It’s no secret health care is on the rise, and with it, the need for medical and health care professionals who keep the hospitals, offices, and facilities in tip-top shape. Enter medical and health services managers. In the world of medicine and its related functions, these individuals are the behind-the-scenes professionals who have organization down to a science. Medical and health services managers not only run the show, but they also ensure patients get the care they need. Every last detail is accounted for; every note is taken; all is overseen by medical and health services managers.
To master such a high level of attention to detail, you may wonder what it takes to become a medical and health services manager. In this guide, you’ll find what these professionals do on a daily basis, the types of settings in which they may work, how to become one (of course), the expected medical and health services manager salary, and the job outlook for this career path.
What Is a Medical and Health Services Manager?
According to U.S. News & World Report, medical and health services managers are individuals who, as mentioned above, plan, coordinate, and run the day-to-day of a health care or medical organization’s functions. This includes settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and other medical facilities.
What Does a Medical and Health Services Manager Do?
Medical and health services managers, often referred to as health care administrators or health care executives, play a crucial role in the health care industry by overseeing the efficient and effective delivery of health care services. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, all of which are geared toward improving the efficiency and quality of health care services while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Medical and health services managers typically work with doctors, directors, personnel such as health insurance representatives and administrators, and more. In addition to the daily ins and outs of running a hospital, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical and health services managers generally do the following key roles and responsibilities:
- Developing goals and objectives for efficiency and quality: Medical and health services managers are responsible for setting strategic goals and objectives for their health care facility or department. These goals often focus on improving the efficiency of health care delivery, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall quality of patient care. They work closely with clinical and administrative staff to develop strategies and initiatives that align with these goals. These may include implementing electronic health records systems, streamlining administrative processes, or optimizing patient flow.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: Compliance with laws and regulations is a top priority for health care administrators. They must stay up to date with changing health care laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. They work to ensure everyone at the facility maintains proper licensure, follows safety standards, and adheres to patient privacy regulations, such as federal law restricting release of medical information.
- Financial management: Managing the financial aspects of medical and health services is a critical responsibility. This includes preparing and monitoring budgets, managing expenses, and optimizing revenue sources. Medical and health services managers often oversee billing processes, ensuring patient fees are accurately assessed and collected. They may also explore cost-saving measures and negotiate contracts with vendors and insurers.
- Human resources management: Attracting, training, and supervising staff members is fundamental to the smooth operation of health care facilities. Managers recruit qualified health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, and administrative staff. They provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure staff members stay current with industry best practices and advancements.
- Scheduling and workflow management: Creating efficient work schedules for health care personnel is essential for maintaining a high level of patient care. Managers ensure staffing levels are adequate to meet patient demand and that shifts are balanced. They also oversee the development and implementation of protocols to streamline patient care processes and reduce wait times.
- Representation and governance: Medical and health services managers may represent their facility or department at investor meetings, board meetings, and other key forums. They communicate the facility’s performance, financial status, and strategic initiatives to stakeholders. They often work closely with governing boards to make decisions that impact the long-term success and direction of the health care organization.
- Recordkeeping and data management: Accurate recordkeeping is crucial for tracking patient outcomes, resource utilization, and facility performance. Managers ensure comprehensive records are maintained, including data on the number of inpatient beds used, patient outcomes, and resource allocation.
How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
Given the complexity of the role of medical and health services managers, you might be surprised to find that typically, only a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience (less than five) are required to pursue this career, per the BLS. Some of the common areas of study for undergraduate education include business, health care, management, or another major that combines one of these. If you’re seeking related experience en route to becoming a medical and health services manager, consider choosing roles in nursing, or administrative or clinical roles in a hospital or health care center, recommends the BLS. These experiences will help you gain the analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and other skills the U.S. News & World Report says those in this profession need.
What Is a Medical and Health Services Manager Salary?
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Part of what makes the medical and health services managers career path so appealing is the salary. Based on data from the BLS in 2022, the median annual salary was $104,830. This comes in with some other favorable numbers too. For medical and health services managers working in state, local, and private hospitals, the median reported salary was $125,280. The median reported salary for professionals in government was $119,100. Those working in outpatient care centers cited a median salary of $101,890; physicians’ offices, $99,440; and finally, nursing and residential care facilities, $93,610.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Medical and Health Services Manager?
Based on this information from the BLS, let’s take a deeper look into the specific job outlook for medical and health services managers. From 2022-2032, the career is expected to increase by a significant 28% — much faster than most any other field. Employment in 2022 consisted of 509,500 jobs of this type, and the projected employment through 2032 is 654,200. Needless to say, the career is rife with opportunity in terms of growth and level of entry.
Conclusion: How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are multifaceted professionals who oversee the business and administrative aspects of health care while also striving to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care. Their responsibilities encompass financial management, regulatory and compliance, staffing, strategic planning, and representing the organization’s best interests. Ultimately, their work contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of health care facilities and services. The field is rapidly growing with ample opportunity to get involved.