Healthcare law is a specialized field that focuses on the complex and ever-evolving intersection of healthcare policy, medical practice, and the law. As healthcare becomes increasingly regulated and intertwined with issues such as patient rights, bioethics, insurance, and public health policy, the need for lawyers with expertise in this area has grown. Many top law schools in the United States offer specialized programs, centers, and courses dedicated to healthcare law, preparing students to address legal challenges in the healthcare industry.
1. Georgetown University Law Center
Overview
According to topschoolsoflaw, Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is one of the premier institutions for healthcare law. Its location in the nation’s capital gives students access to key governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, and healthcare institutions, making it an ideal environment for studying healthcare law and policy.
Key Features
- Health Law Scholars Program: Georgetown offers a specialized Health Law Scholars Program that provides in-depth education and experience in healthcare law and policy.
- Proximity to Federal Agencies: Georgetown’s location near government institutions like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, externships, and networking.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Georgetown Law collaborates with other departments at the university, including the School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy, to provide an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare law.
Special Programs
- Health Justice Alliance: A partnership with Georgetown’s medical and law schools that focuses on training students to address the legal needs of vulnerable populations in the healthcare system.
- Health Law Certificate: A program that allows students to specialize in health law by completing advanced coursework in areas like bioethics, public health law, and healthcare regulation.
2. Harvard Law School
Overview
Harvard Law School is world-renowned for its legal education and also offers robust healthcare law programs. Its prestigious reputation, combined with extensive resources and a broad array of specialized courses, makes it a top choice for students interested in healthcare law.
Key Features
- Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics: Harvard’s Petrie-Flom Center is a leading research center dedicated to addressing issues at the intersection of health law, bioethics, and biotechnology. Students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and policy discussions.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Harvard Law encourages students to take courses in public health, medical ethics, and healthcare policy at Harvard’s other schools, including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- High-Profile Faculty: Harvard’s healthcare law faculty includes leaders in the field who regularly publish on topics like healthcare regulation, bioethics, and the legal implications of advances in medical technology.
Special Programs
- Joint JD/MPH Program: Harvard offers a joint degree program that allows students to earn both a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH), giving them expertise in both law and public health.
- Bioethics Fellowship Program: Through the Petrie-Flom Center, students can participate in a bioethics fellowship that involves intensive research and the development of scholarly work on topics related to health law and ethics.
3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law
Overview
UCLA School of Law is a top choice for students interested in healthcare law, offering strong interdisciplinary programs and specialized training in the legal aspects of healthcare policy, bioethics, and public health.
Key Features
- Health Law and Policy Program: UCLA’s Health Law and Policy Program offers a rigorous curriculum focused on legal issues related to healthcare delivery, bioethics, and healthcare reform.
- Connections to the Medical Field: UCLA Law has strong ties to the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the Fielding School of Public Health, allowing for collaborative learning and research opportunities.
- Focus on Public Health: UCLA Law’s healthcare law program integrates public health policy into its curriculum, preparing students to address broader societal issues in healthcare.
Special Programs
- UCLA Health Law Society: This student-run organization provides networking opportunities, lectures, and events focused on current topics in healthcare law.
- Healthcare Reform and Bioethics Course: A specialized course that explores the legal implications of healthcare reform in the U.S. and examines bioethical issues in medical practice.
4. Stanford Law School
Overview
Stanford Law School is recognized for its innovative approach to legal education, and its healthcare law program is no exception. Stanford offers a range of courses and opportunities for students to engage with the latest legal issues in healthcare technology, bioethics, and healthcare delivery systems.
Key Features
- Law and Biosciences Program: Stanford’s Law and Biosciences Program focuses on the intersection of law, healthcare, and technology, with an emphasis on emerging issues in biotechnology and medical innovation.
- Access to Silicon Valley: Stanford’s proximity to Silicon Valley gives students access to the latest developments in healthcare technology, including telemedicine, digital health, and biotech startups.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Stanford encourages students to take courses in the medical school and business school, giving them a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare industry.
Special Programs
- Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences: This research center examines legal issues related to bioethics, genomics, and medical innovation, providing students with opportunities for in-depth study and research.
- Healthcare Technology and Law Clinic: A clinic that allows students to work on real-world cases involving healthcare technology companies and healthcare startups, helping them navigate the regulatory landscape.
