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Health Care Manager

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_healthcare_mgr.htm

Health care managers plan, oversee and direct departments where health care services are provided. Most work in hospitals and are ultimately responsible for departments in which they have previously worked and supervised. Their many years of training and experience are necessary for planning, managing and evaluating the delivery of healthcare services in what is often an intense and high-pressure environment.

The Cool Things They Do:
  • Consult with directors and senior staff members about policies, legal matters, etc.
  • Develop new ways to evaluate the quality of services delivered
  • Manage resources such as equipment, staff and finances
  • Represent their department at meetings with government officials, the public, media and other organizations
  • Oversee the hiring of staff and training of supervisors
Working Conditions:

Health care managers can work anywhere that health care services are provided. They may oversee departments within hospitals, direct hospital clinics or doctors' offices or in laboratories. Their work involves a great deal of responsibility and tremendous pressure. Many health care managers work long hours because of their heavy workloads.

Most Health Care Managers Work In:
  • Hospitals
  • Medical clinics
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Mental health facilities
  • Health associations
Personal Characteristics/Skills:
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to handle tremendous responsibility
  • Decisiveness under pressure
  • Business management capabilities
  • Entrepreneurial skills
Education and Training Required:

University degree or doctorate depending on area of specialty

Length of Study/Training:

4-12 years post-secondary plus supervisory experience

Helpful High School Courses:

  • Math
  • English
  • Sciences
  • Health
  • Business

Employment Prospects - GOOD

Our growing and aging population will continue to require health care managers in hospitals and health centres, but the largest potential need is expected to be in home health care agencies and long-term care facilities.

Earnings

Average annual salary: $40,000 to $100,000 or more depending on experience and place of employment.

More Information:

Canadian College of Health Service Executives
http://www.cchse.org

The Canadian Healthcare Association
http://www.cha.ca

Canadian Institute of Management
http://www.cim.ca/

Health Canada Online
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Canadian Bioethics Society
http://www.bioethics.ca

American College of Healthcare Executives
http://www.ache.org

Job Futures:

Managers in Health Care
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/0311.shtml


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