Newswise — A new, online certificate program in Healthcare Navigation at University of the Sciences is geared toward individuals looking to help patients and families navigate the increasingly complex healthcare system.

The certificate course, comprised of four, two-credit courses each eight weeks in length, will prepare individuals to succeed as a patient advocate and liaison in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Increasing regulations are making healthcare navigators an important part of the healthcare system and different than Affordable Care Act requirement of patient navigators who only deal with insurance issues.

“The certificate program is intended for young adults, career changers, and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of the healthcare system and familiarize themselves with the resources available for patients and families,” said Karin Richards, interim chair of the Department of Kinesiology. “Specifically, the program assists students, patients, and families in identifying obstacles to care throughout the healthcare process and locating resources for potential solutions including preventative health.”

The Healthcare Navigation courses are taught by faculty of USciences' Department of Kinesiology. Students will engage with faculty through weekly video lectures, discussion boards, timely articles, videos, and case studies. No exams are required to complete the program and the entire program is completely online with no residency requirement.

“If an individual is investigating healthcare careers, this is a great introduction to the possibilities that await them,” Richards stated.

For more information, including course requirements, tuition, and enrollment, visit www.gradschool.usciences.edu/healthcare-navigation/healthcare-navigation.

At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences’ four colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.

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