Read about the topics taught across the broad variety of graduate and undergraduate health policy degree programs. Explore career options and the degrees required for each.
What Do Health Policy Degree Programs Consist of?
Health policy degree programs combine health science and business administration courses to train students to develop, implement and manage healthcare services, systems and/or facilities. Other degree program titles that are consistent with health policy degree programs include healthcare administration, health management, health and public policy, bioethics and health policy, healthcare management and health economics.
Associate's, bachelor's, masters and doctoral degree programs are available through campus-based and online-program formats; however, most degree programs related to healthcare management will include a practicum in which you would gain experience working in a clinic, hospital or other healthcare facility. Therefore, if you choose an online program, you may still be required to travel to the practicum site, and some schools encourage students to choose a site near campus because schools often have agreements with local healthcare facilities and organizations.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Economics, epidemiology, management, health advocacy, public health policy</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Insurance clerk, health information technician, health policy consultant, office administrator, health services manager</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $104,280 (<i>for all medical and health services managers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 32% growth (<i>for all medical and health services managers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnAbout">What Will I Learn About?</h3><p>Your curriculum may include coursework on basic precepts of health policy, such as managed care, epidemiology, health services policy and healthcare economics. You also may be trained on different aspects of healthcare management through courses that cover health systems management, public health policy, healthcare finance, healthcare information management and practice management. Other public-health related concepts, such health advocacy and public health data, may also be covered.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreMyJobOpportunities">What Are My Job Opportunities?</h3><p>You could work for many different types of employers, including local, state and federal health agencies, healthcare consulting firms, health care supply companies, health services research and policy organizations, healthcare providers and health insurers. Your job title and salary will be determined by factors such as your work experience and degree level.
</p><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, your associate's degree may facilitate some entry-level job opportunities in office administration, including assistant medical office manager, billing or insurance clerk, medical records technician or health information technician (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Health policy educators and consultants and medical and health services managers generally require bachelor's or master's degrees.</p>
