Area of Responsibility

• A hospital, clinic or other medical facility is a business, no different than a corporation within another industry. As such, a health service manager hires and directs a team to carry out all corporate responsibilities needed for the organization to function and profit. This includes human resources, marketing, finance and accounting, and legal and compliance departments. While the actual patient care duties may report to a medical director, these two individuals work hand-in-hand to ensure that the facility carries out its mission in a profitable way.
  
  

Salary

• According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, health service managers held approximately 283,500 jobs in 2008, earning an annual income that averaged $80,240 per year. Those seeking employment will find this a promising career path, as job growth within this is anticipated to occur at a rate of 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. The largest area of growth will be within medical clinics and private practices.
  
  

Lifestyle of a Health Service Manager

• Unlike doctors and nurses, health service managers rarely interact with patients. These individuals work within the administrative offices of the facility, in the more corporate-like environment of offices and/or cubicles. Additionally, they typically work standard 40-hour workweeks. Overtime, such as during evening, nights and weekends may be required, as certain facilities such as hospitals, operate on a 24-hour basis.
  
  

Job Requirements

• In order to become a health service manager, a candidate must possess at least a four-year degree within health services administration, public administration, business administration or a related field of study. Additionally, many employers will only consider those with graduate level degrees. Depending on the type of facility, a health service manager may be required to obtain licensing from her state of employment.
  
  

Finding Employment

• Individuals who have obtained the proper schooling and have received any applicable licensing may find employment using a variety of resources. Perhaps the greatest resources are professional organizations. Obtaining membership with appropriate trade organizations such as the American College of Health Care Administrators, Professional Association of Health Care Office Management or the American College of Health Care Executives affords candidates the opportunity to network with potential hiring managers and learn about open roles within the field.