Medical and Health Services Manager – Health Administrator

Healthcare is big business. It employs more people than any other industry in America. Over $3.8 trillion in spending flowed through the market in 2019 and is estimated to grow to $6 trillion by 2028. But doctors and other medical staff aren’t necessarily business experts—and that’s where medical and health services managers come in. 

While other medical staff members are focused on delivering the best quality care to patients, it’s up to medical and health services managers—sometimes called health administrators—to see that the business side of a medical facility is running as efficiently as possible.

With the retirement of the Baby Boomers, the size and scope of the healthcare industry will only grow further, and medical and health services managers are needed to tackle the financial, managerial, and regulatory issues that go with that. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), openings for medical and health services managers are projected to grow 32 percent between 2020 and 2030, a rate four times greater than the national average for all professions during that same decade (8 percent).

Becoming a health services manager requires expertise at the nexus of health and business. One must be able to lead an organization, balance a budget, and develop strategic goals that allow for care providers to do their jobs effectively. But they also need a fundamental understanding of community health issues, epidemiology, reimbursement procedures, and psychology. And those are just the table stakes. 

To get the details on this rapidly growing, highly lucrative profession, read on.

Degree programs for health services managers are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For undergraduates, relevant degree programs may be in healthcare administration, health services management, or health services administration. At the graduate level, one can pursue a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA), a master’s of public health (MPH), or even a master’s of business administration (MBA) with a focus in healthcare. 

Some schools may offer accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs which can help a student earn both degrees in a shorter period of time (and for less money) than if they were earned separately.

In both undergraduate and graduate programs, students may have the option to specialize by adding a relevant concentration. These vary widely from program to program but may include focuses in finance; care coordination; health information management; policy and compliance; or personnel management.

For undergraduate programs, admissions requirements typically include a competitive high school GPA (3.0 or greater); SAT and/or ACT scores; letter(s) of recommendation, and a personal statement. 

For graduate programs, admissions requirements may include a combination of the following: a competitive undergraduate GPA (3.0 or greater); GRE and/or GMAT scores; letter(s) of recommendation; work experience; and a personal statement. 

Do note that admissions requirements will vary from program to program. In some cases, achievements in one area may compensate for what’s lacking in others. It’s best practice to consult each program’s admissions requirements individually and reach out to the school’s admissions counselors with any questions.

Students enrolling in a degree program for health services management should be sure to check the school’s accreditation status. Accreditation verifies that a school’s educational programs are meeting peer-reviewed standards of excellence. 

At the undergraduate level, regional accreditation for health services manager programs is generally acceptable. A full list of regional accreditation entities is available on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. At the master’s level, the ideal programmatic accreditation for health services manager programs is provided through the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). 

Do note that some schools will state that their health services management curriculums adhere to guidelines set by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) or the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL). While this is not required for all health services management programs, it does demonstrate a commitment to industry-wide best practices.

Drexel University

Drexel’s bachelor’s of science (BS) in health services administration gives students a foundational understanding of the management and economic principles related to healthcare services. Their City Center Campus includes the Hahnemann University Hospital, which allows students to observe clinical lectures and hear presentations by leading researchers and practitioners. 

Core requirements include classes in healthcare ethics; financial management in healthcare; healthcare policy; the economics of healthcare systems; and management of health services. The curriculum follows the guidelines of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), as well as the key competency areas outlined by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL). The program consists of between 180 and 184 credits.

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Tuition: $18,405 per quarter

Sam Houston State University

SHSU has a bachelor’s of science (BS) in healthcare administration program that focuses on the conceptual and analytical skills needed to manage modern healthcare organizations. 

Boasting a low faculty-to-student ratio (1:25), the program takes a multidisciplinary approach that prepares students to coordinate service delivery that prevents disease and fosters wellness in communities. Courses cover a broad spectrum of topics in business, economics, management, policy, strategy, and psychology. The program consists of 120 credits. 

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $652 per credit hour for non-residents

University of Washington (UW)

The master’s of healthcare administration program at the University of Washington is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation by US News & World Report. 

