Online Health Policy Degree Program Information

Health policy degrees are typically awarded at the master's level, and many are offered online. Keep reading to learn more about program requirements and career opportunities for graduates of an online health policy program.

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Overview of a Master's Degree Program in Health Policy

Online programs in health policy typically result in a Master of Public Health or a Master of Science in either health policy or health policy and management. Designed for healthcare professionals, courses help students develop the leadership skills needed to analyze and develop polices for improving the safety, quality, cost and access of healthcare. Students study research methods, data collection and data interpretation with the objective of producing relevant information that can be used to support policy change and development. Graduates are qualified to assume advocate and leadership roles in a variety of healthcare organizations, including government agencies, healthcare delivery facilities and community-based agencies.

Program Information and Requirements

A master's degree program in health policy consists of approximately 32-44 credit hours and takes two years of full-time study to complete. Program requirements include a core group of health policy courses accompanied by elective courses that allow student to advance their knowledge of specific areas of interest. Most programs include a final thesis or capstone project component; many programs let candidates choose between the two.

The majority of health policy programs can be completed entirely online. However, programs that include a capstone project typically require students to visit campus prior to program completion to present their project. At a minimum, a computer with reliable Internet connectivity is required to access the school's course management system and participate in class. Additional software requirements may vary by school and individual course.

Common Courses for a Master's Degree in Health Policy

Online courses cover key aspects of the healthcare industry, including health management, fiscal management and biostatistics. These topics help prepare students to analyze and address healthcare policy problems.

Health Informatics Course

Students learn how research data and healthcare information can be used to create relevant intelligence that can assist in the development and justification of health policies. Topics covered include data collection, storage and assembly.

Healthcare Organization and Delivery Course

This course examines how the U.S. healthcare system is organized, delivered and financed. Topics include U.S. healthcare history and health insurance's role in the industry. Students review some of the major policy changes that have shaped the healthcare industry.

Healthcare Law Course

Course content covers medical error liability, regulatory issues and risk management laws. Assignments require students to analyze and discuss the impact of healthcare laws on healthcare delivery, payment and policy decisions.

Career Information

Graduates of health policy master's programs can pursue management-level positions in a variety of healthcare organizations, including government agencies, public health organizations, managed care facilities and hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), management-level careers within the health services industry are projected to grow by 16% during the 2008-2018 decade (www.bls.gov). In 2009, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,850 for health service managers.

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