Overview
The Fundamentals of Health Economics certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of the economic principles shaping healthcare systems and decision-making. You’ll explore the economics of Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, including financing, healthcare markets, and the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments. The program covers the four main types of economic evaluation used in healthcare, teaching you how to generate, analyze, and apply these evaluations to inform policy and practice. You’ll also gain expertise in developing and analyzing decision models, such as decision trees and Markov models, to estimate costs, outcomes, and uncertainties in healthcare interventions.
Additionally, the certificate examines methods for measuring and valuing health outcomes, including Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the analytical tools and knowledge needed to assess healthcare strategies, support policy decisions, and address challenges like rising costs and equitable access to care.
Certificate Requirements
This course explores the economics of Canada’s publicly funded health care system, including financing, health care markets, and government roles. You’ll examine key economic concepts and how they apply to Canada’s system, including the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments and the role of private providers.
This course explores the four main types of economic evaluation used in health care decision-making. You’ll learn how different studies generate these evaluations and how they inform health decisions.
In this course, participants will delve into the foundational theories and advanced methodologies that underpin decision models in health economics. You’ll gain insights into the diverse types of decision models, including decision trees and Markov models.
This course explores the challenges of defining and measuring health and their impact on healthcare policy and decision-making. You'll learn about different health measures-generic, condition-specific, and preference-based-and evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
How It Works
Certificate Access
180 days
Effort
8 hours per course
Delivery
Online
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$2000
- Health Economists
- Health Policy Advisors and Government Officials
- Healthcare Administrators and Managers
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry Professionals
- Clinical Researchers
- Public Health Professionals
- Insurance and Benefits Analysts
- Medical Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health)
Jeff Round
Professor Jeff Round is a distinguished Health Economist within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. He also served as the Chief Scientific Officer at the Institute of Health Economics, a prominent non-profit organization in Edmonton dedicated to health economics and health technology assessment. Dr. Round's academic journey includes a PhD in Health Economics from University College London, an MA (Econ) in International Development from the University of Manchester, and a Bachelor of Honours in Economics from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. His extensive academic experience encompasses prior appointments at the Universities of Bristol, College London, and Leeds. His research portfolio spans applied and methodological facets of health economics, with active engagement across academic, governmental, and diverse professional settings.
Currently, he collaborates closely with the Ministries of Health in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia, as well as Alberta Health Services, CADTH, and the PMPRB. His collaborative research efforts, supported by grants from CIHR, the UK NIHR, and various Canadian national and provincial funding agencies, involve partnerships with esteemed colleagues from the Universities of Alberta, Calgary, British Columbia, Toronto, Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Bristol. Dr. Round further contributes his expertise as a member of the CADTH RWE Reporting Guidance Expert Committee and the Alberta Precision Laboratories Formulary Committee.
Certificate FAQs
Is this an instructor-led certificate?
This certificate is designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The certificate is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, audio files, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
A Each course will require approximately 8 hours to complete. You will have 180 days access from the time of registration to complete all four courses. After 180 days, the certificate will be closed..
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start the course as soon as you register! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to the certificate?
A You will have 180 days from the time of registration to complete the certificate. Total learning time is approximately 32 hours.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be an assessment after each unit. All assessments are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the course content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each assessment.
What are the computer requirements for this certificate?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this certificate have prerequisites?
This certificate does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!