How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager: A Career Guide
Introduction: The Role of Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers play a critical role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that medical facilities operate efficiently while complying with healthcare laws, improving patient care, and managing healthcare finances. They oversee hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare organizations, working closely with medical professionals and administrative staff.
In 2023, the U.S. had 515,100 medical and health services managers, with a median annual salary of $110,680. Compared to 2022, employment increased by 8%, and salaries rose by 5.6%, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare administrators.
With an aging population, healthcare expansion, and increased regulations, the need for skilled medical and health services managers is expected to grow, offering strong career opportunities and job stability.
Educational Requirements and Certifications
1. Earn a Relevant Degree
A bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field is the minimum requirement, but most professionals pursue a master’s degree to advance their careers. Relevant degrees include:
Healthcare Administration
Public Health (MPH)
Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare focus
Health Information Management
2. Obtain Certifications for Career Advancement
While not always required, certifications improve job prospects and credibility:
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) – Focuses on healthcare finance and revenue management.
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) – A prestigious certification for healthcare leadership.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM) – For managers in physician practices.
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) – For professionals in health information management.
Certain roles, such as nursing home administrators, require state licensure, which varies by state.
Key Responsibilities of Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers bridge the gap between medical professionals and administrative operations to improve patient care and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Their responsibilities include:
Managing healthcare facilities, departments, or medical practices
Ensuring compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations
Overseeing budgets, financial planning, and cost control
Supervising healthcare staff and coordinating daily operations
Implementing policies to improve patient care and facility efficiency
Analyzing healthcare trends and recommending improvements
Using health information systems for data management and reporting
With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and digital healthcare solutions, managers must stay updated on healthcare technology and data privacy regulations.
Top Industries for Medical and Health Services Managers
Industries with the Highest Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance – 402,960 jobs, $106,320 median salary (-4.6% below national average).
Federal, State, and Local Government – 37,840 jobs, $125,590 median salary (-2.5% below national average).
Management of Companies and Enterprises – 17,230 jobs, $138,620 median salary (+25.2% above national average).
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services – 16,970 jobs, $170,050 median salary (+49.6% above national average).
Finance and Insurance – 10,820 jobs, $139,540 median salary (+25.8% above national average).
Industries with the Highest Salaries
Wholesale Trade – $206,420 median salary (+60% above national average).
Manufacturing – $206,120 median salary (+60% above national average).
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services – $170,050 median salary (+49.6% above national average).
Retail Trade – $156,960 median salary (+9.1% above national average).
Healthcare administrators in scientific, technical, and financial services industries often earn significantly higher salaries compared to those working in hospitals and government settings.
Best Locations for Medical and Health Services Managers
Top States for Employment
California – 57,310 jobs, $139,430 median salary (+16.1% above national average).
Texas – 51,030 jobs, $105,460 median salary (-10.6% below national average).
Florida – 35,950 jobs, $104,310 median salary (-7.7% below national average).
New York – 25,910 jobs, $144,230 median salary (+33.3% above national average).
Pennsylvania – 20,800 jobs, $106,270 median salary (-6.4% below national average).
Top Cities for Medical and Health Services Managers
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 31,120 jobs, $142,860 median salary (+33.4% above national average).
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – 18,790 jobs, $134,050 median salary (+10.6% above national average).
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH – 14,960 jobs, $134,130 median salary (+23.4% above national average).
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX – 14,390 jobs, $115,630 median salary (-2.3% below national average).
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI – 14,180 jobs, $118,100 median salary (+1.2% above national average).
Top Locations for Job Concentration
Rochester, MN – 3.2X national job concentration, $122,580 median salary.
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area – 2.3X national job concentration, $79,000 median salary.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR – 2.3X national job concentration, $85,500 median salary.
Jonesboro, AR – 2.1X national job concentration, $94,020 median salary.
While large metro areas offer high salaries, smaller cities with major healthcare centers provide strong employment opportunities due to high job concentration.
Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
1. Entry-Level to Mid-Level Positions
Health Information Manager – Manages medical records and data security.
Clinical Manager – Oversees specific hospital departments.
Practice Administrator – Manages daily operations in a medical practice.
2. Senior and Leadership Roles
Hospital Administrator – Manages hospital operations, staffing, and budgets.
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – Leads nursing teams and patient care.
Health Services Director – Oversees multiple healthcare facilities.
3. Executive-Level and Consulting Roles
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Healthcare System
Healthcare Policy Analyst – Develops regulations for public health.
Independent Healthcare Consultant – Advises hospitals and healthcare firms.
Conclusion: Why Choose a Career in Healthcare Management?
A career as a medical and health services manager offers:
Job security due to increasing healthcare demand.
High earning potential, with strong salary growth opportunities.
Diverse career paths, from hospital administration to health policy roles.
Opportunities for leadership and executive positions in the healthcare industry.
With rising healthcare needs, digital transformation, and evolving regulations, professionals who adapt to industry trends and technology will be in high demand. This fast-growing field offers strong financial rewards and meaningful impact in improving healthcare delivery across the United States.
For more detailed insights, visit our Medical and Health Services Managers Dashboard.
