Best Schools for Health Services Managers in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Health Services Manager

Becoming a Health Services Manager requires a blend of formal education, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the healthcare industry. Let's dive into the educational foundation you need to build your career in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Bachelor’s Degree: The Foundation

The first step towards becoming a Health Services Manager is to earn a bachelor's degree. While some may come from various academic backgrounds, specific degrees can better prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of managing health services:

• Health Administration
• Health Management
• Nursing
• Public Health
• Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare management

These programs typically cover essential topics such as healthcare law, ethics, healthcare economics, and management principles.

Master’s Degree: Elevating Your Expertise

While not always required, a master's degree is highly recommended and increasingly becoming the standard for higher-level positions within healthcare management. Relevant graduate degrees include:

• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare management
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

Graduate programs offer a more in-depth study of the healthcare system, advanced management techniques, policy analysis, and strategic planning. They also often include internships or residencies that provide valuable real-world experience.

Certifications: Proof of Professional Competence

Although not always mandatory, obtaining certification can enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field. Some of the notable certifications include:

• Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE)
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Certified Medical Manager (CMM)
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM)

These certifications require passing an exam and, in some cases, meeting work experience requirements and adhering to professional codes of ethics.

Specialized Areas of Study

Depending on your interests and career goals, you might choose to specialize in certain areas within health services management. These specializations can set you apart in the job market and prepare you for specific roles:

• Healthcare Informatics: Focuses on the use of information technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
• Healthcare Policy and Regulation: Concentrates on understanding and navigating healthcare laws, regulations, and policies.
• Long-term Care Management: Prepares you for managing long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Clinical Management: Targets those interested in managing specific departments or units within a healthcare facility.

By combining the right education, specialization, and professional certifications, you can position yourself as a highly qualified candidate for various roles in health services management. Remember, continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are key to advancing in this ever-evolving field.

Health Services Manager Education Resources

As you're exploring the path to becoming a Health Services Manager, having the right resources at your fingertips is crucial. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these professional associations, industry publications, and educational resources can provide invaluable guidance and insight.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association is a great way to network, stay informed about industry trends, and access career development opportunities. Here are some top organizations for Health Services Managers:

• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
• Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Industry Publications

Keeping up with industry publications can help you stay ahead of the curve on healthcare trends, policies, and technologies. Consider subscribing to or regularly reading:

• Healthcare Management Review
• Modern Healthcare
• Health Affairs
• Journal of Healthcare Management
• Becker's Hospital Review

Educational Resources

Whether you’re seeking your first degree in health services management or looking to further your education with advanced degrees or certifications, these resources can help guide your educational journey:

• Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)
  • A global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals, and organizations dedicated to the improvement of health care delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education.
• Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
  • Accrediting body for graduate programs in health management in the United States and Canada.

Career.Guide

For a comprehensive overview that ties all these aspects together, Career.Guide is your go-to platform. Offering detailed insights into the education requirements, career paths, salary expectations, and day-to-day responsibilities of Health Services Managers, Career.Guide helps you navigate the complexities of this rewarding career.

By leveraging these resources, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the health services management field and be well-equipped to pursue your career goals with confidence.

Health Services Manager Education FAQs

What degree do I need to become a Health Services Manager?

To set your foot in the door as a Health Services Manager, you'll typically need at least a bachelor's degree in health administration, health management, nursing, public health administration, or business administration. However, many employers prefer candidates who have earned a master's degree in one of these fields. The more advanced your education, the better your chances of landing higher-level management positions.

Are there specific courses I should focus on?

Yes, focusing on certain courses can give you an edge in this career path. Here’s a list of recommended courses:

• Health care economics
• Health care law and ethics
• Health services management
• Human resources administration
• Organizational behavior
• Policy analysis and decision-making
• Strategic planning

Do I need any certifications to become a Health Services Manager?

While not always required, obtaining professional certification can enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your expertise in the field. Some of the recognized certifications include:

• Certified Medical Manager (CMM) from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP)

Is work experience necessary for becoming a Health Services Manager?

Yes, work experience in healthcare or management is highly beneficial and sometimes required for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in healthcare settings can provide practical knowledge and skills that are invaluable for a career as a Health Services Manager.

How long does it take to become a Health Services Manager?

The timeline to becoming a Health Services Manager can vary based on your educational path and the amount of work experience you accumulate. Here's a general outline:

• Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years of undergraduate study
• Master’s Degree: 2 additional years (often required for higher-level positions)
• Work Experience: Varies; at least 1-2 years of experience in healthcare or management is commonly expected

What skills are important for a Health Services Manager?

To be successful as a Health Services Manager, you should develop the following skills:

• Leadership and team management
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations
• Ability to adapt to changes in healthcare technology and policy
• Financial management and budgeting

Can I specialize within health services management?

Absolutely! Specializing can make you more attractive to certain employers and help you develop expertise in areas of high demand. Some specializations within health services management include:

• Hospital administration
• Clinical management
• Health information management
• Long-term care administration
• Public health administration

Choosing a specialization will often depend on your interests, career goals, and the specific needs of the healthcare industry.