How to become a health policy researcher, consultant or program officer
Official title: Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Also called: Health educator, Health care planner, Wellness consultant, Health care consultant, Health care researcher, Health research officer, Dental health consultant, Health services consultant, Health services researcher, Health care planning officer, Wellness program coordinator, Home-care programs consultant
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.
Main tasks
- Assist in developing government health policy by reviewing relevant literature, conducting interviews, collecting and analysing statistical data, and providing advice to senior managers and officials on issues such as health promotion, regulation, standards and financing
- Design and implement health projects or programs
- Maintain, update and manage health information databases
- Compile and analyse 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
- Assess compliance with health standards and identify remedial action if necessary
- Conduct evaluations and assessments of health projects and programs
- Provide consulting services to clients in private establishments or government departments or agencies
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $84,006 a year The middle half earn $68,036 to $101,400.
- About 45,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 54,300 are projected by 2033. (+20.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
- Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a health policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
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.
How much does a health policy researcher, consultant or program officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $84,006 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $68,036 to $101,400.
Is a health policy researcher, consultant or program officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2033, from about 45,100 to about 54,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a health policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
Usually. 80% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03