A health care administrator/manager plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the delivery of health care. These managers establish and implement policies, objectives, and procedures for their departments; evaluate personnel and work; develop reports and budgets; and coordinate activities with other managers.
Health services managers in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other managed care settings may additionally do more work in the areas of community outreach and preventive care than managers of a group practice may. Generalists manage or assist in the management of an entire facility or system. Specialists are in charge of specific clinical departments or services.
Most health care administrator/managers work in facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals. These facilities may operate around the clock, and administrators and managers may be called at all hours to deal with problems. They may also travel to attend meetings or inspect satellite facilities.
$111,000
Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, there should be increased demand for healthcare services.
Health care administrators/managers receive their education through academic programs at colleges, and universities. Some positions are available with a bachelor’s degree in business, health policy, or administration; however, most employers require a master’s degree in business administration, hospital administration, health administration, or public health. Many health care administrators have doctoral degrees. Physician offices and some other facilities may substitute on-the-job experience for formal education.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
American College of Healthcare Administrators
1101 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
800-561-3148
www.achca.org
American College of Healthcare Executives
300 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60606
312-424-9400
www.ache.org