Designed for early-career professionals, it gives students the leadership skills needed to advance their careers in health services management. Classes cover topics such as managing healthcare organizations; healthcare financial management; epidemiology; informatics; and population health management strategy. The program consists of 76 credits.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: CAHME
• Tuition: $861 per credit

Baylor University – Hankamer School of Business

For students looking for a more comprehensive business education in addition to health management, Baylor University Hankamer School of Business offers a two-year master’s of business administration in healthcare administration. 

This degree is housed in the Robbins Institute for Health Policy and Leadership, which is an interdisciplinary department for healthcare education, business, and research. This program has a standard track for those looking to go into management and a pre-clinical track for students who will be pursuing additional clinical education such as dentistry, medicine, or veterinary. 

• Location: Waco, TX
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: CAHME
• Tuition: $25,116 per semester

The University of Alabama at Birmingham – School of Health Professions

Since 1982 The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health Professions has offered a bachelor’s of science in healthcare management. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry to mid-level jobs in healthcare management. The focus of this program is to train students to be ethical, innovative, and capable leaders. This program has a general track available to all students, a clinical track for students who are licensed healthcare professionals, and a pre-professional track for students who will be pursuing additional clinical education. 

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $1005 per credit

Boston University – Questrom School of Business

The health sector master’s of business administration at Boston University Questrom School of Business prepares graduates to enter all aspects of healthcare from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, and more. 

This program has been offered since 1972 and has a long history of producing talented leadership-ready graduates. This degree has the same core curriculum as the traditional MBA program, with three additional health sector classes and nine electives. 

• Location: Boston, MD
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: CAHME
• Tuition: $58,560 per year

Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers a bachelor’s of science in healthcare administration that may be completed entirely online. Students will gain a solid foundation in the core disciplines of the field and the means to apply them through on-the-job experience in a relevant internship. 

Courses cover topics such as healthcare policy and economics; operational analysis and quality improvement; IT and systems for healthcare; and strategic planning and organizational development for healthcare. Students may also pursue an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option. The baseline degree program consists of 180 credits. 

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Duration: Four years 
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $371 per credit

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU has a fully-online bachelor’s of science in healthcare administration that focuses on the business, technology, quality management, ethics, and policy of healthcare. The curriculum is designed to align with the principles established by the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA). 

Students may choose to concentrate in either health information management or patient safety and quality. Courses may include healthcare economics; healthcare reimbursement; the principles of epidemiology; human resource management; and healthcare research and evaluation methodologies. The program consists of 120 credits. 

• Location: Manchester, NH
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Tuition: $320 per credit

George Mason University

George Mason University offers a hybrid master’s of healthcare administration with a focus in health systems management. The curriculum follows the same standards as the school’s on-campus CAHME-accredited program and is taught by the same faculty. 

Courses include organizational behavior and healthcare leadership; health economics; legal issues in health administration; financial management in health systems; and statistics in health services management. In addition to online classes, students will participate in two in-person experiences. The program consists of 47 credits.

• Location: Fairfax, VA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: CAHME 
• Tuition: $895 per credit

Azusa Pacific University- School of Nursing

Nurses are uniquely poised to become medical and health services managers, as they have a keen understanding of patient care, how a facility operates, and teamwork. 

Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing offers nurses a six-semester online master’s of science in nursing in healthcare administration and leadership. This degree is for already licensed nurses who aspire to enter management. With full-time and part-time options, this online degree is suited for the working professional who wants to complete additional education to further their career. 

• Location: Azusa, CA
• Duration: Six semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $840 per credit

Florida International University- College of Business 

The hybrid master’s in business administration in healthcare at Florida International University- College of Business is accredited by both CAHME and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This degree is designed for healthcare professionals who want to grow their business and leadership skills. 

Candidates for this program must have at least two years of work experience in order to be considered for admission. As such, this program is extremely flexible, with classes offered only Saturdays. These classes are available both on-campus and online

• Location: Miami, FL
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: CAHME and AACSB
• Tuition: $54,000 per year

George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public Health

The online master’s of health administration at George Washington University is part of the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Because this program is housed in public health, there is a strong emphasis on health policy. Students will also develop business and leadership skills in this program. 

While this program is offered primarily online, there are four in-person immersion experiences where students gain hands-on experience. These experiences are on-campus, at health care facilities, and even on Capitol Hill. 

