What is anatomical sciences?

Anatomical sciences is the study of the human body’s structure — how our tissues, organs and systems are formed and function together. It’s the foundation of nearly every health profession, from medicine and physical therapy to biomedical research and even health education. A deep knowledge of anatomy empowers health professionals to provide better care, conduct groundbreaking research and improve medical practice.

Anatomical sciences is about understanding the human body. Medical educators and skilled anatomy instructors who know how to teach its principles are in high demand as the need for healthcare education grows. When you earn an advanced anatomical sciences degree, as you can with University of Idaho’s hybrid Doctor of Anatomical Sciences (D.A.S.) program, you’ll be ready to train the next generation of medical professionals and clinicians.

Discover more about anatomical sciences on this page:

• Why anatomical sciences education is important
• What you’ll learn in a doctorate degree program
• What careers you can pursue in anatomical sciences
• Why choose U of I’s Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree

The importance of an anatomical sciences education

Anatomy is one of the most fundamental subjects in health education. Every physician, surgeon, therapist and researcher relies on their knowledge of human anatomy.

There’s a growing shortage of anatomy instructors across the country, leaving medical schools and health programs struggling to fill faculty positions and leading to a gap in the quality of anatomy education. This presents an opportunity for those passionate about education and anatomy to earn an anatomical sciences degree, step into teaching roles and make a meaningful difference in medical education.

At University of Idaho, we see this challenge as an opportunity. Our anatomical sciences degree equips future educators with advanced anatomical knowledge and teaching skills specific to medical education. As medical technology and treatment methods evolve, anatomy instruction must keep pace. We prepare educators to stay ahead of the latest research, techniques and teaching methods, ensuring future health professionals get the high-quality training they need to provide excellent patient care.

Learn more about how University of Idaho addresses the need for anatomy educators.

What you’ll learn in a Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree program

University of Idaho’s anatomical sciences degree program offers comprehensive, hands-on training in key areas of human anatomy, including:

• Gross anatomy: Study the structure of the human body through detailed dissection and advanced imaging techniques.
• Neuroanatomy: Focus on the nervous system, learning about the brain and spinal cord and their connections to the rest of the body.
• Histology: Examine tissues and cells under a microscope to understand their organization and function.
• Imaging techniques: Learn to interpret modern medical imaging tools like MRI and CT scans.

U of I’s pedagogical focus is woven throughout the basic science coursework at each stage of the curriculum. Students work with content in practical ways that extend beyond memorizing and reproducing knowledge on a test. Our pathophysiology course, for example, challenges students to consider why certain information is valuable to their intended audiences and how they would go about designing an appropriate curriculum or assessment strategy.

Whether you’re a current educator looking to expand your expertise or a health professional interested in transitioning into teaching, the Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree program equips you with in-depth anatomical knowledge and advanced instructional strategies. This program will prepare you to make a lasting impact — whether in the classroom, the lab or beyond.

Anatomical sciences career paths

With a growing demand for anatomy educators, earning an advanced anatomical sciences degree opens doors to rewarding careers in academia, research and clinical practice. Many graduates pursue tenure-track faculty positions or leadership roles at medical schools, universities and health science programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers made a median annual salary of $84,380 in 2023, and employment in this field is expected to increase 8% by 2033, outpacing many other careers. Universities and medical programs are actively seeking anatomy educators to meet this need.

While teaching is the primary career path for experts in the anatomical sciences, a Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree can also lead to opportunities in:

• Biomedical sciences research: Conduct research on the human body, contributing to advancements in medicine and treatment.
• Clinical anatomy: Work in clinical settings, applying anatomical expertise to improve patient care or assisting in surgical planning.
• Health care professions: Enhance your skills to advance in fields like physical and occupational therapy and physician assistant roles.

Why earn your anatomical sciences degree at University of Idaho?

University of Idaho’s hybrid Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for you to expand your expertise in anatomy and education. Unlike a traditional doctorate program in anatomical sciences, this degree is designed specifically for those who want to teach anatomy at the highest level while maintaining flexibility in their careers. 

Explore the key benefits of U of I’s D.A.S. degree:

• The only D.A.S. in the world: Earn your degree from the world’s first and only Doctor of Anatomical Sciences program.
• Master anatomy and teaching: Develop expertise in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy and histology while learning teaching strategies that most doctoral programs don’t cover.
• Flexible format: Take advantage of a hybrid format that combines online coursework with hands-on, in-person learning experiences.
• Experienced faculty: Study with faculty and practitioners who are shaping the future of anatomical sciences education themselves.

Become an anatomy educator: Empower future health professionals

Behind every health care professional is an educator who guided their journey. The health care industry depends on well-trained professionals, but without skilled anatomy educators, the next generation of doctors, surgeons and medical researchers won’t have the foundation they need to help others.

When you earn a Doctor of Anatomical Sciences degree from University of Idaho, you’ll position yourself to train the minds that heal, innovate and save lives. Step into a role where your knowledge fuels the future of medicine.

Request more information or apply today.