Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers

Strong job outlook

Overview

Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer health care policies and programs. They are employed by government departments and agencies, consulting establishments, universities, research institutes, hospitals, community agencies, educational institutions, professional associations, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

This group performs some or all of the following 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.

Job titles

  • child health care programs planning officer
  • decision support analyst - health
  • decision support specialist - health
  • dental health consultant
  • drug and alcohol abuse consultant
  • health and social services institution accreditation officer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$57,145

Median

$83,424

High

$110,287

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

872

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree or college diploma in health science, public administration, recreation administration or hospital administration, or a bachelor's degree in social science, is required.

  • A graduate degree in health, social science or an administrative discipline may be required.

  • Several years of experience in the health field as a health care professional or as a community or social service worker are usually required.

Additional information

  • Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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