Studying for a Career That Improves Healthcare Policies and Practices

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, bringing both challenges and opportunities. In the U.S., ongoing crises highlight the urgent need for strong advocacy to shape policies that truly serve patients and professionals. 

Michael Cannon, author of Recovery: A Guide to Reforming the Health Care System, is a well-known critic of the American healthcare system. He argues that programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare were created to address problems caused by past government interventions. 

However, he believes these programs often create new challenges, leading to continuous calls for reform. To drive real change, more advocates are needed.

If you’re passionate about transforming healthcare beyond clinical roles, the right skills are essential. Earning a degree can be a powerful step toward making a real impact.

Here are some degrees that can help you become a strong advocate in the healthcare industry:

1. Doctor of Education (EdD) in Health Education

Healthcare advocacy is deeply connected to education, especially as many adults in the U.S. struggle with understanding health information. According to the Center for Health Care Strategies, nearly 90% of adults struggle with health literacy. This can lead to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs.

An EdD in Health Education is perfect for those who want to drive change in healthcare. It focuses on curriculum development, public health campaigns, and policy reform.

Rockhurst University notes that this degree allows you to educate future healthcare professionals and influence public health policies. It also helps you develop programs that promote health literacy.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Enhances public awareness about healthcare issues through education and training
  
• Equips professionals with skills to address health disparities
  
• Enables collaboration with policymakers to improve healthcare education standards
  

Career Paths: Health education specialist, public health advocate, academic researcher, healthcare consultant

2. Master of Public Health (MPH)

An MPH is a versatile degree that allows professionals to engage in advocacy through public health initiatives, research, and policy development. If you are passionate about tackling issues like infectious diseases, environmental health, or health equity, this degree is a great fit. It equips you to work with government agencies, nonprofits, and global organizations.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Develops strategies to improve public health policies
  
• Provides skills in epidemiology and healthcare research
  
• Prepares professionals to work in leadership roles to combat health disparities
  

Career Paths: Public health advisor, health policy analyst, epidemiologist, community health advocate

3. Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

For those passionate about improving how healthcare institutions operate, an MHA is a powerful degree. It provides the expertise to manage healthcare facilities, shape policies, and enhance patient care systems. With healthcare constantly evolving, leaders with a strong grasp of administration and policy are essential to driving meaningful change.

The American Hospital Association reports that administrative expenses account for almost a quarter of hospital expenditures. Even more concerning, almost 30% of those costs result from inefficiencies, wasting valuable resources that could be used to improve patient care.

This underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals who can streamline operations, reduce waste, and advocate for smarter, more effective healthcare management.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Strengthens leadership in healthcare organizations
  
• Advocates for better healthcare accessibility and quality
  
• Enhances the efficiency of hospital and healthcare administration
  

Career Paths: Healthcare administrator, hospital policy consultant, insurance policy advocate, patient experience officer

4. Juris Doctor (JD) with a Focus on Health Law

A JD with a focus on health law empowers professionals to advocate for patients’ rights and influence healthcare legislation. It also prepares them to address legal issues in medical ethics and policy.

According to the National Library of Medicine, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This makes the need for legal experts in healthcare more critical than ever. Lawyers specializing in health law help hold institutions accountable, shape ethical standards, and ensure fair practices in the industry.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Influences legal decisions impacting healthcare policies
  
• Defends patients’ rights and addresses malpractice cases
  
• Works with legislators to develop health-centric laws
  

Career Paths: Healthcare attorney, policy advisor, medical ethics consultant, legal advocate for healthcare organizations

5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Leadership Focus

A DNP with a leadership focus prepares nurses for executive roles in hospitals, advocacy groups, and public health organizations. As advanced practitioners, they can drive policy changes that improve patient care and healthcare accessibility. 

With many nurses leaving the profession due to burnout, the U.S. is facing a growing nursing crisis. DNP-trained leaders can advocate for better workplace conditions, staffing policies, and mental health support to help retain nurses and strengthen the healthcare system.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Encourages evidence-based changes in healthcare practice
  
• Strengthens healthcare leadership and administration
  
• Empowers nurses to influence policy changes in clinical settings
  

Career Paths: Healthcare executive, policy advocate, nurse educator, clinical director

6. Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Healthcare Focus

Social workers specializing in healthcare advocate for vulnerable populations and improve access to care. They also help shape social policies related to health services. An MSW with a healthcare focus equips professionals with the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems while ensuring patients receive the necessary support.

How It Helps in Advocacy:

• Supports underserved and marginalized communities in accessing healthcare
  
• Influences policies that improve mental health services and social determinants of health
  
• Provides a bridge between healthcare providers and patients needing social services
  

Career Paths: Medical social worker, patient advocate, mental health policy advisor, case manager

FAQs

Why is health literacy still a major challenge, even in developed countries?

Health literacy remains a challenge due to complex medical jargon, limited access to clear information, and education disparities. Many struggle to make informed healthcare decisions, leading to higher hospitalizations and medication mismanagement. Improving health literacy requires clearer communication, better public health education, and accessible multilingual resources.

Do racial and ethnic minorities receive lower-quality healthcare?

Yes, research indicates that racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience lower-quality healthcare, even when income and insurance coverage are comparable. Research highlights disparities in pain management, surgical procedures, and preventive screenings. Implicit bias, structural inequities, and a lack of culturally competent care contribute to these gaps.

How do healthcare policies impact equity in medical treatment?

Healthcare policies shape access to affordable care, preventive treatments, and specialized services. When they fail to address income disparities, racial biases, and geographic barriers, inequities arise. Rural communities may lack specialist care, while marginalized groups face systemic challenges. Prioritizing universal access, community health programs, and culturally competent care can help bridge these gaps.

Overall, the healthcare industry needs passionate advocates who can drive change through education, policy, administration, law, and social work. If you look to make a meaningful impact, choosing a degree that aligns with your advocacy goals is a step in the right direction.

Whether you focus on patient rights, public health policies, or education, your expertise matters. It helps create a healthcare system that is more equitable, ethical, and effective.

Pursuing one of these degrees advances your career and makes you a catalyst for change in healthcare.