Health service manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You can become a health service manager by training on the NHS General Management graduate scheme .

Entry is usually with an upper second class degree or above. Most degree subjects are acceptable though you may need a recommended subject for certain specialist management roles, for example finance.

As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership.

Some private healthcare providers also offer graduate general management schemes.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get relevant skills and knowledge for this job by doing a Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study at an approved university.

Entry requirements:

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

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 and further training, you can move up to supervisory or management level. Your employer will have details about appropriate courses.

DirectApplication

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• business management skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• administration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Health service managers run local healthcare services like hospitals, GP practices and community clinics.

As a health service manager, you could:

• recruit, train and supervise staff
• set and manage budgets
• use data to monitor and improve services
• make sure regulations are followed
• work with clinical staff and other professionals

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

Salary:

Starter : £26,382
Experienced : £68,525

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

You could complete a higher level management qualification, like a master's in business administration (MBA) or a diploma in management studies (DMS). This may lead to senior managerial jobs at operational and strategic level.

You could also apply for jobs like director or chief executive of a health service provider.