Patient advocacy degree programs

The Practice of Patient Advocacy. Introduction to Bioethics. Care Planning and Patient Navigation. Download Certificate Planner. Estimated Cost Breakdown All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. Apply Now. Internships Available. Approved for International Visa. VA Benefit Eligible. Federal Financial Aid. Contact Us. Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. Programs you may also like Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling.

Pre-Medical and General Science Studies. Ready to start your future? First Name. Last Name. Thankfully, there are clinicians and allied professionals who help and heal in all kinds of settings and circumstances. Our specialty is about bridging gaps between them; resource mapping, networking, and creative problem solving for the inevitable complications among discrete players, payers, and providers in the service of the people identified as patients. Patient advocates partner to plan a genuine continuum of care.

The work itself is necessary, challenging, and profoundly gratifying. Assumption has paused admission to the Health Advocacy Program as it re-imagines forthcoming program opportunities consistent with its mission and vision. You may also wish to consider other healthcare related programs offered by Assumption, such as Resiliency for the Helping Professions and the MBA in Healthcare Management. Classes attain high intellectual standards using an online format that respects the flexibility needs of young adult learners and mid-career professionals.

Working professionals report appreciation for this scheduling design. Students are provided study opportunities that allow them to gain knowledge and skills in an area of high personal and professional interest, where there is a great societal need for thoughtful, inspired and compassionate professionals.

Students in the program will know the most important analytical frameworks, contingency models, skills, approaches, historical and current trends and ideas that shape and comprise the emerging field of health advocacy. They will respond to the growing awareness of the importance of partnering perspectives in management, the social sciences, education and the health sciences while exploring the converging roles of patient representative, ombudsman, educator, care manager, patient navigator, family advisor and health advocate.

Become fully prepared for an entry-level position as a patient advocate or case manager, helping patients, families, and providers across the spectrum of healthcare settings. The credits earned in the one-year Certificate program may be applied to the Master of Arts program, which takes one additional year.

The curriculum attains high intellectual standards using an online format to meet the flexibility requirements of young adult learners and mid-career professionals. We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, attending an information session or by scheduling a phone or virtual conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors.

As the practice grows, individuals from all areas of the care continuum are realizing the true value of advocacy. Independent Advocates, Hospital Advocates and other advocacy professionals come together annually to rise up and meet the challenges before us. Graduates of our Master's program in Health Advocacy and our Certificate of Patient Advocacy have the availability to take a newly established national credentialing exam in Patient Advocacy. The national BCPA Board Certified Patient Advocate certification exam has been developed to iterate and promote the professional knowledge domains and competencies required to assist patients and caregivers in accessing family-centered healthcare.

This is the only certification developed for patient advocates that focuses on patient's autonomy. Our courses prepare students for the exam, as students integrate the ethical standards and best practices of patient advocates through these programs of study. They help patients save money and navigate any difficulties that arise throughout the insurance claim process.

Government agencies: There are government entities that employ advocates to work with patients that rely on state-run programs like Medicare and Medicaid. They help patients get the most out of the program they are involved with. Patient-focused firms: There are private firms that employ patient advocates.

Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations specialize in healthcare, insurance, and treatment advocacy. These types of advocates are generally hired indirectly by a patient or a family member of a patient. Private patient care advocate: You can work as a private patient advocate as a self-employed entrepreneur. These types of advocates are generally hired directly by a patient or a family member of a patient. Note that if you choose to go this route, you are not only responsible for patient advocacy, but also marketing your services, bringing in clients, and running a business.

Some examples of degree programs that translate well into patient advocacy include: Social work Health services coordination Nursing Healthcare management Health information management There are also online degree programs that are designed to be flexible to help working individuals attend school. Nursing Prelicensure — B. A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you College of Health Professions.

More Details Apply Now. Health Services Coordination — B. An online health degree program for students Sample careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for: Care coordinator Patient advocate Health services coordinator Patient educator Community health educator This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree Compare Similar Degrees. An online BSN degree program for registered Transfers: On average, students transfer 81 credits. Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for: Director of Nursing Chief Nursing Officer Quality Director Clinical Nurse Leader Project Manager If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality.

Next Start Date Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment! Apply Today. No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think! Compare Healthcare Degree Options There are a variety of healthcare degrees you can choose from in order to become a patient advocate.

The exact skills needed to be effective within the role can vary depending on the nature and specific responsibilities of the role, but the following are some general skills that are indicative of a successful patient advocate: Advocacy skills: Advocacy skills are an obvious necessity. You need to be able to effectively communicate, negotiate, plan, research, and act in the best interest of an individual patient or multiple patients.

Communication skills: You need to have both strong verbal and written communication. You need to take complex healthcare information insurance forms, medical diagnoses, treatment plans, etc. An effective patient advocate should also be skilled in reading non-verbal cues such as confusion, anger, frustration, or being overwhelmed. Interpersonal skills: Patient advocates are in constant communication with patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies. To nurture those relationships and collaborate successfully, you need to have important interpersonal skills like positivity, listening skills, and empathy.

Negotiation skills: Effective advocating requires a great deal of negotiation. You will need both written and oral negotiation skills to create a solid case for the patients that you advocate for.

Problem-solving skills: Medical-related decisions and processes are not always straightforward for everyone. Patients may need help with insurance denials or disputes, billing issues, miscommunications, or misunderstandings that create the need for problem-solving skills. Attention to detail: A primary aspect of patient advocacy is reading through all of the documentation and making sure that all information is accurate and complete.

Successful patient advocates should be able to identify any errors and take action accordingly—especially since proper documentation is so critical for quality care.

Organizational skills: When you advocate on behalf of someone else, it is important to keep everything in order. This role requires both mental and physical organization.

Financial skills: Another primary aspect of patient advocacy surrounds finances.