Health Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers
(NOC 4165)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesHealth policy researchers, consultants, and program officers conduct research, produce reports, and administer health care policies and programs. These jobs often involve communicating with the media and the public, as well as providing information and advice to healthcare professionals, politicians, and government officials. They work for government departments and agencies, consulting firms, universities, research institutes, hospitals, community agencies, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers may specialize in an area of health policy development, research, or program administration like addiction research.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Health Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 58% of Health Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $67,263. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$26.67
Minimum$33.94
Median$47.80
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,258
Minimum$54,616
Median$93,835
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.74
Minimum$33.28
Median$46.76
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Health policy researchers, consultants, and program officers conduct research, produce reports, and administer health care policies and programs. These jobs often involve communicating with the media and the public, as well as providing information and advice to healthcare professionals, politicians, and government officials. They work for government departments and agencies, consulting firms, universities, research institutes, hospitals, community agencies, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers may specialize in an area of health policy development, research, or program administration like addiction research.
Job duties
Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers:
- Help develop government health policy by reviewing relevant literature, conducting interviews, collecting and analyzing statistical data, and providing advice to senior managers and officials on issues like health promotion, regulation, standards and financing.
- Design and implement health projects or programs.
- Maintain, update, and manage health information databases.
- Compile and analyze 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.
- Help comply with health standards and identify corrective action if necessary.
- Conduct evaluations and assessments of health projects and programs.
- Provide consulting services to clients in private companies 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 public.
- Present the views of an association or organization to politicians, government officials, the media, or the public.
Sample job titles
- clinical research program manager
- coroner
- health and social services liaison officer
- health care planning consultant
- health policy research analyst
- health promotion program officer
- home-care programs consultant
- long-term care program consultant
- mental health programs consultant
- occupational health and wellness consultant
Skills
You should be organized, resourceful, and able to cooperate with others in a team. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You will need an interest in research and familiarity with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills for data manipulation and statistical analysis may be required in some positions.
Job 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.
Other considerations
Both part-time employment and self-employment are relatively common in this group. Several years of experience in the health field as a health care professional or as a community or social service worker are usually required. Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Master
$60,186 median annual incomeBachelor
$54,227 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$45,761 median annual incomeHigh school
$16,728 median annual incomeDoctorate
$59,537 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
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Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
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Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
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Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
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Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
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Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
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Employment requirements & contacts
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