About the HPM Major
Student interest in the Health Policy and Management major has grown significantly in recent years. Today, HPM is one of PC’s most popular areas of study, with more than 200 declared majors. The growing popularity of HPM as a major reflects the close working relationships students enjoy with faculty in the program. Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an advisor. Students also have many opportunities to collaborate with faculty outside of the classroom as research assistants or by participating in events such as alumni career nights.
The department hosts a variety of lectures and presentations during the academic year that bring practicing professionals to campus to discuss contemporary health policy issues. Numerous events showcase student research and internship experiences, including the undergraduate research conference on Health and Society, the College’s Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity, and a student Health Policy Forum.
Our department’s popularity at PC also reflects larger trends in the economy and society. Current forecasts suggest that employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there should be increased demand for healthcare services. Additionally, widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) will continue to create demand for healthcare managers with knowledge of health information technology (IT) and informatics systems. Similarly, opportunities for health educators and epidemiologists are also expected to increase faster than average in the coming years.
Declaring a Major in HPM
Students interested in declaring a major in Health Policy and Management must first take the department’s introductory course, HPM 101: American Health Care System. If you are interested in registering for HPM 101, but the course sections are full/closed, please reach out to the Departmental Administrative Assistant, Nicole Garofalo (ngarofal@providence.edu) to request a seat on our internal waitlist for the upcoming semester.
Once you are enrolled in or have already taken HPM 101, begin the HPM declaration process by completing the Change of Major/Minor Form, obtain all of the appropriate signatures, then return the completed form by email to records@providence.edu.
*The program does not offer a minor.*
Health Care Club
The HPM Club is officially recognized and funded by PC’s Student Congress and meets regularly throughout the academic year. The Club hosts a variety of events including alumni career nights, an ice cream social, and a “Rate Your Professors” night before registration each semester. To get involved, please contact Administrative Assistant, Nicole Garofalo, ngarofal@providence.edu.
