Medical and Health Services Manager Overview

To work in a hospital, most medical and health services managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration. However, a master’s degree in an area like public administration, business administration or public health might help open the door to more opportunities.

The vast majority of those who manage smaller practices (with anywhere from one to six doctors) have an associate or trade school certificate. Karen Blanchette, director of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, suggests looking for a program affiliated with a national association. PAHCOM’s Academic Credentialing Program, for instance, offers students the ability to prepare and sit for credentialing exams to become Certified Medical Managers. “Their real-world exposure coupled with professional certification makes them a far better employment candidate than those without,” Blanchette says.

Prospective medical and health services managers might also need to acquire their licensure, depending on their workplace. For instance, nursing care facility administrators are required to have licensure; while licensure for those in charge of assisted living facilities will vary by state. Other sectors of medical and health services management don’t require licensure.

Certification isn’t a requirement either, but it’s available through PAHCOM and the College of Health Care Administrators and other associations. Again, though it’s not a requirement, it might help show employers your dedication and seriousness about the profession.