Depending on your professional experience and career goals, there are several degree paths for those wishing to work in the health law field. This article outlines the specifics of each degree and what benefit each would provide to a student.
Can I Earn a Master's Degree in Health Law?
Several master's degrees are available in health law. Degrees in this area are often conferred under the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Advanced Studies (M.A.S.) and Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) formats.
The M.J. and M.S. programs provide healthcare professionals with knowledge of the laws and regulations that manage medical facilities. These degrees aren't law degrees, however, and they don't train health professionals to become lawyers. Upon completion of your M.J. degree, you'll be prepared to work in a healthcare facility in risk management, quality assurance, technology or healthcare mediation departments. For professionals already in the field, a Master of Advanced Studies in health policy and law could provide a more comprehensive understanding of key health law issues.
LL.M. degrees are awarded in specialized areas of law, including health law. You'd likely pursue the LL.M. degree after you complete your Juris Doctor (J.D.), though you can also find joint J.D./LL.M. programs in health law. Once you've completed your LL.M. program in health law, you'll be able to market yourself as a healthcare attorney and represent insurance companies, patients and pharmaceutical companies.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Types</b></td><td>Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.), Master of Advanced Studies (M.A.S.)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Study Topics</b></td><td>Anti-trust laws, healthcare fraud laws, malpractice laws, disability laws, insurance laws</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>Programs can be completed online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$126,930 (<i>for lawyers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>In a health law degree program, you'll focus your studies on the laws encompassing different aspects of hospital administration and medicine. For instance, you may study anti-trust laws, insurance laws, health care fraud laws, public health laws and mental health laws. You may look at different laws that deal with the causes of health problems, such as food and drug laws, malpractice laws, disability laws and abuse laws. You'll also study medical and law terminology and gain experience through externships.
</p><p>M.J. and LL.M. degrees differ based on the previous educational and professional experience of those participating in them. LL.M. degrees, for example, will train lawyers principles of the healthcare field many healthcare administrators have already learned, including healthcare finance and healthcare research. If you pursue the M.J. degree, you'll learn where to locate secondary law sources and statutes, as well as understanding how to discuss legal matters with lawyers and having knowledge of the litigation process.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheDegreeOnline">Can I Earn the Degree Online?</h3><p>Many reputable colleges offer online master's degree programs in health law. Some colleges expect you to earn some credits on campus, in residencies or classes. With these residencies, you're able to meet the faculty, your fellow classmates and get additional instruction on the course material taught through the Internet platform. In some cases, this experience provides an avenue through which you'll present your thesis project to the faculty and the other students. These residencies are usually mandatory for completion of the program.</p>
