Orientation to Health Care

Program Snapshot

Orientation to Health Care is a foundational course designed to build a clear, practical understanding of how the U.S. health care system works. Led by experienced health care leaders, the program explores the structure, drivers, and relationships that shape hospitals, physicians, consumers, and payers, helping participants better navigate their organizations and the broader health care landscape.

Who It’s For

This course is intended for professionals who are new to health care, transitioning into the field from another industry, or seeking a current, systems-level understanding of how health care organizations operate and interact.

What Participants Learn

• Understand the structure of the U.S. health care system
  • Describe the major components of the American health care system
  • Identify key stakeholder groups and their roles
  • Understand how hospitals, physicians, payers, and consumers interact
• Recognize the drivers shaping health care decision making
  • Examine economic fundamentals influencing health care delivery
  • Understand policy, reimbursement, and market forces
  • Explore current challenges and future impacts on the system
• Build confidence navigating health care organizations
  • Learn common health care terminology and acronyms
  • Understand how strategic priorities differ across stakeholder groups
  • Apply systems-level thinking to real workplace contexts

Career and Organizational Benefits

• Strengthen strategic perspective by gaining a clearer understanding of how decisions are made across the health care system.
• Improve cross-functional collaboration through better understanding of stakeholder priorities and constraints.
• Accelerate onboarding and career transitions for professionals new to health care or new roles within it.
• Group discounts available.

Credential and Bonus Material

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a SHSMD Digital Badge recognizing their understanding of the U.S. health care system.

>> For full information about this course, visit the Orientation to Health Care course page.