Medical and Health Services Managers

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. These professionals work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and medical practices, ensuring that healthcare operations run smoothly and efficiently.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $117,960 per year ($56.71 per hour)

  • Job Growth (2023-33): 29% (Much faster than average)

  • Typical Education: Bachelor's degree

  • Work Experience: Less than 5 years in a related administrative or clinical role

  • Job Outlook: 160,600 openings projected annually from 2023 to 2033

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Healthcare Administrator, Assistant Healthcare Manager, Operations Coordinator

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field

  • Experience: 0–2 years in a healthcare-related administrative or clinical role

  • Core Responsibilities:

    • Assist in overseeing the daily operations of a healthcare facility or department

    • Help with budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining patient records

    • Ensure compliance with health regulations and laws

    • Support senior management in strategic planning and operational decisions

  • Salary Range: $55,000–$75,000 per year

Mid-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Healthcare Manager, Department Manager, Medical Practice Manager

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred for some positions)

  • Experience: 3–5 years in healthcare administration or management

  • Core Responsibilities:

    • Oversee specific departments such as surgery, radiology, or outpatient services

    • Develop and implement policies and procedures

    • Manage budgets and staffing needs

    • Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care

    • Supervise a team of healthcare workers and assist in hiring, training, and performance evaluations

  • Salary Range: $75,000–$100,000 per year

Senior-Level Role

  • Job Titles: Senior Healthcare Administrator, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO)

  • Education: Master’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, or business administration (MBA)

  • Experience: 5+ years with significant leadership responsibilities

  • Core Responsibilities:

    • Oversee the operations of an entire healthcare organization or large department

    • Lead strategic planning and policy development

    • Manage large budgets, including funding allocation for various departments

    • Collaborate with healthcare executives, physicians, and board members to establish long-term goals and policies

    • Ensure compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations

  • Salary Range: $100,000–$200,000+ per year

3. How to Become One

  • Education:

    • Entry-Level: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or business management

    • Mid-Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, typically with a focus on healthcare systems and management

    • Senior-Level: Master’s degree (MHA, MPH, MBA) for advanced positions, with a focus on healthcare policy, finance, and leadership.

  • Work Experience:

    • Entry-Level: 0–2 years in administrative or clinical support roles.

    • Mid-Level: 3–5 years in managerial roles or within a healthcare environment, including department management or administrative oversight.

    • Senior-Level: 5+ years of management experience in a healthcare setting, often with leadership roles in clinical or administrative functions.

  • Certifications:

    • While certifications are not always required, they can enhance career prospects:

      • Certified Medical Manager (CMM) from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management

      • Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)

  • Licensing:

    • Nursing home administrators typically require state licensure.

    • Requirements vary by state for other types of healthcare administrators.

4. Skills & Tools

  • Core Skills:

    • Leadership and management

    • Communication and interpersonal skills

    • Financial management and budgeting

    • Analytical thinking and problem-solving

    • Knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations, and medical terminology

    • Organizational and time-management skills

  • Tools & Software:

    • Healthcare Management Software (e.g., Epic Systems, Cerner, McKesson)

    • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

    • Hospital Information Systems (HIS) for patient records and management

    • Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

5. Work Environment

  • Industries:

    • Hospitals and healthcare systems

    • Nursing and residential care facilities

    • Outpatient care centers

    • Medical group practices

    • Government agencies

  • Settings:

    • Healthcare facilities, offices, or outpatient centers

    • Full-time roles, often exceeding 40 hours per week

    • Potential for evening or weekend shifts, depending on the facility

6. Job Outlook

  • Employment Growth: Projected growth of 29% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  • Annual Openings: Approximately 160,600 openings annually, primarily due to the need to replace workers retiring or transferring.

  • Factors Driving Demand:

    • An aging population requiring more healthcare services

    • Advances in health information technology and the need for skilled managers in health IT and informatics

7. Related Occupations

  • Administrative Services Managers: Oversee the operations of an organization, ensuring the efficient use of resources.

  • Healthcare IT Managers: Specialize in the implementation and management of healthcare technology systems.

  • Human Resources Managers: Manage staffing, training, and employee relations within healthcare facilities.

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): May move into managerial roles with additional training and experience.

  • Social and Community Service Managers: Oversee organizations that provide healthcare and social services to specific populations.

8. Resources for Learning & Advancement

  • Courses & Certifications:

    • Master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration (MHA) or Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare

    • Healthcare management certifications (CMM, FACHE, CHCA)

  • Books:

    • Healthcare Management: A Case Study Approach by Stephen L. Isaacs

    • The Healthcare Executive's Guide to Negotiation by Michael P. Murphy

    • The Well-Managed Healthcare Organization by Kenneth R. White and John R. Griffith

  • Videos & Communities:

    • YouTube: Videos on healthcare management and leadership strategies

    • Podcasts: "The Healthcare Leadership Experience," "Healthcare Executives"

    • LinkedIn Groups and Online Forums for healthcare management professionals

9. Regional Data & Employment Trends

  • Top-Paying Industries:

    • Government: $132,620

    • Hospitals (state, local, private): $130,690

    • Outpatient care centers: $106,990

  • Hot Markets:

    • High demand for healthcare managers in large urban areas and regions with aging populations like Florida, California, and Texas.

  • Emerging Trends:

    • Increased reliance on telemedicine and digital health tools

    • Growing importance of data privacy and security in healthcare management

    • Demand for managers with expertise in healthcare IT systems, especially with the transition to electronic health records (EHR) systems

Keandra Wilson
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