Graduate

Health Advocacy

The program integrates key elements of management, social sciences, human services, education and health science in such a way to prepare students to become effective professionals.

Health Advocacy Program

Program Tracks Available

Online


Admission Deadline

The Health Advocacy Program is not accepting new applications at this time.


Degrees Offered

M.A. (36 credits)
Professional Certificate (18 credits)


School

School of Graduate Studies Graduate Programs

School of Graduate Studies



Department


Regina White

Health Advocacy 2015
Operations Manager, Commonwealth Medicine/UMass Medical School

The opportunities for people who graduate with this degree are truly endless.

"I looked at a number of graduate degrees, including an M.S.W. and M.P.H. Ultimately, this program presented the perfect opportunity to pursue my management ambitions and my deeper passion to help people in need navigate the system."
Hannah Bylund

Health Advocacy 2015
Senior Navigator, Navicare/Fallon Health

The Health Advocacy program gave me exactly what I needed to advance.

"The program was a great fit for my hectic life. It’s designed for students who are working full time in healthcare or other fields. Instructors were empathetic about the demands on our lives and did everything they could to help. "
Laurin Bloom

Health Advocacy
Owner/Manager, Patient and Family Adovocates, LLC

The instructors have a depth of experience and training that benefits students immensely.

They engage and challenge learners on a variety of levels, ensuring students are prepared for careers in Health Advocacy. The program compliments my work as an independent Health Advocate. Not a day goes by that I don’t apply something I’ve learned to my professional work.

Shining Their Light

Regina White

Health Advocacy 2015
Operations Manager, Commonwealth Medicine/UMass Medical School

The opportunities for people who graduate with this degree are truly endless.

"I looked at a number of graduate degrees, including an M.S.W. and M.P.H. Ultimately, this program presented the perfect opportunity to pursue my management ambitions and my deeper passion to help people in need navigate the system."
Hannah Bylund

Health Advocacy 2015
Senior Navigator, Navicare/Fallon Health

The Health Advocacy program gave me exactly what I needed to advance.

"The program was a great fit for my hectic life. It’s designed for students who are working full time in healthcare or other fields. Instructors were empathetic about the demands on our lives and did everything they could to help. "
Laurin Bloom

Health Advocacy
Owner/Manager, Patient and Family Adovocates, LLC

The instructors have a depth of experience and training that benefits students immensely.

They engage and challenge learners on a variety of levels, ensuring students are prepared for careers in Health Advocacy. The program compliments my work as an independent Health Advocate. Not a day goes by that I don’t apply something I’ve learned to my professional work.
see another

Health Advocacy Program Contacts

Lea Christo, MSW, LICSW, BCPA

Associate Professor of Practice, Human Services & Rehab Studies, Director, Health Advocacy Program, Faculty, MBA in Health Care Management, Coordinator of Resiliency in Helping Professions Certificate Program
508-767-7503 Kennedy Hall - Room 107 B

Alexandria Buono

Administrative Assistant for Graduate Programs
508-767-7390 Kennedy Hall - Room 123

Program Curriculum

Faculty

Graduate Admission Events and Ways to Connect With Us

We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, attending an information session or by scheduling a phone or virtual conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors.

Learn More

Events

HealthAdvocateX Conference
Professional Patient Advocacy has been an emerging industry for more than 10 years. As the practice grows, individuals from all areas of the care continuum are realizing the true value of advocacy. Independent Advocates, Hospital Advocates and other advocacy professionals come together annually to rise up and meet the challenges before us.

Assumption University was a proud sponsor of the "Whole Person Advocacy" Conference hosted by HealthAdvocateX (formally known as WASHAA) and we look forward to next year’s annual event and hope you’ll join us in the meantime!

WASHAA Website

National Credentialing Exam in Patient Advocacy

Graduates of our Master's program in Health Advocacy and our Certificate of Patient Advocacy have the availability to take a newly established national credentialing exam in Patient Advocacy. The national BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate) certification exam has been developed to iterate and promote the professional knowledge domains and competencies required to assist patients and caregivers in accessing family-centered healthcare. This is the only certification developed for patient advocates that focuses on patient's autonomy. Earning the BCPA credential requires passing this exam that measures candidates’ skills and abilities, and ensures that advocates meet the emerging professional standards to work successfully as a BCPA. Our courses prepare students for the exam, as students integrate the ethical standards and best practices of patient advocates through these programs of study.

Learn more about this credential

Alliance of Professional Health Advocates

Assumption University is proud to be an affiliate of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA). Founded in 2009, APHA now has over 600 members and is one of the largest professional networks for private and independent patient advocates. Assumption University students receive $30 off the first year membership fees! Members receive information and have access to resources for a variety of topics such as legal, finance, technology, and much more.

Listen to the Patient Advocate Certification Podcast

Learn more about APHA

Graduate Research Symposium

Assumption University Graduate School Annual Symposium showcases research, innovative projects, successful case study, and creative work of graduate students and recent alums from every graduate program. We offer all graduate students in every program an opportunity to present their excellent work on diverse topics. 

Learn more

Veterans at Assumption

Assumption University recognizes that servicemen and women have demonstrated great courage and made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation and its people. The University has introduced a number of programs and services to assist veterans during the application process and while veterans are attending Assumption. We also have a lounge designated only for our veteran students. Assumption University is committed to maintaining recognition as a Military Friendly institution.  We strive to eliminate barriers to success for our Service Members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents.

Welcoming Veterans