Health Service Manager

Typical Salary

£31,365 To £104,927

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Health Service Manager

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

A common way into this job is through a degree in a health or management-related subject.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a chartered manager degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You can get into health service management by working your way up from an administrative or clinical role within the NHS.

You're likely to need 4 to 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and possibly A levels or equivalent for an administrator role.

With experience, you can move up to supervisory or management level. You can find useful courses to help you do this through the Institute of Administrative Management.

The MSc in Healthcare Leadership is suitable for doctors, pharmacists, allied health professionals, nurses, midwives and non-clinical staff who want to advance into a senior management position.

The most direct route into health service management is through the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. To apply, you'll need a degree, or an equivalent qualification, in healthcare or management.

You can apply directly if you already have management experience from the private, public or voluntary sector.

There are some management roles, like those in finance, purchasing or human resources, where you may not need previous experience of the NHS.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
business management skills
knowledge of English language
administration skills
leadership skills
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

work with clinical staff and other professionals
recruit, train and supervise staff
deal with the health service's day-to-day performance
set and manage budgets
write reports and give presentations
use data to monitor and improve services
make sure regulations are followed
manage premises and security

Working Environment

You could work at a health centre, in an NHS or private hospital or at a GP practice.

Career Path & Progression

You'll increase your chances for career progression if you complete a higher level management qualification, like a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or a diploma in management studies (DMS).

You could also apply for jobs at director or chief executive level.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could apply to become a member of the Institute of Healthcare Management. This would give you access to professional development opportunities and professional recognition.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a health service manager from Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.