Healthcare managers occupy management positions in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, insurance organizations, consulting firms and public health agencies to name a few. Individuals seeking management and executive positions in organizations within the healthcare industry must be prepared to manage personnel, create and implement policy, oversee both capital and operating budgets, and carry out long-term goals. Considering the enormous responsibility that comes with the job, healthcare administrators must have certain prerequisites qualifying them for the position.
Instructions
1. Earn a college degree. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in health sciences, social services, gerontology, public administration or business is required. A Master's degree program in a business or healthcare management program is preferred. An MBA in Healthcare Management is a specialization that is often a standard credential.
2. Acquire experience in the field of healthcare. Healthcare managers can benefit from prior employment in nursing, senior services, social work, home health, hospice or working for publicly funded or nonprofit organizations, which serve the healthcare needs of the general public. A minimum of 3 years' experience working in a skilled nursing facility and/or other clinical environment is usually needed. Some positions may require several more years of experience in a particular area of healthcare.
3. Possess a minimum of 1 year administrative or clinical management experience. Depending on the size of the facility, at least 5 years prior experience in a management or clinical leadership role may be required. Candidates for healthcare management positions are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of state health and safety regulations, accreditation standards and policies, as well as an interest in current political issues impacting the healthcare system. A candidate must also understand Medicare and Medicaid regulations and reimbursement policies, capital budgeting and other financial aspects related to operating a business.
4. Pass the state and national Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensing examination if your goal is to be the administrator of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center or other long-term care facility. In addition to passing the exam, basic requirements include having a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, passing a criminal background check and completing a total of 960 credit hours of an Administrator-in-Training Program, which usually takes about 6 months. In some states, candidates who have a Master's degree in management along with at least 10 years working experience as a healthcare manager may qualify for licensing without completing the training program or taking the exam.
5. Earn continuing education (CE) credits. This is a requirement for renewing any type of professional license. Most facilities are members of professional organizations, which offer opportunities each year for members to earn the required CE credits. There are also a number of online courses available to professionals in the healthcare field. But no matter how you earn the credits, continuing education is considered to be an essential factor in tackling the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare environment.
6. Learn nurture a positive organizational culture by encouraging teamwork and collaboration among all levels of employees. Holding yourself to high standards not only sets a good example, but also builds your reputation within the facility, as well as outside in the greater community. Getting people to trust you means welcoming feedback and input from employees, patients and their family members.
Tags: Bachelor degree, continuing education, healthcare management, Healthcare managers, least years, management positions, Master degree