Becoming a healthcare manager is an exciting and great position in the healthcare field. They are responsible for the effective and efficient running of healthcare facilities such as acute care hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, rehabilitation hospitals and medical offices.
When making the decision to become a healthcare manager, it’s important to know that candidates for these positions must be competent to handle personnel, create and carry out policy, handle budgets and execute the facility’s long-term goals. Leadership and organizational ability are important qualities for a healthcare manager. Individuals should also have caring, sympathetic personalities who want to help others.
Education
In high school you will need to carry a 3.0 GPA or higher and focus your classes in English, business, math and science if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare management. It would also be good if your high school has a leadership or speech elective. You would benefit from taking one or both of those. The preferred qualification for a healthcare manager is a master’s degree in healthcare management or in business. Certain entry-level positions can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, healthcare sciences, business or business administration.
Work Experience
Qualified experience in a healthcare field is also required for managers. Previous working experience in a hospice, or a nonprofit organization, social work, or experience in senior services are all recognized as valuable work experience. The minimum experience required is usually three years in a clinical environment or nursing facility.
One year of clinical management or administrative experience is also usually required of managers, as well as a knowledge of safety, state health guidelines, policies, standards and knowledge of current political matters that affect the healthcare system. The prospective healthcare manager must also be familiar with Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rules and regulations, budgeting and other financial matters.
Certification
If, for example, you’re interested in becoming a healthcare manager of a skilled rehabilitation and nursing facility or a facility for long-term care, you’ll have to pass the Nursing Home Administrator exam. Other pre-requisites include obtaining a bachelor’s degree, passing a criminal background check, and completing the administrator training program. Both the training and the exam are waived for those who already have ten years of healthcare manager experience and possess a master’s degree; candidates who have these qualifications will be able to more quickly obtain the licensing.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is an essential part of the life of a healthcare manager, and you will need to keep your professional license up-to-date by earning at least 45 continuing education units prior to every renewal date. These can be earned through membership to professional organizations and through online courses.
Skills
Another aspect of the education of a healthcare manager is the development of leadership skills. You will need to foster a positive culture in your organization, where teamwork and cooperation is encouraged at all levels. You need to have the ability to set high standards and be a good example to others in order to create the right reputation in the facility. Good financial management skills are a plus and the ability to provide efficient and effective care for patients.
Wages and Job Opportunities
A healthcare manager can expect to make an average salary of $70,000 to $85,000 in a hospital setting and $50,000 to $60,000 in a medical office setting. There is also pay for performance type bonuses if your facility is run efficiently.
These management positions are in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, consulting firms, insurance companies and other companies within the medical industry. These days, the healthcare industry is expanding like no other. The rapid growth of the healthcare industry, even in a time of a slow economy, has resulted in a large number of job opportunities in this particular job market.
Online universities are striving to meet the needs of the healthcare community; their distance learning degrees make it possible for healthcare professionals to advance their careers. This is possible even while you’re still attending to your work schedules and/or responsibilities to your family. With the flexible scheduling and varying tuition amounts you’ll find at different online schools, you’re sure to find one that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a healthcare manager!