How To Become a Medical and Health Services Manager 2025

Medical and health services managers play a vital role in healthcare organizations, overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring quality patient care. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled managers who can lead hospitals, clinics, and other facilities efficiently.

Below, we explain how to become a medical and health services manager, the requirements, salary expectations, and the essential skills needed for this rewarding career.

What Is a Medical and Health Services Manager?

A medical and health services manager directs the business operations of healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Their role centers on improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery by overseeing essential business functions. These include managing finances, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the organization's strategic goals.

What Does a Medical and Health Services Manager Do?

Medical and health services managers are involved in the day-to-day management of healthcare facilities. They supervise staff, coordinate department activities, and implement policies that promote efficient workflows.

Their duties often include hiring and training employees, developing and managing budgets, and maintaining accurate patient records. Additionally, they work closely with medical professionals to improve patient care processes, ensure adherence to healthcare regulations, and integrate new technologies or procedures that can benefit the organization.

How To Become a Medical and Health Services Manager

Becoming a medical and health services manager requires a combination of education, experience, and key skills. Follow these practical steps to start your career in this field.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as:

• healthcare management
• health administration
• business
• nursing
• public health

In addition to core classes, students should enroll in essential coursework such as healthcare law and ethics, healthcare financial management, healthcare information systems, and organizational behavior. Courses in quality and patient safety, health policy, project management, and health economics are also important for building a strong foundation in healthcare operations.

Many programs also include an internship or practicum, which gives students practical experience in real healthcare settings, and take about four years to complete and cover essential topics for aspiring managers.

2. Gain Work Experience in Healthcare

After earning your degree, seek entry-level positions in healthcare settings such as hospitals or clinics. Roles like administrative assistant, department coordinator, or office manager help you develop practical experience and understand the inner workings of healthcare organizations. Employers of official medical and health services managers typically look for candidates with at least a few years of work experience in the field.

As you gain experience, focus on building key skills such as:

• leadership skills
• communication skills
• analytical skills
• organizational skills
• attention to detail

These abilities are crucial for managing teams, solving problems, and ensuring regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.

3. Pursue Advanced Education

While a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, some managers choose to earn a master's degree in healthcare administration or a related field for better career advancement opportunities. Advanced degrees can help you qualify for higher-level positions and increase your earning potential.

4. Obtain Professional Certification

Earning certifications like Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) shows expertise and dedication. The CMM requires at least two years of healthcare experience, relevant education credits, and passing a written exam covering finance, risk management, and more. Certification must be maintained with continuing education.

The FACHE requires a master's degree, five years of executive healthcare experience, professional references, continuing education, volunteer work, and passing a board exam. Recertification occurs every three years through ongoing education and service. Both certifications enhance job prospects and professional credibility.

Skills of a Medical and Health Services Manager

To succeed as a medical and health services manager, you need a mix of technical and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:

• Leadership skills: A successful manager must be able to guide teams, motivate staff, and make strategic decisions that benefit the organization.
• Communication skills: It is essential to clearly convey information to staff, patients, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Analytical skills: Managers must evaluate data, solve problems, and make informed decisions to improve processes and outcomes.
• Organizational skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and priorities efficiently is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in records, regulatory compliance, and patient care is a key responsibility.
• Technical skills: Managers need to use healthcare software and manage electronic health records effectively.
• Collaboration: Working with doctors, nurses, and administrators is necessary to achieve organizational goals and improve patient care.
• Critical thinking: The ability to assess situations, anticipate challenges, and develop effective solutions is vital.
• Public health knowledge: Understanding healthcare laws, ethics, and policies helps ensure the organization operates within legal and ethical guidelines.
• Administration: Overseeing budgets, staffing, and facility operations is a core part of the manager's role.

FAQs About How To Become a Medical and Health Services Manager

Below are answers to common questions about starting a career as a medical and health services manager. These FAQs cover topics not already discussed in the article.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Medical and Health Services Manager?

It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree, plus two to five years of work experience in healthcare administration. Some roles may require additional education or certification, so the total time can range from six to eight years.

What Is the Medical and Health Services Manager's Salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median medical and health services manager's salary is $117,960 per year. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of facility.

Where Do Medical and Health Services Managers Work?

Most managers work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and group medical practices. Some also work for insurance companies, government agencies, or consulting firms.

What Is the Job Outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers?

Job growth for medical and health services managers is projected to be much faster than average, with a 29% increase expected in the next decade. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expanding healthcare industry.

Is Certification Required to Become a Manager?

Certification is not always required but is highly recommended. Earning a certification like the ones we explained earlier can improve your job prospects and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Earn Your Degree Today

If you are ready to start your journey toward becoming a medical and health services manager, explore online degree programs offered by top schools on Learn.org. Earning your degree is the first step to a rewarding career in healthcare leadership.