HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
This career usually connects to post-secondary study in a health, social science, public policy, or related field, but exact educational paths can vary by employer and role. Many workers have a bachelor’s degree, and some positions may call for study beyond that level. Useful preparation can include courses in research methods, statistics, policy analysis, communications, and project management. Students can also gain experience through research projects, co-op terms, volunteering, or jobs in health, government, or community organizations. Because this work involves analysis and communication, people who can read carefully, think critically, and explain ideas clearly often do well.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assist in developing government health policy by reviewing relevant literature, conducting interviews, collecting and analysing statistical data, and providing advice to senior managers and officials on issues such as health promotion, regulation, standards and financing
- Design and implement health projects or programs
- Maintain, update and manage health information databases
- Compile and analyse statistical information provided by private and public health care institutions and organizations and produce reports
- Monitor and evaluate health care programs operated by government departments and agencies or private organizations
- Assess compliance with health standards and identify remedial action if necessary
- Conduct evaluations and assessments of health projects and programs
- Provide consulting services to clients in private establishments or government departments or agencies
- Respond to internal and external program and policy information requests
- Produce newsletters, magazines and other documents to provide information to association or organization members or the general public
- Present the views of an association or organization to politicians, government officials, the media or the general public.
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers may specialize in a particular area of health policy development, research or program administration such as addiction research.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A day on the job may include reviewing new research, checking data, and meeting with colleagues or outside partners to discuss a health issue or a program. In the morning, a worker might update a database or compare statistics from hospitals, agencies, or other organizations. Later, they may interview staff, draft a briefing note, or build recommendations for a manager or client. Afternoons can include program monitoring, report writing, or preparing a presentation for decision-makers. Some days are spent answering questions from the public, government staff, or organization members. The work often shifts between careful analysis and clear communication, so staying organized is important.
SKILLS TO BUILD