Anyone who wants to become a health care policy analyst will need at least a bachelor’s degree with specialized training. Most employers expect job applicants to have a degree in health care policy or public health, but a degree in health care administration or the health social sciences is acceptable. They will need at least two to three years of relevant work experience delivering policy solutions that change lives and improve programs.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree related to health care policy, leadership or administration. The latter is the most commonly available degree because it prepares individuals to become future managers and leaders within health care systems and organizations. These programs train students to improve the delivery, quality and safety of health services throughout the country. The best programs will provide students with a wide range of enriching development opportunities within hospitals and communities.
Students who learn about health care leadership will be prepared to establish and promote the highest standards for health care staff, facilities and programs. Students will learn about innovation, achievement, accountability, collaboration and professionalism. Health care leadership programs will include classes on policy analysis and development as well as classes on new and future regulatory requirements. Any of these degrees may offer classes in health care economics, strategic planning, quantitative tools and organizational leadership.
Work in Health Care Policy Analysis
There are entry-level jobs in health care policy analysis available to students who have a bachelor’s degree in the above mentioned fields. Health care policy analysts will review internal materials for appropriate content, health literacy and compliance with state and federal policies. They will monitor and review communications, such as memos and emails, to ensure compliance with state and federal policies. Health care policy analysts review proposed legislation, expert reviews, policy papers and legal publications to present program and policy recommendations to management.
Some health care policy analysts only deal with Medicare and Medicaid related policies and programs. Others assist with the development of procedure documentation for external vendors, providers and stakeholders. Some health care policy analysts monitor websites and advise other health care professionals how to properly respond to inquiries, complains and concerns. Health care policy administrators will manage the day-to-day issues regarding compliance, policy updates, readiness reviews and provider performance analyses.
Earn a Master’s Degree
Most health care policy analyst jobs prefer candidates with a graduate degree in health policy. This is because employers want health policy professionals who are willing to tackle system-wide problems affecting community and national health. Graduate programs focus on producing health policy analysts who can handle the current and future challenges in the public health and health care systems. They may take classes in epidemiology, statistical methods and health policy evaluation methods.
Students will focus on current issues, such as the massive amounts of people who are still uninsured or lack access to health care services. Students will learn how to enact policies that strengthen the weakened public and private health infrastructures. One common topic is how health policy professionals can influence public health and reduce preventable conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Graduates of these programs will have a profound impact on the laws and regulations governing health care because they will have strong writing, research and advocacy skills.
Related Resource: Health Information Systems
In order to become a health care policy analyst and administrator who is competent and qualified, there are certification programs through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association.