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Healthcare Planning in Practice

Learn how to move from a clinical request to a defensible program, coordinated design scope, and capital-project recommendation using healthcare-planning methods you can apply.

6 weeks · 17 guided hours 30 lessons + six module exams Downloadable verified certificate

What you will learn

The course connects operational discovery, space programming, workflow, codes, equipment, multidisciplinary coordination, and implementation strategy into one repeatable planning process.

  • Translate clinical needs into a structured brief.
  • Map patient, staff, material, and equipment flows.
  • Build programs and functional relationships.
  • Identify FGI, accessibility, and HSW drivers.
  • Coordinate equipment, MEP, and spatial constraints.
  • Frame scope, cost, risk, and implementation.
Course curriculum

Six applied modules · thirty lessons

Open a module to review its objectives, lesson content, coursework, and assessment.
  1. 01

    Healthcare planning foundations

    Build a repeatable planning process that connects a clinical need to governance, evidence, scope, and measurable project outcomes.

    5 lessons · 139 min
    Module outcomes
    • Map the healthcare project lifecycle and the planner's responsibilities.
    • Separate a clinical problem, proposed solution, and approved project scope.
    • Create a stakeholder map, decision structure, and planning charter.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 1.1
      The healthcare planner's roleCore lesson
    2. 1.2
      Project lifecycle and decision gatesCore lesson
    3. 1.3
      Clinical need, solution, and scopeCore lesson
    4. 1.4
      Stakeholder discovery and governanceCore lesson
    5. 1.5
      Planning charter studioApplied studio
    CourseworkPlanning intake and charter

    Problem statement, stakeholder map, governance diagram, gate plan, and two-page charter.

    AssessmentPlanning Foundations Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

  2. 02

    Clinical programming and space requirements

    Translate a care model, demand, workflows, staffing, equipment, and operational assumptions into a transparent functional and space program.

    5 lessons · 162 min
    Module outcomes
    • Create a service profile and validated planning assumptions.
    • Define room-level functional requirements before assigning area.
    • Build a net-to-departmental program with traceable calculations.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 2.1
      Service profile and demand assumptionsCore lesson
    2. 2.2
      Interviews, observation, and current-state workflowCore lesson
    3. 2.3
      Functional requirements and room dataCore lesson
    4. 2.4
      Area calculations and program controlsCore lesson
    5. 2.5
      Functional program studioApplied studio
    CourseworkOutpatient service program

    Service profile, workflow findings, room criteria, area schedule, and assumptions log.

    AssessmentClinical Programming Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

  3. 03

    Workflow, adjacencies, and operational planning

    Convert clinical flows and operational priorities into testable relationships, zoning principles, and planning scenarios.

    5 lessons · 163 min
    Module outcomes
    • Map patient, staff, material, equipment, medication, and waste flows.
    • Build and prioritize a functional relationship matrix.
    • Compare planning scenarios using operational evidence and constraints.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 3.1
      Map the flows that shape spaceCore lesson
    2. 3.2
      Functional relationship diagramsCore lesson
    3. 3.3
      Evidence-informed adjacency prioritiesCore lesson
    4. 3.4
      Scenario testing and operational simulationCore lesson
    5. 3.5
      Adjacency planning studioApplied studio
    CourseworkFunctional relationship recommendation

    Flow maps, matrix, diagrams, scenario test, and a one-page recommendation.

    AssessmentFunctional Relationships and Flow Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

  4. 04

    Codes, accessibility, infection prevention, and HSW

    Build a project-specific regulatory roadmap and integrate safety, accessibility, infection prevention, and life-safety questions into early planning.

    5 lessons · 169 min
    Module outcomes
    • Identify authorities, adopted editions, organizational standards, and responsible reviewers.
    • Screen functional concepts for accessibility and HSW risks.
    • Plan a documented compliance review without treating a checklist as professional approval.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 4.1
      Build the regulatory roadmapCore lesson
    2. 4.2
      Facility, service, and room classificationCore lesson
    3. 4.3
      Accessible and inclusive planningCore lesson
    4. 4.4
      Infection prevention, phasing, and life safetyCore lesson
    5. 4.5
      Compliance integration studioApplied studio
    CourseworkHSW planning review

    Regulatory register, journey audit, phase-risk log, compliance matrix, and escalation record.

    AssessmentCodes, Accessibility, and HSW Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

  5. 05

    Equipment and multidisciplinary coordination

    Coordinate equipment, architecture, structures, MEP, technology, medical gases, and operations at the room and department level.

    5 lessons · 173 min
    Module outcomes
    • Build an equipment responsibility and data workflow.
    • Translate vendor and operational requirements into coordinated room criteria.
    • Lead an interdisciplinary room review with documented decisions.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 5.1
      Equipment planning lifecycleCore lesson
    2. 5.2
      Spatial, structural, and architectural requirementsCore lesson
    3. 5.3
      Mechanical, electrical, technology, and utilitiesCore lesson
    4. 5.4
      Interdisciplinary room reviewCore lesson
    5. 5.5
      Coordinated room studioApplied studio
    CourseworkMultidisciplinary room coordination

    Equipment matrix, fit plan, utility matrix, room-review log, and readiness summary.

    AssessmentEquipment and Building Systems Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

  6. 06

    Assessment, capital planning, and applied case study

    Turn existing-condition findings and planning evidence into options, cost and schedule logic, a phased recommendation, and an executive decision package.

    5 lessons · 197 min
    Module outcomes
    • Conduct a structured existing-condition and gap assessment.
    • Compare scope options using total project implications and risk.
    • Deliver a concise, evidence-linked capital recommendation and capstone.
    Lesson sequence
    1. 6.1
      Existing conditions and gap assessmentCore lesson
    2. 6.2
      Scope narratives and option developmentCore lesson
    3. 6.3
      Cost, schedule, phasing, and riskCore lesson
    4. 6.4
      Recommendation and executive decision packageCore lesson
    5. 6.5
      Final applied case-study studioApplied studio
    CourseworkIntegrated healthcare planning capstone

    Integrated planning package, executive presentation, and professional reflection.

    AssessmentCapital Assessment and Final Exam

    6 auto-scored questions · 3 attempts · 80% required

Responsible practice

Fictional cases. Real professional boundaries.

All case studies are fictional composites created for education. Learners must verify current adopted codes, authority requirements, and organizational standards for every real project.

Facility Guidelines Institute 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design CDC Environmental Infection Control Guidelines ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines
Course lead

Karrar Osi, Ph.D., AIA, NCARB, EDAC

Licensed architect, healthcare planner, researcher, and educator focused on operational outcomes, clinical planning, and the decisions that shape better care environments.

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