Lab Interpretation Course
Build confidence in lab interpretation with a self-paced online course, developed by NPs in collaboration with leading clinical specialists.
Trusted by 1,500+ clinicians across Canada and the United States
8 in-depth modules and 7+ hours of video lessons
We’ve got you covered
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Created by NPs
Reviewed by leading specialists, from hematology to endocrinology.
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Practice-ready tools
80 quiz questions and 200+ pages of downloadable resources.
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Canadian and U.S. guidelines
Lab values are given in both SI and conventional units.
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7+ hours, at your pace
Self-paced video lessons with lifetime access.
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8 in-depth modules
From the CBC to hormones, kidney, liver and inflammatory markers.
Meet the faculty
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Aliya Hajee
MN, BScN, NP, MSCP
Nurse Practitioner
Course Creator & Instructor -

Alix Consorti
MN, BScN, NP, MSCP
Nurse Practitioner
Expert Reviewer -

Claudia Mariano
MSc, BScN, PHCNP
Retired Nurse Practitioner
Expert Reviewer -

Kathryn Flanigan
MN, BScN, NP, MSCP
Nurse Practitioner
Expert Reviewer -

Dr. Ziad Solh
MD, MSc, FRCPC, DRCPSC
Hematologist
Expert Reviewer (Module 2) -

Dr. Supriya Joshi
MD, FRCPC
Hepatologist & Gastroenterologist
Expert Reviewer (Module 3 & 5) -

