Health Services Manager

Health services managers plan direct, supervise and coordinate healthcare practice at a caregiver institution. There are two types of health services manager: the generalist and the specialist. The specialist oversees a department or facility, whereas a generalist will tend to direct and entire system or facility. Large facilities employ multiple assistant administrators, whereas in smaller facilities one administration has to handle pretty much everything. Managers of clinics are responsible for policy implementation and personnel evaluation, whereas managers of group medical practices work directly with physician.

Health services managers have to have solid leadership and motivational skills. They must have tact, diplomacy, and flexibility. Additionally, they have to be effective decision-makers. Extensive communication skills are essential, as well as familiarity with finance and information systems. Lastly, their data interpretation skills have to be first rate.

Education and Credentials Required
Typically, health services managers have a master's degree in health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration. A very few entry-level positions only require a bachelor's degree. On-the-job experience can replace formal educational requirements in some facilities. Undergraduate degrees in business or health administration, or work experience, may help with admission to graduate programs. Admission is very competitive.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for health services managers are expected to increase much faster than the national average. Health services managers are employed by physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and outpatient care centers, in addition to the traditional hospital context. Growth will be fastest in individual practitioners’ offices and home healthcare agencies. Experience in a specialized field will significantly improve chances of finding the best job.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for health services managers was $61,370, and approximately ten percent of health services managers earned more than $109,080 per year. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors