With an increasingly complex and dynamic health care system in the United States and an aging population, the need is growing for an informed group of health advocates who are qualified to advise patients and their families about health care issues, learn about the health insurance industry as well as the key provisions of healthcare legislation. Health Advocates, also referred to as Patient Navigators, are very much in demand. The minor in Health Advocacy educates students to serve as patient advocates to improve health and health care and help patients access an increasingly complex medical system. Advocacy careers span the spectrum from patient advocacy in direct service to individuals, to community advocacy initiatives on behalf of geographic or disease-specific populations, to system-level policy-based advocacy activities. The minor in Health Advocacy lays a foundation for pursuing a career in this field or furthering graduate educational opportunities.
Note: HHS & CLM majors cannot pursue a minor in health advocacy.
Required Coursework
- CLM 323 Social Determinants of Health
- CLM 350 Health Policy, Politics, & Law
- CLM 452 Community & Institutional Planning for Health Services Delivery
- HHS 101 Survey of Health Professions I
- HHS 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems
- HHS 353 Ethics in Healthcare
- HHS 262 Health Advocacy & Patient Experience
- HHS 453 Cultural Competencies in Healthcare
*NOTE: HHS 262 requires access to health facilities. Student must satisfy requests for required immunizations, background check, and drug screen for security clearance that may be an additional cost. Visit the College of Health Sciences Office of Student Affairs in 111 Wethington Building to inquire.
Electives (choose one)
- CNU 503 Nutrition for Health Professionals
- HHS 361 Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety
- HHS 405 Social and Cultural Evolution of Disease
TOTAL: 22-24 HOURS
To add the Health Advocacy minor, see your Academic Advisor or use the Request a Major Change tool in myUK GPS.