Health policy analysts do research, make reports and manage health care policies and programs.

NOC Code: 4165

Job Duties

Health policy analysts do research, make reports and manage health care policies and programs. You may work for government, educational institutions, research labs, hospitals, and different types of community agencies. You may also be called a health care planner, health promotion program officer, or health services researcher.

Generally, health policy analysts:

• Gather and analyze statistical information and write reports.
• Develop health policies by collecting and analyzing statistical data.
• Design, implement and monitor programs.
• Maintain, update and manage health information databases.
• Distribute program and policy information to your organization and the general public.
• Write newsletters and other documents on health policy for your organization or the general public.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

Experience

Source: HRDSC

Essential Skills

As a health policy analyst, you need to:

• Speak, write and read English.
• Understand health and medical terminology.
• Conduct research.
• Have strong planning and leadership skills.
• Work well with other people and on your own.

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with the public and other medical staff. You also need to take notes, write reports and give presentations.

Labour Market Information

Trends

This is a competitive career since the number of job seekers is larger than the number of jobs. It is important to have project management skills, work well in teams and have experience with current health policies.

Prospects

Wages

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

• Related programs at Ontario colleges
• Search for related programs at Canadian universities

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

• See bridging programs for doctors

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).

• Occupation Specific Language Training in Health Sciences - Sheridan College
• Workplace Communication Skills for Health Care
• Specialized Language Training Programs

Work Experience Programs

Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

• Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research
• Canadian Public Health Association
• Ontario Public Health Association

Helpful Links

• Information for International Medical Graduates
• Information for Internationally-Trained Medical Doctors
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Canadian Information Centre for International Medical Graduates
• Career Transitions for International Medical Doctors
• Orientation Course Canadian Health Care System, Culture and Context for Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals
• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.