March 19, 2024

Top 20 Jobs for Health Care Managers

The health care industry offers a wealth of positions and roles for health care managers and administrators. Health care managers play a critical role at all career levels. They may serve in high profile roles like CEO of a major hospital or work behind the scenes in risk management or quality improvement. Some health care managers might choose to work more directly with the public in positions like public health or health education. Health care managers can be found working in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, government agencies, research laboratories, colleges, and many additional places of employment. We explore 20 of the best career options for health care managers.

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Top 20 Jobs for Health Care Managers

Ambulatory Care Manager

list of healthcare management careers

Average Base Salary: $89,662

Job Responsibilities: An ambulatory care facility provides health care services to patients without a hospital stay. This care can come in the form of direct treatment, diagnostics, or prevention. Patients receive services and are released the same day. Ambulatory care managers play an essential role in these types of facilities. They typically oversee the day-to-day operations that include customer service, finance, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. They may plan and assist with scheduling, ensure documentation is completed accurately, and evaluate standards of care. Senior ambulatory care managers may perform HR tasks or serve as an outreach coordinator. Ambulatory, or outpatient, care facilities continue to grow as a popular and affordable alternative to traditional inpatient healthcare.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management are preferred for senior level positions

Assisted Living Administrator

Average Base Salary: $49,411

Job Responsibilities: According to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, there are over 800,000 American living in an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities focus on areas of senior wellness that include intellectual stimulation, socialization, and personal health. Individuals living in assisted living usually have minimal medical needs. Instead, they need the assistance and support of extra aid when it is needed. An assisted living manager plays an essential role within the facility. They oversee the daily operations of the facility. They may assist with scheduling, approve dietary plans, play a role in budget discussions, and create a positive living environment for the people they serve. This professional position is often the first point of contact for residents and their families.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Professor or Researcher at a College or University

Average Base Salary: $88,515

Job Responsibilities: Another great place healthcare managers find success is in the world of academia. Many colleges and universities employ health care managers to teach health care business courses. Educators in these programs have the responsibility to train the next generation of health care managers and executives. Top health care managers have professional knowledge and experience in the field, making them a great choice to teach. Positions are available online or on-campus, full-time or part-time, and adjunct or tenure track. Research positions are also available at many universities for health care managers with the right training and experience.

Educational Requirements: Master’s in Health Care Management, Doctoral Degree preferred

Consulting Health Care Administrator

Average Base Salary: $78,293

Job Responsibilities: Health care management consultants use their industry knowledge and experience to help an organization make improvements and improve effectiveness. Health care management consults are used by both large and small organizations across a variety of settings. This flexible position is a great choice for managers seeking flexible work options such as remote or freelance opportunities. Consultants should have strong communication skills and a firm background in business. Consultants should be familiar with best practices and industry trends.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Healthcare Quality Improvement Manager

Average Base Salary: $66,812

Job Responsibilities: Healthcare quality improvement managers are needed to keep programs running effectively. These professionals are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals and health care companies. Responsibilities may include working on accreditation requirements, implementing a quality improvement initiative within the facility, or reviewing processes and procedures to recognize and address any shortcomings. Healthcare quality improvement managers usually have industry experience and are familiar with trends and best practices in the field.

Educational Requirements: Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Management

Hospice Administrator

Emergency-Medicine

Average Base Salary: $84,370

Job Responsibilities: A hospice administrator oversees the general operations of a hospice agency. Responsibilities may include overseeing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supervising staff members. Hospice administrators may have an undergraduate degree in nursing or healthcare administration with advanced coursework and training in business or administration. The National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses offers a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator credential for those with a minimum of a master’s degree and two-years of administrative experience.

Educational Requirements: Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management or Master’s in Nursing preferred

Health Care Clinic Manager

healthcare-clinic

Average Base Salary: $71,759

Job Responsibilities: Health care clinics are small to mid-sized facilities that provide services and treatment to patients. Clinics may serve walk-in patients or those with an existing relationship with one of their physicians or specialists. Clinic managers are needed to keep the clinic running smoothly and ensure the business is properly run. Health care clinic directors, managers or administrators may be responsible to:

  • Hire and train personnel who will add value to the organization
  • Create schedules to ensure adequate coverage
  • Manage all financial operations, including daily and annual reporting
  • Maintain clinic facilities
  • Conduct staff meetings
  • Market and conduct market analysis to understand growth and revenue drivers and motivations
  • Implement new or revised policies
  • Lead clinical and business professionals, and liaise to explain needs, improve clinical quality, and increase growth
  • Oversee billing
  • Develop marketing campaigns

Most medical clinic administrators work full-time during a traditional day shift, although some evening or weekend hours might be demanded by the job.

