What Is a Health Services Manager?
A health services manager is responsible for a medical institution’s operations. They make sure that the facility operates within budget and is compliant with current regulations. Health services managers also determine ways to improve the quality and efficiency of the healthcare services their facility or department provides.
What Does a Health Services Manager Do?
Sometimes called a healthcare administrator or healthcare executive, a health services manager oversees a medical facility, department or physician practice. They ensure that their institution adheres to healthcare regulations and stay current on law changes and current technology. Health services managers develop ways to improve the efficiency and quality in healthcare services.
Additionally, health services managers oversee the facility’s finances, making sure that the institution operates within budget, and they supervise staff and develop work schedules. They may also represent their facility on governing boards or at investor meetings.
Typically, a health services manager works full time and may have to work nights and weekends, depending on when a facility is open. They may also be required to be on call in case an emergency arises.
How Much Do Health Services Managers Earn?
Health services managers earned a median annual salary of $98,350 as of May 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Depending on where they work, wages vary. For example, health services managers employed at hospitals made $107,230, and those at nursing and residential care facilities earned $82,950. Through 2026, the BLS predicts that employment for health services managers will grow 20 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
How Do I Become a Health Services Manager?
To become a health services manager, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree. Some employers, however, prefer candidates who have a master’s degree. Many health services managers have backgrounds in health administration, health management or health science. Additionally, work experience in a clinical or administrative position is required.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health from Alvernia University helps you become an impactful health services manager. With topics focusing on the assessment and evaluation of behavioral health disorders, therapeutic approaches and theories and the fundamentals of mental illnesses, the program gives you the opportunity to learn from faculty who are highly experienced in the field. Featuring a convenient online format, the affordable program offers you the flexibility to earn your degree at your own pace.