Introduction to Patient Advocacy (IPA)

RN on back of graduation hat

This online course provides a comprehensive overview of the core skills employed in patient advocacy. Emphasis is placed on access and application of information, critical thinking and reflective practice, creative and collaborative problem-solving, and communication.

This online course is offered as part of the Consumer Health Advocacy Capstone Certificate, or as a standalone non-credit course for students wishing to either explore patient advocacy or enhance their present professional practice. We can not retrospectively convert non-credit courses to credit courses or vice versa.

Our courses

“I did not expect this class to dig in and heal me, but it did.

I did not expect this class to add this richness to my life, but it did.

I did not think this class would change me, but it has.”

– Lynne, IPA Student

COURSE TOPICS Include:

  • Overview of Patient Advocacy
  • Overview of US Healthcare and Health Insurance
  • Independent Learning and Unlearning
  • Patient Perspectives
  • Cultural and Narrative Humility
  • Listening and Empathy
  • Empowerment and Capacity Building
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • End of Life
  • Framing Decisions
  • Creative Problem-solving and Collaboration