How To Become A Medical And Health Services Manager
- Getting Started: An Overview
- Understanding the Role: What Medical and Health Services Managers Do
- Exploring Education Options: Degree and Certificate Programs
- Acquiring Work Experience: Internships, Residencies, and Fellowships
- Building Management and Leadership Skills: Training and Development Opportunities
- Networking and Professional Organizations: Connecting with Others in the Field
- Preparing for Certification: CPHM and other Credentialing Programs
- Staying Up-to-Date: Continuing Education and Industry Trends
- Exploring Career Options: Different Settings and Specializations
- Getting Hired: Finding Job Openings and Preparing for Interviews
How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
If you are interested in a career in healthcare but prefer a management role rather than direct patient care, becoming a medical and health services manager may be the perfect fit for you. These professionals are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing healthcare services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and public health agencies. Here are some steps you can take to become a medical and health services manager:
Getting Started: An Overview
The first step in becoming a medical and health services manager is to research the field and determine if it aligns with your interests and career goals. You can start by reading job descriptions and salary information on career websites and talking to professionals in the field.
Understanding the Role: What Medical and Health Services Managers Do
Medical and health services managers have a wide range of responsibilities that vary depending on the setting and organization they work for. Some common duties include:
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Managing finances and budgets
- Hiring and training staff
- Overseeing daily operations
- Ensuring compliance with regulations and laws
- Working with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve quality of care
Exploring Education Options: Degree and Certificate Programs
To become a medical and health services manager, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field. Some employers may also require certification or licensure. There are many degree and certificate programs available, both online and on-campus, that can prepare you for a career in healthcare management.
Acquiring Work Experience: Internships, Residencies, and Fellowships
Gaining work experience in the healthcare industry is crucial for aspiring medical and health services managers. Many degree programs offer internships or other opportunities to gain hands-on experience, but you can also seek out residencies or fellowships after graduation. These programs provide structured training and mentoring and can help you build your network and credentials.
Building Management and Leadership Skills: Training and Development Opportunities
To be a successful medical and health services manager, you need strong management and leadership skills. There are many training and development opportunities available to help you build these skills, including workshops, seminars, and online courses. You can also consider pursuing a master's degree in healthcare management to deepen your knowledge and expertise.
Networking and Professional Organizations: Connecting with Others in the Field
Networking and joining professional organizations can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, build connections, and find job opportunities. There are many healthcare management associations and organizations you can join, such as the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Healthcare Financial Management Association, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Preparing for Certification: CPHM and other Credentialing Programs
Certification can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field and may be required by some employers. The Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM) credential is one of the most widely recognized certifications for healthcare managers. Other credentialing programs include the Certified Medical Manager (CMM), the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP), and the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).
Staying Up-to-Date: Continuing Education and Industry Trends
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. You can do this by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in continuing education programs. This can also help you identify new career opportunities and keep your skills relevant.
Exploring Career Options: Different Settings and Specializations
Medical and health services managers can work in a variety of settings and specializations, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, public health agencies, and insurance companies. Specializations can include finance, operations, marketing, and information technology. Exploring different career options can help you find the right fit for your skills and interests.
Getting Hired: Finding Job Openings and Preparing for Interviews
Once you have completed your education and gained work experience, it's time to start looking for job openings. You can search online job boards, attend career fairs, and network with professionals in the field. When preparing for interviews, be sure to highlight your management and leadership skills, knowledge of industry trends and regulations, and ability to work well with healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, becoming a medical and health services manager is a rewarding and challenging career path that requires dedication, education, and experience. By following these steps and staying committed to your professional development, you can build a successful career in healthcare management.
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Become A Medical And Health Services Manager
What education do I need to become a medical and health services manager?
A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field is typically required. Some employers may prefer or require a master's degree in healthcare administration or a related field.
What skills are necessary to become a medical and health services manager?
Medical and health services managers should have strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. They should also be detail-oriented and able to multitask effectively.
What kind of work experience is required to become a medical and health services manager?
Most employers prefer candidates with some experience in healthcare administration or related fields. However, some entry-level positions may be available for recent graduates with relevant degrees and internships.
What is the job outlook for medical and health services managers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
What is the salary range for medical and health services managers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $100,980 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $189,000.
