The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track the profession of patient advocacy, so statistics as to its projected growth are difficult to come by.

However, the profession is considered to be a growing one, as an aging population increasingly makes use of medical services and needs assistance in navigating today's complex healthcare system. In recent years, publications such as US News & World Report and Entrepreneur magazine have recognized it as an up-and-coming career field. Colleges, in turn, are adding programs to teach these skills.

A 2008 survey conducted by the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy, a membership group of the American Hospital Association, found that among the 173 advocates who responded (70 percent of whom were members of the organization), the average base salary was $51,895. Only three respondents reported salaries over $100,000; six reported earning less than $30,000.

Those who held doctorates made the most ($70,000 to $75,000); master's degreed advocates made $55,000 to $60,000, while those with bachelor's degrees were in the $50,000 to $55,000 range.

In another measure, the employment website Indeed.com reports that, based on more than 250 salaries, the average for this profession as of Feb. 2009 was $66,000.

Earnings for patient advocates who work independently are not available.

Patient advocates help patients in various ways. They may ensure a patient sees the appropriate doctors; that his or her treatment plan is being followed; that the patient is taking advantage of all available treatment options. They coordinate care between doctors, if needed.

Additional duties include education for the patient, family and caregivers, and research into a patient's condition. Some patient advocates also shepherd a patient's claims through the health insurance system. They help make sure billing departments are filing properly and insurance processors are paying correctly.

Advocates are employed by hospitals, rehab centers or other medical facilities; nonprofit organizations; government agencies; insurance companies; or for-profit patient advocacy firms such as PinnacleCare Private Health Advisory. Others are self-employed.

Another area of the profession involves consumer advocacy, where an individual works on behalf of groups of people, including working to make changes in policies or laws that will benefit group health.

As a new and unregulated field, there are not yet standards or credentials for patient advocates, so employment requirements are flexible.

Sarah Lawrence College was the first in the country to offer a master's degree in health advocacy.

The Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy survey respondents had a wide variety of educational qualifications. A few patient advocates had only high school diplomas; a few more had associate degrees. Most, however, held bachelor's or master's degrees. Some respondents were nurses (with RN degrees).

Entering the Field. If you have an interest in the field but no experience in healthcare, volunteer with a nonprofit community service agency or medical facility; offer to help patients, and thereby learn the ins and outs of the medical system. This will help you to gain experience and to see which type of advocacy you prefer.

Also, consider a degree or certificate program in patient advocacy, healthcare or health administration to gain a credential you can present to future employers.

Career Changers. This field—with its lack of required certification or licensing—is open to career changers. Those with backgrounds that are a natural transition include medical assistants, medical billing clerks, counselors, social workers, healthcare workers and lawyers.

Laura Weil, acting director of the graduate health advocacy program at Sarah Lawrence, notes that students come from a variety of backgrounds, including careers in business, law and other health professions. What they all have in common, she says, is a personal experience with illness, either their own or a loved one's—"a life-changing brush with the healthcare system" that motivated them to either make the system better or help others "negotiate a path through what they've experienced."

Sources for salary, job growth and other information include the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy and Laura Weil at Sarah Lawrence College.


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