5. University of Houston Law Center
Overview
The University of Houston Law Center is one of the top law schools for healthcare law, offering a highly regarded Health Law & Policy Institute. Its location in Houston, home to one of the largest medical centers in the world, provides students with unmatched opportunities for practical experience and research.
Key Features
- Health Law & Policy Institute: The University of Houston’s Health Law & Policy Institute is nationally recognized for its expertise in healthcare law, including healthcare finance, bioethics, and public health law.
- Medical-Legal Partnerships: Houston’s Texas Medical Center offers students the chance to participate in medical-legal partnerships, working alongside healthcare professionals to address the legal needs of patients.
- Strong Regional Ties: The law school’s connections to healthcare institutions in Houston provide students with internships and job opportunities in healthcare administration, regulation, and policy.
Special Programs
- LL.M. in Health Law: The University of Houston offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree specializing in health law for students who want advanced legal training in this area.
- Externship Program: Students can participate in externships with healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and law firms specializing in healthcare law.
6. Boston University School of Law
Overview
Boston University (BU) School of Law is known for its comprehensive healthcare law program, which includes courses on healthcare regulation, bioethics, and healthcare finance.
Key Features
- Health Law Concentration: BU offers a concentration in health law, providing students with the ability to specialize in this growing field.
- Health Law, Bioethics & Human Rights Program: This interdisciplinary program involves collaboration between BU Law, the School of Public Health, and the School of Medicine, offering students a multidisciplinary perspective on healthcare law.
- Strong Alumni Network: BU Law has an extensive network of alumni working in healthcare law, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
Special Programs
- Externship Opportunities: BU Law offers externship placements in healthcare settings, including hospitals, government agencies, and healthcare organizations, giving students practical experience in the field.
- Health Law Moot Court Competition: BU Law participates in a national health law moot court competition, allowing students to develop their advocacy skills in healthcare law contexts.
7. Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Overview
Loyola University Chicago School of Law offers one of the most comprehensive healthcare law programs in the country. Its Beazley Institute for Health Law and Policy is a leader in health law education and research.
Key Features
- Beazley Institute for Health Law and Policy: Loyola’s Beazley Institute is a nationally recognized center for healthcare law, offering extensive courses and research opportunities in healthcare regulation, compliance, and policy.
- Focus on Compliance: Loyola is particularly known for its focus on healthcare compliance, making it a top choice for students interested in regulatory affairs.
- Online LL.M. in Health Law: Loyola offers an online Master of Laws (LL.M.) in health law, providing flexibility for professionals who want to advance their careers in healthcare law.
Special Programs
- Health Justice Project: This medical-legal partnership program involves students working with healthcare professionals to address the legal issues affecting low-income patients, such as access to healthcare and disability rights.
- JD/LLM Dual Degree in Health Law: Loyola offers a dual-degree program that allows students to earn both a JD and an LL.M. in health law, providing an advanced understanding of the field.
8. University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Overview
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is known for its strong healthcare law program and its proximity to key healthcare institutions in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Key Features
- Law & Health Care Program: Maryland’s Law & Health Care Program is one of the most comprehensive in the country, offering courses on topics such as healthcare financing, bioethics, and healthcare policy.
- Partnership with University of Maryland Medical Center: The law school’s close ties to the University of Maryland Medical Center provide students with clinical opportunities and real-world exposure to healthcare law issues.
- Proximity to Federal Agencies: Maryland Law’s location near Washington, D.C., gives students access to internships and externships with federal agencies, such as the FDA and HHS.
Special Programs
- JD/MPH Dual Degree: Maryland offers a dual-degree program in law and public health, allowing students to combine legal training with expertise in public health policy.
- Law & Health Care Program Fellowships: The law school offers fellowships that provide financial support to students pursuing careers in healthcare law, with a focus on public interest work.
9. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Overview
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School offers a strong healthcare law program with a focus on interdisciplinary learning, bioethics, and healthcare policy.
Key Features
- Center for Technology, Innovation, and Competition (CTIC): Penn Law’s CTIC addresses legal and policy issues related to healthcare technology and innovation, making it a top choice for students interested in the intersection of law and medical technology.
- Collaboration with the Perelman School of Medicine: Penn Law students have the opportunity to take courses and collaborate with the Perelman School of Medicine, giving them a deeper understanding of medical practice and policy.
Special Programs
- JD/MBE Dual Degree: Penn Law offers a JD/Master in Bioethics (MBE) program, allowing students to explore the ethical implications of healthcare law and policy.
- Public Health Law Research Program: This research program focuses on the impact of laws and regulations on public health outcomes, providing students with research opportunities in health law and policy.
10. Saint Louis University School of Law
Overview
Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law is home to the Center for Health Law Studies, one of the oldest and most respected healthcare law programs in the U.S.
Key Features
- Center for Health Law Studies: SLU’s Center for Health Law Studies is widely regarded as a leader in health law education, offering students specialized training in healthcare regulation, bioethics, and healthcare administration.
- Experiential Learning: SLU offers numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including internships and externships at healthcare institutions in the St. Louis area.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: SLU Law offers a wide range of courses covering all aspects of healthcare law, from healthcare fraud to bioethics and medical malpractice.
Special Programs
- JD/MPH Dual Degree: SLU offers a dual-degree program that allows students to earn both a JD and an MPH, giving them expertise in both law and public health.
- Health Law Summer Program: This program allows students to take intensive healthcare law courses during the summer, often taught by leading healthcare law experts.
| Ranking | School and Information |
| 1 | St. Louis University (St. Louis, MO) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,175 per year Enrollment (full-time): 806 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.58 Acceptance rate: 58.0% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.6% |
| 2 | Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $14,770 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,834 per year Enrollment (full-time): 466 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 159-162 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.21-3.75 Acceptance rate: 16.5% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 88.4% |
| 3 | University of Maryland (Carey) (Baltimore, MD) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $25,405 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $36,684 per year Enrollment (full-time): 735 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 156-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.31-3.75 Acceptance rate: 19.7% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 93.3% |
| 4 | Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $39,496 per year Enrollment (full-time): 731 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 156-162 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.57 Acceptance rate: 33.7% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 88.7% |
| 5 | Boston University (Boston, MA) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $42,654 per year Enrollment (full-time): 799 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 163-167 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.5-3.78 Acceptance rate: 19.7% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 86.8% |
| 6 | Seton Hall University (Newark, NJ) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $46,840 per year Enrollment (full-time): 673 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.66 Acceptance rate: 48.4% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.6% |
| 7 | Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $46,865 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,671 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 167-171 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.44-3.8 Acceptance rate: 26.6% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 96.0% |
| 8 | Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $42,564 per year Enrollment (full-time): 600 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.67 Acceptance rate: 46.5% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 86.1% |
| 9 | University of Houston (Houston, TX) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $28,130 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $38,805 per year Enrollment (full-time): 676 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.16-3.6 Acceptance rate: 26.9% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.9% |
| 10 | University of Minnesota: Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $34,817 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $43,385 per year Enrollment (full-time): 752 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-167 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.41-3.9 Acceptance rate: 24.8% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.9% |
| 11 | Drexel University (Mack) (Philadelphia, PA) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,051 per year Enrollment (full-time): 447 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.09-3.66 Acceptance rate: 34.8% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 77.9% |
| 12 | Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $48,786 per year Enrollment (full-time): 1,679 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 171-176 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.78-3.97 Acceptance rate: 13.3% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 94.6% |
| 13 | Indiana University–Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) Tuition & Fees: N/A Enrollment (full-time): N/A LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-159 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.09-3.68 Acceptance rate: 43.8% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.4% |
| 14 | University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $27,892 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,666 per year Enrollment (full-time): 701 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.14-3.66 Acceptance rate: 36.5% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.1% |
| 15 | DePaul University (Chicago, IL) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $41,690 per year Enrollment (full-time): 828 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 154-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.58 Acceptance rate: 42.2% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.4% |
| 16 | Widener University (Wilmington, DE) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $1,212 per credit Enrollment (full-time): 975 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 149-153 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.82-3.44 Acceptance rate: 55.2% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 76.6% |
| 17 | Hamline University (St. Paul, MN) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $34,555 per year Enrollment (full-time): 480 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 148-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.58 Acceptance rate: 60.5% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 73.2% |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $19,012 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,119 per year Enrollment (full-time): 772 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 161-165 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.33-3.69 Acceptance rate: 17.9% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.9% |
| 19 | Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC) Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $38,756 per year Enrollment (full-time): 487 LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 160-164 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.2-3.8 Acceptance rate: 36.0% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 83.2% |