Program Design & Implementation Advanced Certificate

Organizational and Professional Development for Health Advocates

This seminar on Organizational and Professional Development for Health Advocacy provides an in-depth exploration of the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex successfully and rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The seminar will help students develop a strategic perspective on organizational and professional development and apply these concepts to their health advocacy practice.

Throughout the seminar, students will explore topics such as organizational dynamics, leadership, change management, and ethics, with a particular focus on their relevance to health advocacy. They will analyze case studies, engage in group discussions, and apply theoretical concepts to real-world examples, developing a deeper understanding of the complex and nuanced factors that shape healthcare organizations and healthcare advocacy.

Additionally, students will explore professional development and career opportunities in the healthcare field, including skills needed for successful navigation and adaptation to rapidly changing systems. They will reflect on their own experiences and develop a personal plan for ongoing professional development, identifying areas for growth and building their professional networks, preparing them for a career inclusive of health advocacy.

In the health advocacy lab, students will have the opportunity to work with a partner organization on a real-world advocacy project. They will collaborate with a community-based organization, healthcare provider, or other stakeholders to identify a specific advocacy issue and develop an advocacy plan to address it. Throughout the lab, students will identify key stakeholders, assess needs and priorities, and develop an advocacy implementation plan. The lab will be conducted in a structured format that includes regular meetings with the partner organization, faculty mentorship, and peer feedback. Students will receive guidance and support from their faculty mentors throughout the lab. They will be expected to demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively with their partner organization, apply evidence-based practices, and evaluate the impact of their advocacy work. Students will also have opportunities to reflect on their experiences, identify areas for growth and development, and build their professional networks. 

This advanced course builds on the foundation established in the introductory seminar on Organizational and Professional Development for Health Advocacy. Students will explore advanced concepts and practices related to organizational dynamics, leadership, change management, and ethics, focusing on their relevance to health advocacy. The course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the factors that shape healthcare organizations and health advocacy, as well as the skills and competencies needed to drive meaningful health advocacy. Students will analyze case studies, engage in group discussions and apply theoretical concepts to real-world examples, developing a critical perspective on the role of advocacy in shaping health access and outcomes.

In addition to exploring advanced topics in organizational and professional development, students will also develop their own professional identities as health advocates, building their networks and honing their communication, leadership, and advocacy skills. Coursework will support their lab work, allowing them to develop implementation plans, navigate workplace dynamics, and develop a professional portfolio to aid in their career path. They will reflect on their own experiences and develop a personal plan for ongoing professional development, identifying areas for growth and building their professional networks.

During the second lab, students will build upon the skills and experiences gained during their first placement, to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding healthcare policy and advocacy. Students have the option of continuing to work with the same organization as in Lab 1 or transitioning to a different placement.Throughout the placement, students will work on implementing an advocacy campaign or project, collaborating with a team to research, analyze, and communicate issues related to health access, equity, affordability, and quality. As part of this process, they will also develop an evaluation plan to measure the impact and sustainability of their project, as well as a dissemination plan to share their findings.In addition to the hands-on advocacy work, students will be expected to engage in reflective practice, writing regular journal entries and participating in discussions with their instructor and peers about their experiences. This will help them to critically analyze their advocacy strategies and identify areas for growth and improvement.