Health policy courses can help you learn about healthcare systems, policy analysis, health economics, and the impact of legislation on public health. You can build skills in data interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and evaluating health outcomes. Many courses introduce tools like policy simulation software, data visualization platforms, and statistical analysis programs, that support assessing the effectiveness of health interventions and making informed policy recommendations.

The University of Tokyo
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Gerontology, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Health Policy, Health Equity, Health Systems, Health Care, Governance, Long Term Care, Chronic Diseases, Demography
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Health Systems, Health Policy, Public Health, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Simulations, Data Analysis Software
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Health Systems, Health Equity, Health Assessment, Health Care, Public Health, Health Disparities, Health Care Administration, Governance, Health Promotion, Policy Analysis, Social Determinants Of Health, Primary Care, Sustainable Development, Community Health, Program Evaluation, Research, Case Studies
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

O.P. Jindal Global University
Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Health Equity, Social Determinants Of Health, Health Systems, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Care, Epidemiology, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Demography, Economics
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Medical Privacy, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Systems, Personally Identifiable Information, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Information Privacy, Primary Care, Health Care Administration, Health Information Management, Medicaid, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Medicare, Health Care, Pharmaceuticals, Managed Care, Health Policy, Regulation and Legal Compliance
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Northeastern University
Skills you'll gain: Quality Assessment, Value-Based Care, Program Evaluation, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Health Systems, Health Informatics, Change Management, Decision Support Systems, Health Care, Health Administration, Process Mapping, Care Management, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Patient-centered Care, Business Analytics, Performance Measurement, Health Policy, Medicaid, Predictive Analytics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: People Management, Financial Reporting, Financial Acumen, Financial Data, Financial Statements, Social Determinants Of Health, Managed Care, Operations Management, Income Statement, Employee Performance Management, Financial Analysis, Leadership and Management, Health Systems, Health Care Administration, Innovation, Value-Based Care, Process Improvement and Optimization, Decision Making, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Insurance
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Advocacy, Health Systems, Health Policy, Health Care Administration, Community Health, Primary Care, Health Care, Public Health, Systems Thinking, Governance, Training Programs, Case Studies, Education and Training
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Arizona
Skills you'll gain: Medicaid, Managed Care, Social Determinants Of Health, Health Equity, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Systems, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Health Policy, Health Administration, Policy Development, Long Term Care, Governance
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Health Systems, Health Assessment, Health Care, Public Health, Policy Analysis, Health Care Administration, Community Health, Program Evaluation, Research, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Social Determinants Of Health, Nutrition and Diet, Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Nutrition Education, AI Personalization, Food Safety and Sanitation, Policy Development, Clinical Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, Public Health, Regulatory Compliance, Health Policy, Health Informatics, Advocacy, Health Assessment, Health Technology, Microbiology
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Health Technology, Data Visualization Software, Telehealth, Agile Methodology, Health Disparities, Health Informatics, Health Care, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Systems, Electronic Medical Record, digital literacy, Interoperability, Clinical Data Management, Public Health, Tableau Software, Model Evaluation, Data Ethics, Digital Transformation, User Centered Design, Analytics
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Health policy refers to the decisions, goals, and actions that shape the health care system and public health. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including access to care, quality of services, and health equity. Understanding health policy is crucial because it directly impacts the health outcomes of populations, influences the allocation of resources, and guides the development of health programs and regulations. Effective health policy can lead to improved health systems, better patient care, and enhanced public health initiatives.
Careers in health policy are diverse and can be found in various sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Potential job titles include health policy analyst, public health advisor, health services manager, and policy researcher. These roles often involve analyzing data, developing policy recommendations, and advocating for changes that improve health outcomes. Additionally, positions in health advocacy and consulting are also available, providing opportunities to influence health policy at local, national, or global levels.
To succeed in health policy, several key skills are essential. These include analytical skills for interpreting data and research, communication skills for effectively conveying complex information, and critical thinking for evaluating policies and their impacts. Additionally, understanding health economics, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations is important. Familiarity with health systems and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders are also valuable skills in this field.
There are many online courses available for those interested in health policy. Some notable options include Introduction to Health Policy, which provides a foundational understanding of the field, and Global Health Policy, which explores health issues on a global scale. Other specialized courses, such as Translating Research to Healthcare Policy, can help learners apply research findings to real-world policy challenges.
Yes. You can start learning health policy on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in health policy, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning health policy can be approached through various methods. Start by exploring online courses that cover foundational concepts and current issues in the field. Engaging with relevant literature, attending webinars, and participating in discussions with professionals in the field can also enhance your understanding. Additionally, practical experience through internships or volunteer opportunities can provide valuable insights into the application of health policy in real-world settings.
Health policy courses typically cover a range of topics, including the structure and function of health systems, policy analysis, health economics, and the role of government in healthcare. Courses may also address specific issues such as health equity, global health challenges, and the impact of social determinants on health. Understanding the legal and ethical aspects of health policy is also a common focus, equipping learners with the knowledge needed to navigate complex health issues.
For training and upskilling employees in health policy, courses like Application of Health Equity Research Methods for Practice and Policy and Health Systems Development: Health systems, Policy and Research are particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical insights and skills that can enhance the effectiveness of health policy initiatives within organizations, helping to address pressing health challenges.