Dr. Daniel Schwartz
MD, FRCPC
Nephrologist
Expert Reviewer (Module 4) -

Dr. Akshay Jain
MD, FRCPC, FACE
Endocrinologist
Expert Reviewer (Module 6 & 7)
Course overview
Lab interpretation goes beyond numbers; it requires structure, reasoning, and clinical judgment.
Developed by nurse practitioners in collaboration with leading clinical specialists, this course walks you through a practical process that mirrors how experienced clinicians think in real practice. You will learn how to confirm that a result is valid and clinically meaningful, determine how significant or urgent the finding is, interpret it within the broader presentation, decide which additional investigations are warranted, and know when specialist input or follow-up is appropriate.
It is designed to help you move beyond memorization toward true diagnostic reasoning, teaching you how to connect data with the patient in front of you. Across 8 modules, you will learn to interpret results systematically and make evidence-based decisions in everyday clinical care.
The course integrates Canadian, U.S., and international clinical guidelines. Lab values are presented in both SI and conventional units where applicable to support clinicians across North America.
Who it’s for
This program is for clinicians in primary care who want a clearer, more systematic approach to lab interpretation and clinical decision-making. It is suitable for nurse practitioners, physicians, registered nurses, physician assistants, midwives, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals involved in ordering, interpreting, or managing laboratory results.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Apply a structured approach to interpreting lab tests.
Recognize normal and abnormal results in clinical context.
Identify critical findings that require urgent action and know when referral is appropriate.
Select appropriate follow-up investigations.
Integrate lab results into clinical reasoning and management.
What you’ll learn
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Foundations of Lab Interpretation
MODULE 1
Build a strong foundational framework for diagnostic reasoning, from ordering tests with purpose to managing critical findings in clinical context.
Topics include
Selecting tests with purpose
Understanding test performance and accuracy
Interpreting results in clinical context
Recognizing and managing critical values
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Complete Blood Count
MODULE 2
Master a stepwise approach to interpreting the CBC and understanding what each abnormality means for patient care.
Topics include
Introduction to the CBC and peripheral blood smear
Clinical anemia overview
Approach to microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia
Approach to polycythemia
Evaluation of leukocyte abnormalities: neutropenia and neutrophilia
Evaluation of leukocyte abnormalities: lymphocytopenia and lymphocytosis
Approach to eosinophilia
Approach to thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis
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Iron Studies & Deficiencies
MODULE 3
Interpret iron studies and related nutrient deficiencies with confidence, integrating results into your diagnostic reasoning.
Topics include
Interpreting iron studies: ferritin, iron, TSAT, and TIBC
Distinguishing iron deficiency from anemia of chronic disease
Approach to iron overload
Approach to vitamin B12 deficiency
Approach to vitamin D deficiency
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Kidney Function & Electrolytes
MODULE 4
Evaluate kidney function and electrolyte disturbances using a systematic, evidence-based framework.
Topics include
Clinical assessment of renal function: creatinine and eGFR
Interpreting urine ACR and urinalysis findings
Distinguishing AKI from CKD
Approach to abnormal eGFR and creatinine trends
Stepwise evaluation of hyponatremia and hypernatremia
Stepwise evaluation of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia
Approach to hypercalcemia
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Liver Function Tests & MASLD
MODULE 5
Recognize patterns of liver injury, assess disease severity, and determine when further testing or referral is indicated.
Topics include
Patterns of abnormal liver tests: hepatocellular, cholestatic, and mixed
Approach to isolated hyperbilirubinemia
Interpreting hepatitis B (HBV) serology
Interpreting hepatitis C (HCV) screening
MASLD and fibrosis risk assessment tools
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Hormonal & Reproductive Tests
MODULE 6
Interpret thyroid, reproductive, and adrenal hormone results using a structured clinical framework.
Topics include
Interpreting thyroid function patterns and antibody testing
Approach to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Evaluation of amenorrhea and menstrual irregularities
Approach to PCOS
Laboratory assessment of perimenopause and menopause
Approach to infertility
Approach to low testosterone
Approach to adrenal insufficiency and AM cortisol
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Cardiometabolic Risk & Metabolic Syndrome
MODULE 7
Connect lab interpretation to prevention, risk reduction, and long-term metabolic health.
Topics include
Type 2 diabetes screening and diagnostic thresholds
Recognizing red flags and type 1 diabetes
Advanced lipid screening: Apo B and Lp(a)
Cardiovascular risk assessment and metabolic syndrome
Approach to elevated creatine kinase and statin safety
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Inflammatory Markers
MODULE 8
Interpret inflammatory and autoimmune markers accurately, recognizing systemic patterns that guide next steps in care.
Topics include
Approach to elevated ESR and CRP
Interpreting rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP
Approach to positive ANA, ENA, and anti-dsDNA
Recognizing autoimmune patterns and referral thresholds
Feedback from course reviewers
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“This course is valuable for both new and experienced NPs. The content is comprehensive, well-organized, and directly relevant to clinical practice. It really helps build confidence with lab interpretation, something that’s so important but often under-taught. I would highly recommend it to any NP looking to strengthen these skills.”
Alix Consorti, MN, NP, MSCP
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“This lab interpretation course is an outstanding resource for NPs looking to strengthen their diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making. It offers a much more thorough and practical approach to interpreting lab results in everyday practice. This level of lab interpretation isn’t always taught in our training, and this course helps fill that gap.”
Claudia Mariano, MSc, PHCNP
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“This course is an excellent review for both NP learners and experienced clinicians. It walks through why certain labs are ordered, what conditions might be causing abnormal results, and how to interpret that. The self-paced format makes it easy to access when needed. I highly recommend it!”
Kathryn Flanigan, MN, NP, MSCP
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Ready to get started?
Join a growing community of clinicians taking the course.
Self-paced: Fully online curriculum you can start anytime.
Expert-led: 7+ hours of video lessons created by NPs and leading specialists.
Practice-ready: 200+ pages of downloadable, evidence-based resources.
Case-focused: 80 integrated quiz questions to build clinical reasoning.
Peer support: A private discussion space for collaboration and clinical advice.
Flexible: Study anywhere on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Lifetime access: One-time payment with no subscription or hidden fees.
Download your certificate of completion when you finish.
Testimonials
FAQs
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NP Circle is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. While this course is currently undergoing accreditation review, ANCC contact hours have not yet been designated. All enrolled learners will be notified as soon as contact hours are finalized.
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Yes. All participants can download a certificate of completion immediately upon finishing the course requirements and evaluation.
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The course integrates Canadian, U.S., and international clinical guidelines. Lab values are presented in both SI and conventional units where applicable to support clinicians across North America.
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No. To provide maximum flexibility for busy clinicians, the course is fully online and on-demand. You can start whenever you’re ready and progress at a pace that fits your professional schedule.
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No. While designed through an NP lens, this program is for any clinician in primary care who orders and interprets labs. It is suitable for NPs, physicians, registered nurses, physician assistants, midwives, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals involved in managing laboratory results.
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NP Circle is founded and led by NPs. Our team plans, reviews, and moderates every program, with needs assessments guiding the topics we cover and the clinical questions we address.
We bring together expert NPs, physicians, pharmacists, and other specialists so learners can benefit from the depth of knowledge and clinical experience across disciplines. Faculty are selected for their topic expertise, teaching ability, and the practical value they bring to NP practice.
Interested in teaching with us? Apply here.
Registration is open
Join 1,500+ clinicians learning a systematic approach to lab interpretation

