What is Director of medical and health services?
Medical and health service managers are usually detail-oriented and have good analytical skills. Since most of their time is spent working with doctors, health insurance agents, and other managers, they must also have good communication and interpersonal skills. Problem solving is another part of the job. Technical skills are also essential as these professionals must be up-to-date with software and electronic health records.
The high demand for more medical and health service managers is due to the large population that needs more health care in hospitals, group centers and nursing homes as they age. It is also due to the increase in group activities and the need for managers and directors to guide these facilities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 32.5 percent for medical and health service managers between 2020 and 2030. During this period, about 139,600 jobs should be created.
How much does a medical and health services manager earn?
How to become Director of medical and health services?
Certification is not required, but can help demonstrate skills to potential employers. Organizations such as the Professional Association for Healthcare Office Management and the American Association for Health Information Management offer a variety of certifications for medical and health service managers.
Karen Blanchett, executive director of the Healthcare Office Management Professional Association, says of professionals who earn certifications, “Their real-world exposure combined with professional certifications makes them a much better candidate for employment than those without.
Potential medical and health service managers may also need to obtain their license depending on where they work. For example, nursing home administrators are required to be licensed, while licensing for those in charge of assisted living facilities varies by state. Other departments of medical and health services management do not need a license.