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What is a health care manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
introduction image

A health care manager oversees the operations of a health care facility or department. They manage staff, finances, and resources to deliver high-quality patient care. Health care managers may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and public health organizations. They may also develop and implement policies and ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, they collaborate with other health care professionals to improve patient outcomes, manage risk, and implement new programs or initiatives.

What general advice would you give to a Health Care Manager?

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/Coach

A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.
ScoreHealth Care ManagerUS Average
Salary
4.8

Avg. Salary $60,931

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.1

Growth Rate 28%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 7.48%

Black or African American 11.64%

Hispanic or Latino 14.56%

Unknown 4.27%

White 61.33%

Gender

female 69.81%

male 30.19%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress Level
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Health Care Manager?

Pros

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Room for advancement and career growth

  • Diverse range of tasks and responsibilities

  • Flexibility in work schedule and location

  • Job security in a growing field

Cons

  • High levels of stress and pressure

  • Long and irregular working hours

  • Heavy responsibilities with potential legal repercussions

  • Dealing with difficult or resistant employees or patients

  • Exposure to potential ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest.

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Health Care Manager career paths

Key steps to become a health care manager

  1. Explore health care manager education requirements

    Most common health care manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.0 %

    Master's

    22.1 %

    Associate

    17.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific health care manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Social Work27.94%
    Behavioral Health10.34%
    Substance Abuse8.44%
    Community Resources7.63%
    Patients5.06%
  3. Complete relevant health care manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New health care managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a health care manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real health care manager resumes.
  4. Research health care manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage network participation, care with specialty networks, DME providers and transfers to appropriate levels of care.
    • Manage patient care expenditures including but not limit to labor, pharmacy, DME, medical supplies and mileage.
    • Provide oversight of the case management and utilization management staff for the Medicaid population
    • Supervise and conduct employee seminars and training in employee health issues, infection control and CPR.
  5. Prepare your health care manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your health care manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a health care manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Health Care Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Health Care Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Health Care Manager resume.
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    Health Care Manager Resume
    Health Care Manager Resume
  6. Apply for health care manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a health care manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Health Care Manager Job

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Average health care manager salary

The average Health Care Manager salary in the United States is $60,931 per year or $29 per hour. Health care manager salaries range between $39,000 and $93,000 per year.

Average Health Care Manager Salary
$60,931 Yearly
$29.29 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do health care managers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Health Care Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

Helping others

Cons

Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Helping people be successful in life.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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