Educational Requirements: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree, with Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Home Health Care Administrator

Average Base Salary: $80,125

Job Responsibilities: Home healthcare managers and administrators manage programs and organizations that are dedicated to caring for individuals who need assistance in their home. They may work for a private or government organization. These highly skilled professionals manage the needs of their patients while meeting regulations, staying within budget, and supervising staff who provide the day-to-day care of those they serve. Administrators may also communicate with patient families about their care and needs. This position requires a high level of organization. Soft skills like communication are essential. This is another area of health care management with high levels of emotional reward. Home healthcare administrators offer direct healthcare, as well as independence to patients who might otherwise have been required to leave their homes and lose their independence.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Hospital Administrator

Average Base Salary: $87,465

Job Responsibilities: Hospital administrators make sure the hospital runs efficiently and successfully. They may manage all the departments within a small facility or a specific department if they work within a large hospital or network. They may hire and train staff, develop budgets, conduct employee evaluations, and arrange professional development opportunities. Hospital administrators make sure their facility operates within current laws and professional guidelines. Most hospital administrators work in an office setting with traditional business hours. Evenings and weekends may be required since a hospital is open 24/7.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Health Information Manager

IT

Average Base Salary: $55,210

Job Responsibilities:Healthcare technology management is a specialized area that incorporates science, business, and technology. Healthcare technology managers can work in a variety of settings including doctor’s offices, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. They are responsible for making sure all equipment and medical technologies are working correctly. Often, they are responsible for bridging the gap between direct health care practitioners and computer and data processing specialists. Some healthcare technology managers are responsible for the security of electronic health records. They must make sure that this private information is secure, accurate, and available only to those authorized to view it. To be a successful healthcare technology manager, you will need strong technical abilities, an eye for detail, and leadership abilities.

Educational Requirements: Master of Health Informatics or Master of Health Information Management

Medical Coding Specialist

Average Base Salary: $49,435

Job Responsibilities: Health care managers with an eye for detail are in demand as medical coding specialists. Medical coding specialists code health information for billing. They code medical procedures, specific conditions and diagnosis, and prescriptions so that insurance can pay appropriately. Accuracy is key so it helps to be familiar with the industry. Medical coding specialists are employed by:

  • hospitals
  • medical clinics
  • doctors’ offices
  • long-term care facilities.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management

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Research Manager

Average Base Salary: $91,258

Job Responsibilities: Another great employment area for health care managers is in research. Research is conducted in private and government labs and at universities around the world. Research managers may be responsible for:

  • developing research proposals
  • managing the research team
  • analyzing the data
  • sharing results with stakeholders.

Research opportunities are also available in areas like:

  • marketing
  • public health
  • health care policy.

Healthcare managers and administrators involved in policy research study new and evolving trends within the management and administration of a wide range of medical settings. These skilled investigators can create more effective and efficient policy and improve the overall function of healthcare facilities.

Educational Requirements: Doctoral Degree preferred

Mental Health Facility Administrator

Average Base Salary: $85,069

Job Responsibilities: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost one in five adults is currently living with a mental illness. In 2019, almost 45% of those individuals received mental health services. Some individuals with mental illness will need treatment in a mental health facility. Health care managers and administrators are employed by these facilities as mental health facility directors to oversee areas like:

  • quality assurance
  • compliance with health care regulations
  • planning, coordinating, and delivery of health care services throughout the facility.

