Health Services Manager

Job Description:

Health service managers run local healthcare services like hospitals, GP practices and community health services.

Job Category:

Health Care & Social Assistance

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What you will do:

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

work with clinical staff and other professionals
recruit, train and supervise staff
deal with the health service’s day-to-day performance
set and manage budgets
write reports and give presentations
use data to monitor and improve services
make sure regulations are followed
manage premises and security

Skills:

You’ll need:

business management skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
administration skills
leadership skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a Health Services Manager, you typically don’t need specific subjects, but having a strong educational foundation and certain skills can be beneficial for this role, which involves overseeing healthcare facilities and managing healthcare services. Here are some relevant subjects and skills:

English Language: Effective communication skills, including written communication, are essential for communicating with staff, patients, and other stakeholders.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for tasks like budgeting, financial analysis, and data interpretation.
Science: While not mandatory, a basic understanding of science, particularly biology and chemistry, can be helpful in understanding healthcare processes and terminology.
Information Technology (IT): Proficiency in using computers and relevant software is crucial for managing electronic health records (EHRs), healthcare databases, and administrative systems.
Business Studies or Economics: Knowledge of business principles, financial management, and economics can be valuable for healthcare management, especially when dealing with budgets and resource allocation.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

University

A common way into this job is through a graduate training scheme. As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership.

Some private healthcare providers offer graduate general management schemes.

Apprenticeship

You could gain relevant skills and knowledge for this job through a Chartered manager degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes 4 years to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study at an approved university.

Work

You can get into health service management by working your way up from an administrative or clinical role within your national health service.

With experience, you can move up to supervisory or management level. The degree in healthcare leadership is suitable for doctors, pharmacists, allied health professionals, nurses, midwives and non-clinical staff who want to advance into a senior management position.

Direct Application

You can apply directly if you already have management experience from the private, public or voluntary sector.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 37-39 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends on a rota.

You could work in a public or private hospital, at a health centre or at a GP practice.

Career Path & Progression:

You’ll increase your chances for career progression if you complete a higher level management qualification.

You could also apply for jobs at director or chief executive level.