Sarah Lawrence's advanced certificates in health advocacy allow students to tailor their learning as they prepare for different aspects of the health advocacy field. These certificates are designed for healthcare and other professionals—such as genetic counselors, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and community-based organization leaders—who are interested in expanding their understanding of and ability to guide others in navigating an increasingly complex healthcare system. The certificates are a great way for people to add components to their professional toolkits or to explore the field of health advocacy.
Each of the health advocacy advanced certificates carries a course load of 12 credits and can be completed in 2 semesters.
Foundations of Health Advocacy: Theory and Practice Advanced Certificate
In this certificate, students will expand their understanding of—and ability to guide others in navigating—an increasingly complex healthcare system. Students will build their health advocacy skills as they learn how to improve the way healthcare is delivered within existing systems, restructure or reinvent areas of the healthcare system, and better understand and moderate the influences of individual and structural social determinants of health. They will also acquire the tools necessary to effectively work with diverse individuals and communities to collaboratively address their individual and collective health needs. (12 credits)
Program Design and Evaluation for Health Advocates Advanced Certificate
This certificate is designed for healthcare and other professionals, such as genetic counselors, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and community-based organization leaders, who are interested in expanding their understanding of and ability to guide others in navigating an increasingly complex health care system. In this certificate, students will learn research processes that support effective health advocacy, including the principles of literature review, instrument construction, and implementation, and issues specific to community-based work and needs assessment.(12 credits)
Health Policy and Law Advanced Certificate
In this certificate, healthcare and other professionals will examine the history of healthcare and healthcare policy in the United States; the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare policy at the local, state, and federal levels; the rights of patients as they access healthcare; the legal and regulatory structures that govern healthcare systems; and the tensions between individual rights and the interests of society in addressing both individual and collective healthcare needs. (12 credits)
Program Design & Implementation Advanced Certificate
The advanced certificate in Program Design and Implementation focuses on equipping is designed for healthcare and other professionals, such as genetic counselors, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and community-based organization leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the rapidly changing healthcare landscape and drive meaningful change. This certificate program builds upon foundational concepts in organizational and professional development for health advocacy, offering advanced courses and practical experience labs to deepen students' understanding and enhance their abilities in program design and implementation.
(12 credits)