Social influence and political agenda can both impact the structure and processes of the health care industry. Health systems studies can focus on this influence as well as how medical technology, social need, and politics affect the quality and quantity of care across the industry.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.

A bachelor’s degree is a three- or four-year undergraduate degree and is the standard for higher education throughout most of the world. Bachelor’s degrees can be earned at state universities, private universities, community colleges, and online universities.