Allied Health Management
Job seekers often overlook the business side of health care, but the fact is that health care is very much a business that needs effective management. Health managers, also called health care executives, health care administrators, health services managers, or hospital administrators, oversee the business side of health care delivery. They can be in charge of specific departments, or manage entire health care systems or facilities. They are responsible for huge facilities, millions of dollars, and hundreds of employees. Health care managers will work primarily in hospitals, but also in clinics, rehabilitation centers, public health departments, clinics, consulting firms, health insurance companies, offices of physicians, or in residential care facilities.
Health Care Manager Education and Training
Allied health managers will need education and experience before assuming managerial roles. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required for some entry level positions, and a master’s degrees is ideal. You will need a degree in health services administration, health sciences, public administration, public health, or business administration. Health administration programs are offered at the bachelor’s, masters, and doctoral level at many colleges and universities. It is important to choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health care Management Education. With a bachelor’s degree in health administration, you will likely have to begin as an administrative assistant or assistant department head. With a master’s, you can begin as department manager.
Health Care Facility Manager Certification
Licensure is required for nursing care facility administrators; however a license is not necessary for most health manager positions. The American Hospital Association (AHA) offers a nationally recognized certification exam to become a certified health care facility manager (CHFM). In order to be eligible to take the exam, you will need a bachelor’s degree and three years of applicable work experience in health care, or an associate degree plus five years of work experience in a health care setting, or a high school diploma and seven years of work experience.
Allied Health Manager Licensing and Certification
As an allied health manager, chances are good that you’ll be both licensed and certified. Your licensing won’t be in allied health management, however. Allied health administrators may be licensed in any of a number of health professions including physical therapy assisting or pharmacy technology. If you have a background in a health profession that doesn’t require licensing (for example, medical assisting) you’ll still want to be certified. Credentials are a part of what sets you apart. You may have more than one option. Go with the certifying agency that’s most respected in your geographic locale. Job ads are one source of information; so are professional organizations. Voluntary certifications can also be useful for would-be managers who lack allied health experience.
Will you need credentials that specifically authorize you to manage? Maybe. If you are a nursing home administrator, you’ll need a license that authorizes you to work in that capacity. Otherwise, your employer is the judge of what credentials you need. There are various voluntary certifications that can demonstrate expertise. The American Association of Health care Administrative Management offers two credentials, one for managers who work in hospital settings, the other for those who work in physician’s offices. If you go on to achieve master’s level education, certification in health care administration is available through the American College of Health care Executives. This certification requires that you do more than just pass a rigorous exam; there are also requirements for community and civic participation.
Allied Health Manager Salary and Job Outlook
Advancement is possible as managers can move upward into higher paying positions with more responsibilities. They can go from being an assistant administrator, to a department head, to chief executive officer, or can transfer to bigger facilities. Eventually, becoming an educator in health care management is also an option. The average salary was $80,240 in 2008, according to the BLS. Salary will vary greatly depending on the size and type of employer and your level of education.
Jobs for allied health managers are expected to grow 16% throughout 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As the health care industry continues to expand, so will the business side of it. New technology, financial constraints, and changes in the way health care is delivered will all ensure that this profession is dynamic and in need of smart leaders.
The article “How to Become an Allied Health Manager” provides sequential steps to take, creating a more efficient path to follow.
Discover how you can satisfy the educational requirements of an allied health manager by contacting schools that offer health administration or public health programs in your geographic region or online. If you have not decided if this is the right career choice for you, take some time to explore additional business related careers in health care.
