Medical and Health Services Managers

The reason for your visit may well be the only thing on your mind when you go to a clinic or hospital. And if the managers at these places are doing their job right, that’s all you’ll need to think about.

Medical and health services managers work to make sure that the people who come through their doors receive the best possible care. But like other management professionals, they must also keep an eye on costs. At a time when health care in the United States is undergoing dramatic changes and health care costs continue to rise, this career presents important challenges.

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of health care in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. Responsibilities range from managing employees to budgeting to purchasing equipment.

Are You Ready To...?

• Ensure quality health care
• Set priorities and policies
• Supervise employees
• Improve efficiency
• Keep costs down
• Work with doctors and other health care professionals
• Attend lots of meetings
• Work long hours

It Helps To Be...

A confident, diplomatic decision maker and an excellent communicator. Your role will be supervisory, but you’ll also need to take direction from higher authorities. In either case, tact and flexibility will make your job easier.

Make High School Count

• Take plenty of math and science all through high school.
• Get a jump start with business classes.
• Build communications skills in English, drama, and speech classes.
• Get involved in activities that teach leadership and business skills such as student government and Junior Achievement.
• Volunteer to work at a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic, and ask to speak to managers about the challenges and rewards of their work.