Medical and Health Services Managers
Overview
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations. Medical and health services managers’ titles depend on their facility or area of expertise.
What do they do?
Most medical and health services managers work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, and group medical practices. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology. Medical and health services managers set and carry out policies, goals, and procedures for their departments or facilities. Their duties include hiring, scheduling, and evaluating staff; monitoring compliance with state and federal guidelines; and developing reports and budgets. Responsibilities may vary by employer. For example, managers of large facilities may focus on broad oversight, while tasks for those in small departments might include ordering medical supplies and materials.Medical and health services managers work with physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, medical records specialists, and other healthcare personnel. They also may interact with patients or insurance agents. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
The following are examples of types of medical and health services managers:
Nursing home administrators manage all aspects of a facility, including admissions and building maintenance, as well as care of its residents.
Clinical managers oversee a department, such as intensive care or physical therapy, and have responsibilities based on that specialty.
Health information managers ensure that databases of patient records are complete, accurate, and accessible only to authorized personnel.
How to become one
Medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation; however, educational requirements vary by facility and specific function. Prospective managers also typically need work experience in an administrative or clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
