Healthcare is undergoing massive changes. As a result of these changes many of those that work in the healthcare industry are finding that they need new skills and knowledge. A great way to go about this is participating in a massive open online course (MOOC).

The term MOOC was first used by Dave Cormier of the University of Prince Edward Island in 2008. MOOCs are online courses that are built for open and collaborative participation. MOOC courses are often delivered as a pre-recorded series of video lectures with corresponding assignments to test knowledge. Courses are typically self-paced which makes it easy to schedule around work and family commitments. Mobile applications are available for some platforms which makes learning on the go easy (and much more productive than gaming!). Several MOOC platforms have implemented paid certification programs that focus on in-demand skill sets like data science. In addition to the education, most MOOC platforms provide community forums which can be great ways to connect with other individuals around the world with a shared passion for the subject matter.

A variety of healthcare related courses are available on various MOOC platforms. A useful tool for selecting courses across platforms is Mooc List. Three of the more common platforms that come up in healthcare related searches are Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. Each of these platforms has a slightly different focus in terms of course content and geographic distribution of educators. Coursera seems to have the most diverse set of healthcare curriculum today, but interesting course can be found on all three. Below are some of the sample courses available:

Coursera

Interprofessional Healthcare Informatics

We will explore perspectives of clinicians like dentists, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians in all sorts of practice settings worldwide. Emerging technologies, telehealth, gaming, simulations, and eScience are just some of the topics that we will consider.

Big Data Analytics for Healthcare

We introduce the characteristics and related analytic challenges on dealing with clinical data from electronic health records. Many of those insights come from medical informatics community and data mining/machine learning community. There are three thrusts in this course: Application, Algorithm and System

edX

Entrepreneurship and Healthcare in Emerging Economies

Explore how entrepreneurship and innovation tackle complex health problems in emerging economies.

Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A Roadmap for Getting Results

Course will provide learners with the valuable skills and simple, well-tested tools they need to translate promising innovations or evidence into practice. A group of expert faculty will explore a scientific approach to improvement — a practical, rigorous methodology that includes a theory of change, measurable aims, and iterative, incremental small tests of change to determine if improvement concepts can be implemented effectively in practice.

FutureLearn

Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development

In this free online course, you’ll learn about the fundamental biological concepts that inform our current understanding of cancer development, the molecular genetics behind it and its spread within the body.

Bioprinting: 3D Printing Body Parts

This free online course tells the story of this revolution, introducing you to commonly used biomaterials, including metals, ceramics and polymers, and how bioprinting techniques, such as selective laser melting, hot-melt extrusion and inkjet printing, work. Through case studies - ranging from hip implants to facial transplants to lab-grown organs - we’ll answer questions such as: What is 3D printing and how did it come about? Is it really possible to print structures that incorporate both living and artificial components? How long before we can print whole body organs for transplants? What is possible right now, and what will be possible in 20 and 50 years’ time?

So whatever your reason, take some time to participate in an MOOC. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate new ideas and connect with like-minded individuals around the world.

What questions do you have?