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Degrees and Schools

Educational requirements depend on the employer and scope of the job. Managers in small settings, such as a doctor's office, may require only a bachelor's degree or less. Those in a larger setting, particularly managers in charge of general operations, usually require a master's degree in health services administration or a related field. Accredited degree programs are available in many different types of institution, including colleges, universities, and allied health schools. Accreditation status of schools and programs can be found on the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) web site.

Classes

Some of the coursework found in a typical health services administration or related degree program may include:

• Marketing
• Accounting
• Human Resources Administration
• Management Information Systems
• Health Care Economics
• Health Service Ethics And Law
• Health Policy and Administration
• Biostatistics
• Hospital Management
• Strategic Planning

Online Classes and Programs

Several colleges and universities offer accredited online degree programs in the health service management field. Although many of them can be completed without the student needing to attend any on-site facilities, some programs include coursework with clinical as well as administrative components. For these, students are sometimes required to attend on-site sessions where they are expected to demonstrate abilities of clinical processes learned in the course. Prospective students should inquire about the need for on-site attendance before enrolling in any online school.

Employment Requirements

Licensure requirements depend on the specific work venue and position. Every state mandates that managers of nursing care facilities have at least a bachelor’s degree and hold a license. Some states also require licenses for managers of assisted living facilities. In order to earn a license, managers must successfully complete a state-approved training program and pass a licensing exam. In addition, continuing education credits usually must be earned in order to maintain licensure. Most other areas of health services management do not typically require licenses.

How to Evaluate Schools

The following are items that should be considered by anyone interested in a career in this field when choosing a school:

• Programs offered - Is there a wide variety of degree programs? Does the school offer the programs and coursework which provide a good fit for the job or specialty you aspire to?
• Accreditation - Is the school CAHME-accredited? Does the coursework satisfy any licensing requirements that may apply for jobs you want in your state? Can course credits be transferred to other post-secondary institutions?
• Job placement opportunities - Does the school offer internships? Are there links or connections to employers in the area?
• Financial aid - Does the school offer its students access to government student aid programs? Is assistance available to students in the form of scholarship guidance or work-study programs?

Health Services Manager Job Description

There are very few industries that have more of an impact on people than the health care industry. As such, health care needs to be managed properly in order to be effective. Individuals charged with such management are called health service managers. They are responsible for the planning, coordination, and oversight of health care delivery. Health service managers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of them are specialists who oversee a specific clinical department (e.g., nursing, therapy, surgery, etc). Others are more high-level and handle the general business (e.g., finances, hiring, admissions, etc) of an entire facility.

Depending on the employer and the specialty, health service managers may find themselves performing many of the following tasks on a regular basis:

• Supervise and direct the work efforts of health care personnel
• Recruit, hire, and train personnel
• Establish and implement policies and procedures
• Develop and assign work schedules
• Attend management meetings and interface with other departments
• Keep abreast of technological advances and changes in government regulations
• Maintain cognizance of health insurance and financing changes
• Plan and implement training programs
• Consult with external community, business, and medical groups
• Develop and implement business strategies
• Conduct regular reviews of activities and practices for purposes of continual improvement
• Supervise and/or and administer fiscal operations

The majority of managers work in hospitals, physician offices, or nursing/residential care facilities. Many of them tend to work long hours, especially those who work in nursing care facilities and hospitals which operate 24/7. In most cases, the work is done in comfortable surroundings. Some travel is usually required to attend meetings or to visit other facilities.