Pathology for Natural Medicine Online Course

The Pathology for Natural Medicine Online Course is designed to help students of Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine understand the core principles of pathology and the basic framework used in conventional medicine. It has been developed specifically for the holistic practitioner and is not intended to mirror a standard medical school pathology curriculum.

The emphasis is on understanding disease processes commonly encountered in clinical practice, recognising important warning signs, and knowing when referral to another practitioner may be necessary. The course is interactive, practical, and designed to support safer, more informed case management from both a holistic and conventional perspective.

Course Structure

All course materials are provided online and include lesson content, assignments, quizzes, videos, and examinations. Each lesson contains explanatory text followed by 10 multiple-choice or true/false assignment questions, which contribute to the final grade.

No additional textbooks are required to complete the course.

Course Benefits

This course offers:

• a practical, clinically relevant approach to study
• lesson-based assignments to reinforce learning
• emphasis on recognising important conditions and red-flag symptoms requiring referral
• content tailored specifically for students of natural and holistic medicine
• clear, easy-to-follow explanations
• flexible study, allowing students to begin and complete the course at any time
• self-paced learning to suit individual schedules
• no prior medical training required
• continuous assessment for feedback and motivation
• a diploma certificate on successful completion
• regularly updated content

The course is designed to help students develop a sound understanding of disease processes so they can work more safely and effectively with clients, while appreciating both conventional and holistic views of illness.

Course Curriculum

The course consists of 18 lessons:

Lesson 1 – Philosophy of Medicine

• Philosophical View of Holistic Medicine
• Physical, Mental, and Emotional Levels
• How to Recognise Serious Symptoms
• Doctors and Patients

Lesson 2 – Pathological Mechanisms

• Inflammation, Atheroma, Haemorrhage, Thrombosis, and Oedema
• Genetics

Lesson 3 – Clinical Testing

• Reasons for Investigations
• Types of Investigations
• Blood, Serum, ECG, EEG, EMG, Pulmonary Testing, X-rays, MRI, and more
• Interpreting Results in Context

Lesson 4 – Infectious Diseases

• Acute and Chronic Diseases
• Holistic View of Infectious Disease
• Common Childhood Illnesses
• Chronic Infectious Disease
• Vaccination

Lesson 5 – Cancer

• Conventional Diagnosis of Cancer
• Conventional Treatments
• Holistic Approaches to Cancer Support

Lesson 6 – Cardiovascular System

• Classification of Cardiovascular Disease
• Diseases of the Arteries
• Ischaemic Heart Disease and Myocardial Infarction
• Differential Diagnosis
• Recognising Serious Cardiovascular Conditions
• Diseases of the Lymphatic System and Blood

Lesson 7 – Respiratory System

• Classification of Respiratory Diseases
• Upper and Lower Respiratory Conditions
• Wheezing Disorders

Lesson 8 – Urinary System

• Classification of Urinary Diseases
• Inflammatory Diseases of the Kidneys
• Male Genital Disorders

Lesson 9 – Musculoskeletal System

• Classification of Musculoskeletal Diseases
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Other Musculoskeletal Conditions

Lesson 10 – Skin Problems

• Classification of Skin Diseases
• Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Alopecia, and Vitiligo
• Skin Infections and Infestations

Lesson 11 – Special Senses

• Eye Diseases
• Ear Diseases

Lesson 12 – Gastrointestinal System

• Classification of Gastrointestinal Diseases
• Upper and Lower GI Conditions
• Gastrointestinal Cancers

Lesson 13 – Central Nervous System

• Overview of the Nervous System
• Holistic View of the Nervous System
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Cerebral Tumours
• Encephalitis

Lesson 14 – The Endocrine System

• Classification of the Endocrine System
• Diseases of the Endocrine Glands

Lesson 15 – Psychological Disorders

• Classification of Psychological Disorders
• Anxiety, Hysteria, Obsessional States, and Depression
• Holistic Management of Neuroses
• Psychoses, including Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Lesson 16 – Pregnancy and Childbirth

• Holistic View of Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy
• Disorders of the First, Second, and Third Trimesters
• Labour, Delivery, and Postnatal Care

Lesson 17 – Women’s Health

• Classification of Women’s Disorders
• Gynaecological Conditions
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Menstrual Abnormalities
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Ovarian Cysts
• Infertility

Lesson 18 – Children’s Health

• Growth and Development in Children
• Conventional Medical Perspectives
• Common Childhood Disorders

Examinations

A timed final exam is completed at the end of the course. Students may activate the exam when they feel ready.

Examinations are completed online, and scores are provided automatically. A minimum score of 60% is required to pass the Pathology for Natural Medicine Online Course.

Summary of Course Materials

All course materials are available online and include:

• lesson content
• assignments for each lesson
• videos on each topic
• final exam

No additional books are required.