By Judith Schwartzstein, Vice President for Publicity, Sarah Lawrence College

Mar. 15, 2017:   At a time when uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act has put a spotlight on health care, Sarah Lawrence College this week announced that it is offering a new low-residency master's degree program in health advocacy.

The accelerated 18-month program, which will start in June, is designed to appeal to professionals in the health field or those interested in entering it who are seeking to have a role in improving health and our health care system.

The series of twelve courses will begin in June with an intensive two-week on-campus program followed by a combination of distance learning and on-campus classes.

Gloria Escobar-Chaparro, acting director of the health advocacy program, said that when Sarah Lawrence first established the health advocacy program nearly 40 years ago, it focused mainly on preparing patient advocates, but the burgeoning health care field has provided many new opportunities for those interested in health advocacy. From palliative care to reproductive rights to aging and the effects of trauma and violence, health issues touch on so many areas, she said.   

"The field has broadened so much in recent years. With the heightened awareness of issues that affect health and the anxiety over changes in our health care laws, health advocacy is a dynamic and growing field that offers opportunities to people at all career stages," said Escobar-Chaparro.   

Escobar-Chaparro said that the college is now offering a low-residency format to make education more accessible to people outside the New York area and to working professionals.

Classes begin May 29, 2017, and students come together on campus for a two-week in-person intensive program June 12 to June 23, 2017, followed by online courses and a second in-person intensive in July of 2018. Graduation is in December of 2018.

Crystal Greene, manager of New Learning Initiatives, said that the technology being used allows for an online community of students and teachers who work together, rather than an independent study approach. While the class and teachers interact in real time, the online component allows for flexibility, which is appealing to working professionals.

For more information on the health advocacy program, visit https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/health-advocacy/.

Pictured here:  Wrexham Building at Sarah Lawrence College.

Photo courtesy Judith Schwartzstein, Vice President for Publicity, Sarah Lawrence College