• Location: Washington, DC
• Duration: Two to four years
• Accreditation: CAHME 
• Tuition: $1,765 per credit

The timeline to becoming a health services manager varies depending on what type of health services manager you want to be. 

While it’s possible to start work straight out of an undergraduate program, the top health services managers will have built up early work experience and earned a master’s degree. Some health services managers may pursue graduate-level education on a part-time basis, maintaining full-time jobs in the process. 

Allowing for variations in context and ambition, it takes between four and eight years to become a health services manager.

Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

Entry into this profession requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Relevant majors include healthcare administration, health services management, and health systems administration. At this stage, aspiring health services managers are learning the fundamentals of care delivery, including the administrative tasks that keep health care organizations running effectively.

Step Two: Pursue Early Work Experience (One to Two Years)

It’s possible to begin work as a health services manager with only an undergraduate degree, but positions with higher responsibility and greater salaries will require early work experience. This work experience can be a full-time paid position, a part-time unpaid internship, or anything in between. 

Building early experience can facilitate entry into a graduate-level program, or advancement into leadership positions, and also help direct one’s decision to specialize. 

Step Three: Earn a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

While it’s not a requirement, many health services managers decide to pursue a master’s degree in their field of study. A master’s degree not only explores the nuances of the profession, but it also prepares graduates to take on leadership roles with higher levels of responsibility. Furthermore, specializations allow graduates to develop expertise in a niche area of health services management. 

Step Four: Gain Professional Certification (Timeline Varies)

While professional licensure and certification are only mandatory for those working in long-term care administration, many health services managers go on to achieve professional certification. These types of certification are offered through peer-led associations, and they connote a dedication to the profession as well as a mastery of best practices. 

Health services managers with professional certification can command higher salaries, and better compete for top jobs. (See the relevant section below for popular credentials in this profession.)

The daily responsibilities of a health services manager will depend upon the precise location of their employment, but generally include some combination of the following:

• Designing health services budgets
• Hiring, training, and managing staff
• Creating intake flows for patients
• Maintaining compliance with new regulations
• Researching and implementing new data management systems
• Managing a facility’s systems for billing and reimbursement
• Fostering communication between administration and staff
• Coordinating services with insurance company representatives
• Helping patients access services within the bounds of their insurance

Except for certain roles in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, health services managers do not need certification or licensure in order to work. However, there are some professional certifications available for health services managers who wish to distinguish themselves and their commitment to the profession. One such certification is as a Certified Medical Manager (CMM), offered through the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM).  

Other professional associations of relevance for health services managers include:

• The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
• Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA)
• The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
• Healthcare Business Management Association (HBMA)
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)

According to the BLS (May 2020), there are currently 402,540 medical and health services managers employed in the US. The average salary for this profession is $118,800 per year. The percentiles for wages are:

• 10th percentile: $59,980
• 25th percentile: $78,820
• 50th percentile (median): $104,280
• 75th percentile: $139,650
• 90th percentile: $195,630

Here are a few alternatives to a career as a health services manager. 

Become a Health Information Manager

Healthcare services generate a vast amount of data. In order to manage all that data, healthcare institutions hire health information managers whose job is to gather, analyze, and report on the data. They can also make recommendations for policy or procedure changes based on the data gathered. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s at a minimum, master’s degree recommended
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Become a Healthcare Compliance Officer

There are many local, state, and federal laws that healthcare institutions must adhere to. Healthcare compliance officers work at hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and government agencies to ensure that the facility and staff adhere to all applicable regulations. Responsibilities can include conducting audits, making plans to improve compliance, and ongoing monitoring of compliance procedures. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s at a minimum, master’s degree recommended
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)

Become a Health Educator

Health educators help prevent illnesses and improve wellness through education programs. They are also responsible for surveying communities to determine health education needs, writing health education programs, and assisting community members in accessing health education. They can work in a variety of settings including public health offices, medical clinics, hospitals, and social services. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)

Matt Zbrog

Writer

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about trends within the healthcare workforce, with a particular focus on the power of interdisciplinary teams. He’s also covered the crises faced by healthcare professionals working at assisted living and long-term care facilities, both in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the demographic shift brought on by the aging of the Baby Boomers. His work has included detailed interviews and consultations with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ASCA), the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).