An Innovative Approach to Health Sector Regulatory Compliance Education

The essay presents the authors' experience implementing a competency-based education (CBE) pilot program for the Health Sector Regulatory Compliance (HSRC) graduate certificate program at Humber Polytechnic. It also explores the authors' experience of the design, execution, and outcomes of an innovative 18-credit integrated course, “Health Sector Regulatory Skills in Practice” (HSRC 5020), which consolidated learning outcomes from four second-semester courses. The CBE approach prioritizes skill mastery over traditional credit-hour models, addressing the growing skills gap between academia and industry. The HSRC program’s pilot focused on students demonstrating four core competencies: Audit and Inspection Management, Risk and Compliance Management, Regulatory Research and Analysis, and Trending and Data Analysis.  Faculty evaluated each competency on a scale from ‘Foundational’ to ‘Developing’ to ‘Proficient,’ providing students with regular feedback and coaching sessions. The course followed a 7-1-7 format, combining structured learning periods with a mid-term break. Implementation involved course design considerations, resource allocation, and student engagement through weekly coaching sessions and project-based learning activities. Assessment methods were diverse and authentic, including written reports, oral presentations, and digital portfolios, allowing students to demonstrate their skills through differentiated formats. The student feedback highlighted the benefits of self-paced learning, practical application of skills, and course flexibility. Students valued the autonomy to control their educational journey, emphasizing real-world scenarios. However, the challenges noted include students’ inexperience with digital portfolios and the need for enhanced communication with instructors. [Abstract continued in the article PDF.]