Health Services Manager
Job Description:Health service managers run local healthcare services like hospitals, GP practices and community health services.
Job Category: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)
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.