Few programs provide training to help you become a patient advocate. The ones I am familiar with are listed below. If you would like to be notified when new programs are added, please e-mail me, your Guide to Patient Empowerment.
Basic Programs in Patient Advocacy
Cleveland State University
This program was developed in conjunction with the American Hospital Association, specifically for advocates who work in hospitals. It is entirely conducted online, and is considered continuing education.
A group called Healthcare Liaison located in Berkeley, California, runs workshops to teach people to be private healthcare advocates.
Another group called RN Patient Advocates runs training programs for nurses who wish to assist individuals as private patient advocates and navigators as well.
The University of Connecticut Health Center offers Health Ecademy, an online course. You'll watch a group of videos, and receive handouts for each segment. From its description, "Participants receive practical information to help them become better, more successful patients and patient advocates for their children, spouses and aging parents."
The University of Miami launched a new healthcare advocacy certificate program in late 2009. It is completed entirely online and results in a certificate from the university.
Masters / Graduate Level Patient Advocate Degrees
Sarah Lawrence College / Masters Degree in Health AdvocacyThe oldest formal health advocacy program in the United States, the Sarah Lawrence program can prepare a student for a variety of types of advocacy careers. Emphases may be on assisting individuals, focusing on community health, or working in health policy.
In addition to earning the master's degree, the student may work on a certificate in either ethics or public health genetics/genomics. From the Sarah Lawrence web description, "Health Advocacy graduates work in direct care as patient representatives, ombudsmen, educators and health advisers. As health information specialists, advocates work to empower others." And further, "Health advocacy encompasses direct service to the individual or family as well as activities that promote health and access to health care in communities and the larger public. Advocates support and promote the rights of the patient in the health care arena, help build capacity to improve community health and enhance health policy initiatives focused on available, safe and quality care."
The University of Wisconsin / Center for Patient Partnerships
A variety of programs are offered for graduate students to address the medical, legal and financial aspects of advocacy.
For Medical Students
Stanford University offers a concentration through the Community Health Division of its medical school.
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Not all patient advocates need degrees or formal training. There are other forms of experience and personal attributes that a patient advocate will want to have.
You may also be interested in starting a patient advocacy business.
