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Health Advocate, Mental Health Patient Advocate
The role of a patient advocate is to:
Patient advocates perform some or all of the following duties:
Patient advocates document and track patients’ progress through the above processes. They offer follow-up services based on these records. They may write reports or summaries based on what they do. Job descriptions vary since patient advocacy is an emerging field.
Working conditions for patient advocates vary depending on their job description, work location, and if they are self-employed. Patient advocates spend some of their time:
Patient advocates spend a lot of time in health care settings. As a result, they may face increased exposure to infectious illnesses.
Patient advocates need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Most emerging occupations develop from more than 1 occupation so patient advocates may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Prior to enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Educational requirements for patient advocates vary based on the employer. A minimum of a 2-year post-secondary diploma in a relevant discipline such as nursing, social work, or business is sometimes required. Some employers may also require work experience related to patient advocacy.
Patient advocates who run their own businesses should be self-starters. They need to think creatively to market and promote their business. They should also be good at networking and developing business contacts.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation in Canada. However, certificate training programs are available in the United States through the Professional Patient Advocate Institute and some universities.
Emerging occupations typically appear as a result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for patient advocates is unknown.
Most patient advocates are self-employed. However, some work for health care institutions. For example, the Professional Conduct department of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta employs on-staff patient advocates. These advocates assist the public with complaints about physicians.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current salary data is available for this occupation.
Alliance of Professional Health Advocates website: aphadvocates.org
Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society website: openarmsadvocacy.com
Professional Patient Advocate Institute (USA) website: www.patientadvocatetraining.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.