A common way into this job is through a degree in a health or management-related subject.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Health service manager
Alternative titles for this job include Hospital manager, NHS hospital manager
Health service managers run local healthcare services like hospitals, GP practices and community health services.
Average salary (a year)
£30,000 Starter
to£100,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
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
University
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a chartered manager degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship
More information
Work
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.
Direct application
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.
More 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.
What it takes
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
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- working with clinical staff and other professionals
- recruiting, training and supervising staff
- dealing with the health service's day-to-day performance
- setting and managing budgets
- writing reports and giving presentations
- using data to monitor and improve services
- making sure regulations are followed
- managing 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 and 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.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
L’Oréal Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
- Wage : £18,000.00 Annually
- Location: London W6 8AZ
Business Degree Apprenticeship – Specialist Recruitment
- Wage : £17,000.00 Annually
- Location: High Wycombe HP10 8EG
Courses In England
ILM Level 3 Diploma in Management (QCF)
- Provider: ICON VOCATIONAL TRAINING LTD (WBL)
- Start date: 06 January 2020
- Location: GUILDFORD
Diploma in Management
- Provider: SPECIALIST TRADE COURSES LIMITED
- Start date: 01 November 2019
- Location: Harold Wood
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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