Career Path

Medical and Health Services Manager or Healthcare Administrator

Overview

In this career, your responsibilities may include:

Directing strategy and implementation of healthcare services for an entire medical facility, a specific department, or a private practice.
Staying informed of changes in healthcare regulations and technology, and adapting services and policies accordingly.
Supervising staff.
Managing the finances of the facility or department.
Coordinating and collaborating with senior medical staff and department heads.

Job Titles

In your job search, you may find listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at Career One Stop.

Academic Requirements

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree. Obtaining a higher degree can make you eligible for careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries in this career pathway, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a higher degree.

Certification

Certification is not required, but could make employers more likely to hire you or offer you a higher salary.

You may be eligible for Certified Medical Manager (CMM), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), or Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)/Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) credentials.
Licensure

Licensure is required in all states to work as a nursing home administrator. Some states also require licensure for administrators of assisted living facilities. Other than these two types of facilities, most do not require licensure.