The Role of a Health Services Manager

Central to the operations of every well-run hospital, clinic, and healthcare facility are health services managers who ensure that everything runs smoothly. These professionals work behind the scenes to oversee budgets, staffing, compliance, and patient services, making them the backbone of modern healthcare administration. Without health services managers, healthcare organizations would struggle to keep up with evolving regulations, financial challenges, and the growing demand for quality patient care.

For those passionate about healthcare leadership, organizational management, and making a meaningful impact, this field is a dynamic and rewarding option. Whether they are streamlining hospital operations, implementing policies to improve patient outcomes, or managing the intricacies of maintaining staffing levels, these professionals play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare. Prospective health services managers should understand the role and how to become one, including the educational steps.

What Does a Health Services Manager Do?

Health services managers are responsible for keeping healthcare facilities organized, efficiently functioning, and compliant with industry regulations. Their work directly impacts patient care by ensuring that their hospital, clinic, or other type of medical organization runs smoothly.

Core Responsibilities

As is true of administrative services managers in all industries, health services managers have core managerial responsibilities that include the following:

• Overseeing daily operations to guarantee seamless patient care and efficient workflows
• Managing budgets, staffing, and patient services to maintain financial stability and high-quality care
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and accreditation standards to uphold ethical and legal standards

A Day in the Life

Imagine a health services manager at a major hospital navigating a new federal healthcare policy. They might start their morning in meetings with department heads to develop an implementation plan, spend the afternoon training staff on updated compliance protocols, and end the day adjusting the hospital’s budgets to accommodate the new requirements.

Their work ensures both patients and providers experience user-friendly, high-quality healthcare delivery day in and day out.

Industries and Organizations That Hire Health Services Managers

Health services managers are in demand across various sectors of the healthcare industry. Some of the top employers of health services managers are:

• Hospitals and Healthcare Systems: Overseeing departments, patient services, and regulatory compliance
• Government Agencies and Public Health Organizations: Managing community health programs and implementing policies
• Insurance and Healthcare Consulting Firms: Analyzing healthcare operations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Nonprofits and Research Institutions: Leading health initiatives, securing funding, and driving public health advancements

Education and Experience Requirements

Health services managers need a strong educational foundation and relevant experience to succeed in their roles.

Degree Requirements

Most employers require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree, such as a Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration (MHA), is often required for leadership positions. Coursework in an MHA program typically covers topics such as healthcare management, finance, ethics, and policy, providing professionals with the knowledge they need to manage the operations of complex healthcare systems.

Certification

Obtaining a professional certification such as Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) or Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential can enhance a candidate’s career prospects and demonstrate their expertise.

Experience Expectations

Aspiring health service managers can gain valuable experience through entry-level administrative positions in hospitals or clinics. Mid career professionals often transition into leadership roles after gaining enough relevant experience.

Salary and Job Outlook

This is a high demand field that comes with a strong earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for health services managers in 2023 was $110,680. Individual salaries can vary based on a person’s location, experience, and employer, with professionals working in large hospital systems or metro areas often earning higher pay than those in smaller clinics or rural settings.

The job outlook for health services managers is exceptionally strong, with a 29% growth rate projected for this profession from 2023 to 2033, which far exceeds the 4% average growth rate projected for all occupations during that decade. This rapid growth is expected to be fueled by an aging population, increasing demand for healthcare services, and evolving regulations, making healthcare administration a likely stable and lucrative career choice.

How an MA in Healthcare Administration Prepares Individuals for This Role

Earning a Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration enables professionals to gain the essential expertise needed to thrive in health services management.

MHA programs focus on leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, ensuring that students learn the skills required to effectively manage and direct healthcare operations and realize organizational success.

Additionally, the coursework usually covers healthcare policy, compliance, and regulatory requirements, preparing students for the complexities of the healthcare industry.

With an MHA, professionals can pursue executive leadership roles, transition into specialized areas, and enjoy a fulfilling career as a health services manager.

Lead the Future of Healthcare

There has never been a better time to consider a career as a health services manager. These talented professionals are central to ensuring healthcare facilities maintain high-quality operations, comply with regulations, and deliver best-in-class care to their patients.

If you are passionate about healthcare leadership and want to improve healthcare delivery, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a great contribution.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Claremont Lincoln University’s online Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration program. Our program focuses on teaching students how to implement positive change in organizations, prioritize ethical governance, and craft leading-edge solutions for complex healthcare challenges. Students will engage with coursework covering organizational behavior, human performance, managerial epidemiology, strategic communication, and quality management.

Pursue a rewarding career as a health services manager, and learn more about this exciting degree program today.