory System is an online course that allows students to learn at their own pace, in their own time. It is provided by the Open University. The university is renowned for its extensive experience in distance education. It has supported over 2 million students in attaining their career and personal aspirations.
In addition, this course covers various topics, such as the primary anatomical structures of the respiratory system, the mechanics behind inhalation and exhalation, factors influencing pulmonary ventilation, processes of oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation in the blood, and diseases stemming from hemoglobin mutations.
The course incorporates quizzes and activities to boost learning and comprehension. Once students finish the course, they receive a Statement of Participation. For more information about the course, see Blood and the respiratory system.
Anatomy Specialization
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: you can opt for a shareable certificate with a certain fee until completion or for free the courses without the ability to submit assignments or earn a certificate. Financial aid is available for those who cannot afford the fee for the certificate option.
- Learning platform: you can enroll in this course on Coursera.
- Course duration: on average, you can complete this course for about 2 months at 10 hours a week.
Anatomy specialization teaches about the body’s major organ systems, like skin, bones, muscles, nerves, and hormones. It also gives an introduction to important anatomy words and how cells function. Key anatomy terms are introduced in this course. It explains how cells work. In addition, it also uses various materials, like interactive content, multimedia, and free open-source text. This ensures an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
The course is instructed by experienced educators from the University of Michigan, a renowned institution with a solid standing in medical education. Similar to numerous courses on Coursera, it is available, making it an excellent resource for high school students interested in medical studies but lacking the financial means for paid programs.
If you are a high school student who is willing to study medical courses online, you can enroll in this course. For more information about the course, see Anatomy Specialization.
Circulatory System Anatomy and Physiology
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: this course is completely free.
- Learning platform: it is available on Khan Academy.
- Course duration: it varies depending on your pace of learning.
The circulatory system course at Khan Academy teaches about how our body’s blood system works. It covers topics like how the heart pumps blood and how blood moves in our veins. Also, it explains diseases like high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Khan Academy’s goal is to help students study at their speed. Whether you are a high school student who is in school or not, you can enroll in this course. They provide courses in various subjects like math, science, arts, and humanities, along with resources for test prep and college admissions.
Additionally, Khan Academy collaborates with schools and organizations globally to enhance education results and accessibility. For more information about this course, see Circulatory system anatomy and physiology.
Introduction to Health and Wellness
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: you can enroll in this course for free without a certificate after learning, with limited access to materials while learning. However, if you want to collect a certificate and have unlimited access to materials, payment is required.
- Learning platform: you can enroll in this course on edX.
- Course duration: this course lasts 8 weeks and requires approximately 18–20 hours of weekly study.
Introduction to Health and Wellness on edX is a course provided by Arizona State University. It discusses the newest developments in health, nutrition, physical activity, and wellness. It offers a comprehensive overview, delving into wellness planning, healthy lifestyle choices, holistic wellness, mind-body practices, and self-care. Additionally, it encompasses strategies aimed at mitigating chronic disease risks.
The course is available online, so students from all over the world can take it. It is part of the Global Freshman Academy (GFA), which implies that students can earn ASU credit for their college degree. Many students have given positive feedback about the course. For more information about this course, see ASUx: Introduction to Health and Wellness.
General Principles of Cellular Communication
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: this course is free.
- Learning platform: if you want to enroll in this course, you will find it on OpenLearn.
- Course duration: this course is typically self-paced.
This course covers many things about cell communication. It explains how cells detect and react to outside signals. Furthermore, it also talks about the role of proteins in cell communication. Moreover, it explains how different proteins can work together in a signaling pathway.
Once you finish this course, you should be able to explain how outside signals activate cell pathways for responses. You should also describe how cell signaling helps bacteria with quorum sensing, outline the different jobs proteins have in cell communication, and connect the activities and features of proteins, including their structure, to their roles in signaling.
For more information about this course, see General principles of cellular communication.
Medicine in the Digital Age
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: You can join this course for free, but you will not get a certificate and can access some materials. If you want a certificate and full access to materials, you need to pay.
- Learning platform: it is available on edX.
- Course duration: The course is instructor-paced and is expected to be completed in approximately 2–4 hours per week for 4 weeks.
Medicine in the Digital Age gives important views on how digital technology is changing medicine. It provides key insights into how digital technology is altering medicine. As our world becomes more digital, understanding how technology changes healthcare can be a useful skill, no matter what career path you pick.
This course is not only about medicine; it also talks about things like social media, big data, and personalized medicine. Looking at different areas like this can expand how you see things. It also outlines the challenges and opportunities in healthcare during the digital age, getting students ready for the future of digital medicine. No background knowledge is required for this course, which makes it accessible to high school students. For more information about this course, see RICEx: Medicine in the Digital Age.
Introductory Human Physiology
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: it is a free course.
- Learning platform: you can enroll in this course on Coursera.
- Course duration: it takes approximately 35 hours to complete this course.
Introductory Human Physiology is an online medical course on Coursera, and it is provided by Duke University. It also offers a thorough understanding of human physiology and homeostasis, exploring various systems such as the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems. In addition, it also looks into the roles of the senses, muscles, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems.
This course is made for beginners and is suitable for high school students. It motivates students to use their knowledge in real-life situations and medical scenarios. This hands-on approach improves understanding and memory of the material.
Moreover, it provides a special immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, available on both VR and desktop platforms. This feature offers an engaging method to explore and comprehend complex physiological concepts.
Learners have given this course excellent ratings, with a score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 4,740 reviews. For more information about this course, see Introductory Human Physiology.
Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis
Here is a summary of the course:
- Fee: this course is free.
- Learning platform: if you want to enroll in this course, it is available on Coursera.
- Course duration: it will take you about 16 hours to complete.
Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis is an online course provided by Yale on Coursera. It covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, explaining the structure, function, and relationships between different body parts. It is structured into 9 modules, each focusing on various aspects of human anatomy.
Furthermore, this course provides short videos about human anatomy. Each video has goals to learn and a quiz at the end. After each part, there is another quiz for you to test what you learned. There are 10 quizzes in total to check your understanding. The quizzes are not graded; they are for your feedback.
When you finish the course, you will get a certificate to share on LinkedIn, a resume, or a CV. Learners rated the course highly, scoring 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,624 reviews. For more information about this course, see Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the digital age has transformed education, offering high school students unprecedented access to explore medicine. Free online medical courses ignite curiosity, foster a love for learning, and aid career decisions.
Becoming a medical professional is tough but rewarding. It begins with a single step, one that high school students can take from home through free online medical courses. To aspiring doctors, nurses, and researchers out there, seize this opportunity.
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