Health service manager
Health service managers run local healthcare services like hospitals, GP practices and community clinics.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a health service manager, you could:
- recruit, train and supervise staff
- set and manage budgets
- use data to monitor and improve services
- make sure regulations are followed
- work with clinical staff and other professionals
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a GP practice.
Career path and progression
You could complete a higher level management qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA) or a diploma in management studies (DMS). This may lead to senior managerial jobs at operational and strategic level.
You could also apply for jobs like director or chief executive of a health service provider.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- business management skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- administration skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You can become a health service manager by training on the NHS General Management graduate scheme.
Entry is usually with an upper second class degree or above. Most degree subjects are acceptable though you may need a recommended subject for certain specialist management roles, for example finance.
As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership.
Some private healthcare providers also offer graduate general management schemes.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You could get relevant skills and knowledge for this job by doing a Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This typically takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can get into health service management by working your way up from an administrative or clinical role within the NHS.
You're likely to need 4 to 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and possibly A levels, or equivalent, for an administrator role.
With experience and further training, you can move up to supervisory or management level. Your employer will have details about appropriate courses.
You can apply directly if you already have management experience from the private, public or voluntary sector.
Professional and industry bodies
You could apply to become a member of the Institute of Health & Social Care Management. This would give you access to training and development opportunities and professional recognition.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a health service manager from Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.