I think it can be learned to a degree but not a great degree.

I know someone who purposefully learned to be more empathic and I did see a change over a number of years. However I would say it is not full empathy in the way I have seen in others. Some people are naturally more aware and emotionally intelligent in my experience- they often tend to be women. I am not saying that is the rule but in my experience men seem to be a little less empathic.