Health Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers
Formal Description
“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” (NOC 2021).
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Wellness Program Coordinator
Health Services Researcher
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Consultant
Child Health Care Programs Planning Officer
Health And Social Services Institution Accreditation Officer
Health Policy Research Analyst
Mental Health Programs Consultant
Long-Term Care Program Consultant
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- 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.
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Categories
Here are a few other categories that might interest you:
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Health, Aging & Society Learn More
This interdisciplinary major is directly aligned with careers in health policy and program development. It explores the social determinants of health, aging populations, and healthcare systems, while equipping students with skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, and community-based research. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to public health planning, health equity initiatives, and policy reform.
Political Science Learn More
Political Science prepares students to understand the policymaking process, governance structures, and the role of advocacy in shaping public health agendas. With training in policy analysis, public administration, and international health governance, students are well-equipped to work in government, NGOs, or global health organizations focused on health policy and reform.
Sociology Learn More
Sociology offers critical insight into how social structures, inequality, and institutional dynamics influence health outcomes. Students develop strong research and communication skills while exploring topics such as healthcare access, public health disparities, and social policy. This background is especially valuable for roles that require a deep understanding of population health and systemic change.
Economics Learn More
Economics provides a strong foundation in data analysis, cost-benefit evaluation, and policy modeling—skills that are essential in health economics and policy consulting. Students learn to assess the financial and systemic impacts of health programs and policies, making this major ideal for roles in government, think tanks, and healthcare organizations focused on efficiency and outcomes.
