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Health policy plays a critical role in public health and individual well-being. For example, evidence-based policies against tobacco use and for the provision of safe drinking water have been shown to prevent disease and improve health outcomes across populations.¹

When new policies are introduced or existing policies need to be updated, government health agencies and other organizations rely on health policy analysts to understand potential effects and navigate change successfully. This dynamic role is ideal for individuals who want to work in nonclinical contexts and shape the future of health care. 

What Does a Health Policy Analyst Do?

Health policy analysts evaluate and develop organizational strategies in response to policy changes. They also conduct health policy research and analyze data to determine the effectiveness of current and past policies, then forecast potential outcomes for new policies.² Based on this analysis, they communicate recommendations to stakeholders and find potential areas for improvement or reform.  

Factors like education level, years of experience and job title all affect this role’s earning potential. The following table provides a snapshot of average pay: 

Health Policy Analyst Salary

Within the health policy analyst career path, you can choose to specialize in policy areas such as health equity, public health, health care finance or global health. Health policy analysts work in many contexts in the public and private sectors. Depending on your professional interests and area(s) of expertise, you might work in settings like:  

• Government agencies: Policy analysts at the local, state and federal levels research and address public health issues.
• Insurance and pharmaceutical companies: Health policy analysts monitor policy changes and their potential impact on organizational priorities.
• Nonprofit organizations: In this setting, policy analysts often take on an additional role as advocates for health equity.
• Research institutions: Analysts conduct health policy research on health care trends and outcomes, often as part of projects funded by grants. 

No matter where they are employed, health policy analysts are uniquely positioned to create positive change in health care today and in the future. 

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Essential Skills for Health Policy Analyst Jobs

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this career, it’s important to have a broad-based skill set that prepares you for the demands of the job. The following are some of the skills that will help you succeed: 

• Understanding of the U.S. health system: Knowledge of how the various parts of our health care system intersect allows you to identify overlaps and gaps in policy as well as current and future industry trends.
• Health policy driving forces: Because the ability to align organizational strategy to policy change is essential for analysts, an understanding of national policy priorities and the current political environment is key.
• Ethics: Ethical considerations are a cornerstone of effective health policy. A grasp of common dilemmas facing today’s health care leaders and potential resolution strategies is valuable in the workplace.
• Quality Improvement: The ability to design evaluation protocols using data collection and analysis principles is needed for determining policy standards and benchmarks.
• Systematic research: Stakeholders rely on policy analysts to conduct comprehensive research and provide policy implementation recommendations based on findings. 

Strong problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills are also necessary for those who want to be policy analysts in the health care industry.²

These skills and more are part of ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ’s online Master of Health Administration curriculum. The advanced training you gain in this program will provide a deep understanding of the mission and business of health care for future leaders. 

How to Become a Health Policy Analyst

To qualify for policy analyst and political science careers, graduate education is typically required. While employers may accept applicants who have bachelor's degrees for entry-level jobs, the majority seek candidates with master’s degrees for senior positions.⁶

Undergraduate study in areas such as political science, public health or health care administration provides an ideal foundation for health policy analyst careers. For example, OHIO offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration program that prepares students to enter the workforce or continue their education. This program offers a broad-based introduction to the health care system and major pieces of legislation such as Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, PPACA and EMTALA.  

Graduate study in health administration ensures that you gain specialized expertise and build the skill set necessary for leadership roles in health policy. Whether you are already working in the field or are ready for new opportunities, earning a master’s degree opens doors to greater earning potential and professional advancement. OHIO’s online MHA combines topics from business, law and operations management, so you graduate ready to lead in a range of contexts.

Advance Your Health Care Career at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ

You can achieve your career goals in just two years of part-time study with a nationally ranked degree from OHIO. Delivered 100% online in a flexible format, our online MHA program is designed for working professionals. Hands-on learning ensures you gain relevant experience you can directly apply in health policy analyst jobs.  

Learn more about the online MHA and what the OHIO experience can mean for you. 

Related Resources

• Explore Careers in Health Care Project Management
• Healthcare Human Resources Jobs and Skills Needed
• Elevate Your Career with These Health Administration Jobs 

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Human Services. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Health Policy. Retrieved July 2025, from .
2. Indeed. How to Become a Policy Analyst in 5 Steps (Plus Job Duties). Retrieved July 2025, from .
3. Indeed. Policy Analyst Salary in the United States. Retrieved July 2025, from .
4. Indeed. Senior policy analyst salary in United States. Retrieved July 2025, from .
5. Payscale.com. Average Health Policy Director Salary. Retrieved July 2025, from .
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Political Scientists. Retrieved July 2025, from .

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