Health service manager

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, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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.

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

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

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