Career roadmap
How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a medical and health services manager, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a medical and health services manager: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree, (2) get healthcare experience, (3) consider a master’s, (4) take on management, (5) advance. Most people need about 4–6 years plus experience. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a medical and health services manager
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Health administration, business or nursing.
Get healthcare experience
Clinical, billing or supervisory roles.
Consider a master’s
MHA, MBA or MPH.
Take on management
Supervise a team or department.
Advance
Lead a facility or service line.
Education and training requirements
A bachelor’s degree in health administration, business or a clinical field is typical, plus experience. Many employers prefer a master’s degree such as an MHA, MBA or MPH.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 4–6 years plus experience |
Certifications and licenses
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE): Leadership credential.
- Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE): For practice managers.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): Quality credential.
- Nursing home administrator license: Required to run a nursing home in every state.
Skills to build now
Start with healthcare finance, regulatory compliance, and staffing and scheduling, and practice leadership and communication. Learning the medical and health services manager vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Department Supervisor: Lead a team.
- Practice or Department Manager: Run a unit.
- Director: Oversee service lines.
- Administrator or Executive: Lead a facility.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Medical and Health Services Manager training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become a medical and health services manager?
Most people need about 4–6 years plus experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in health administration, business or a clinical field is typical, plus experience. Many employers prefer a master’s degree such as an MHA, MBA or MPH.
Do you need a degree to be a medical and health services manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
What certifications are available for medical and health services managers?
Common credentials include Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE), Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), and Nursing home administrator license. Nursing home administrators must be licensed in every state; other health services managers usually don’t need a license.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9111 (Medical and health services managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Medical and health services managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.