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
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)
£31,365 Starter
to£104,927 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 A levels, or equivalent, 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
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 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
General Management Apprenticeship
- Wage: £22,938.00 Annually
- Location: London
Degree Apprentice - Digital Sales (Engineering)
- Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
- Location: Manchester
Courses In England
LV 3 BIIAB DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (EVENTS)
- Provider: BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Start date: 06 September 2021
- Location: Basingstoke
Diploma Level 3 Countryside Management
- Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
- Start date: 06 September 2021
- Location: Northampton
Jobs In the United Kingdom
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Skills assessment
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.