They may also be responsible for managing finances, supervising employees, and communicating with the facility’s governing body. The level of responsibility and salary depend largely on the type and size of the facility.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Nursing Home Administrator

nursing-home

Average Base Salary: $91,743

Job Responsibilities: Nursing home administrator is another great job for health care managers and administrators. In 2019, the U.S. long term care market size was valued at $443.2 billion. A nursing home or long-term care facility offer the highest-level care outside of a hospital for adults. Our society demands quality care for this vulnerable population, and nursing home administrators are largely responsible for ensuring their facility meets this demand. These directors are responsible for overseeing the operations within a nursing home facility. When a new client comes to visit the facility, the director may offer tours. They may explain what the facilities offers as well as answer any questions of the potential residents or their family. The nursing home administrator may implement new policies and procedures for their staff and residents. In many cases the director is also responsible for marketing plans and efforts. All states require that nursing home administrators hold a valid license to ensure they adhere to professional and educational standards set by the industry.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Pharmaceutical Administrator

Average Base Salary: $49,254

Job Responsibilities: Another great career option for health care managers and administrators is in pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical administrators manage all the activities related to a pharmacy. Pharmacies may be in a:

  • nursing home
  • hospital
  • retail store
  • health care clinic.

Pharmaceutical administrators may organize records, oversee staff, provide education, and offer quality customer service. This role may also require some knowledge and experience in accounting, human resources, and marketing. They may also provide community outreach and coordinate vaccine campaigns. Work hours may vary since many pharmacies operate beyond traditional hours. Weekends may also be required.

Educational Requirements: Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Pharmaceutical Quality Manager

Average Base Salary: $107,085

Job Responsibilities: A pharmaceutical quality manager is responsible for making sure drug manufacturing companies are complying with regulations to ensure patient safety. They may review documentation, procedures, and conduct internal audits for quality assurance. Staff training and supervision are also key components of the job. The quality manager must have:

  • excellent organization skills
  • a strong attention to detail
  • meticulous record keeping abilities.

Most pharmaceutical quality managers have a background in science, biotechnology, or a clinical laboratory science. They also need strong management, critical thinking, and technical skills.

Educational Requirements: Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Health Care Risk Manager

Average Base Salary: $77,074

Job Responsibilities: Health care organizations employ risk managers to identify and prevent situations that could cause harm or loss to the organization. Risk managers need to be both proactive and reactive to issues and events. They must assess risks around data breaches, medical errors, and non-compliance with rules and regulations. Risk managers are focused on providing their patients with the best quality care at minimal risk. To do this, they must stay on top of potential issues and address them in an appropriate and timely manner. Health care managers in risk management roles should have excellent communication skills and be able to talk to:

  • patients
  • families
  • regulators
  • legal counsel
  • medical personnel.

This role requires knowledge of hospital policies and procedures in addition to government and industry regulations.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Public Health Program Manager

public-health

Average Base Salary: $59,291

Job Responsibilities: Public health is a popular field for many health care management professionals. Public health organizations employ public health managers to oversee the non-clinical operations of their operation. They may be involved in:

  • marketing
  • budget development
  • human resource activities.

They may educate the public about specific programs or efforts going on in their community including flu shot clinics and STD testing. Many public health managers started out as healthcare professionals and continued their education to earn an administrative position. Public health managers are usually seasoned professionals with management experience or training.

Educational Requirements: Master of Public Health; Master’s in Health Care Management

Rehabilitation Manager

Average Base Salary: $87,541

Job Responsibilities: Rehabilitation managers oversee the daily activities of different types of rehab facilities. Some rehabilitation managers work in facilities that help people overcome addiction or substance abuse. Others work in settings that help people recover from injuries or illnesses outside of a hospital. Rehabilitation centers may also help people overcome behaviors related to criminal activity. Regardless of the setting, rehabilitation managers work to make sure their agency or organization runs in an efficient and safe manner. They make sure the facility is properly staffed, funded, and delivers services that align with their mission and values. A health care manager is a great person to take on this role because they have the skillset needed to effectively manage these types of facilities.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Healthcare Human Resources Manager

Average Base Salary: $66,731

Job Responsibilities: Human resource managers are key members of a health care team. While not always obvious, health care managers in HR play an essential role in patient care. They work behind the scenes to:

  • recruit and hire talent
  • train and manage employees
  • monitor employee performance.

Health care HR managers need to be familiar with the health care industry and have knowledge and education in HR practices. Many health care administration master’s programs offer courses in HR to prepare students for this exciting career. To be successful in this role, HR health care managers should have:

  • strong communication and organizational skills
  • knowledge of industry trends and best practices
  • ability to multitask.

Most HR professionals in health care work traditional office hours.

Educational Requirements: Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Master of Health Care Management preferred

Best Jobs in Health Care Management

Resources:

World Wide Learn

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook: Medical and Health Services Manager Information

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook