Medicine and Health Service Managers
Description OES Code: 15008
Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate medicine and health services in establishments such as hospitals, clinics, or similar organizations.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $16.75
25th Percentile $20.07
50th Percentile $27.81
75th Percentile $38.17

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $20.59
25th Percentile $25.35
50th Percentile $35.83
75th Percentile $38.17

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Medicine and Health Service Managers often work long or irregular hours. Health care centers operate around the clock seven days a week, and the administrative staff may be called upon to solve emergency problems at any time. Medical staff meetings, health planning councils, fund raising, professional association and educational activities all may demand extra time and travel.

Fringe benefits usually include vacations, holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 19,300
Projected Employment 2008 28,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 46.1%
Separations 1998-2008 4,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 250
Projected Employment 2006 310
Percent Change 1999-2006 24%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Many employers report promoting from this occupation to higher level positions such as regional supervisor.

Getting the Job & Other Information
State, federal, and county health care centers employ Medicine and Health Service Managers. Job seekers should also apply directly to private health services centers, respond to classified ads in professional journals and newspapers, register with medical or executive recruitment agencies, and send letters of applications and resumes to Hospital Managers.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Medicine and Health Service Managers should have a master's degree in health services administration from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in public administration or business administration may also qualify graduates for entry into health care administration. The health services administration degree usually includes a one-year internship (residency) in a health care center. Graduates with a BA degree in this field may work in a health care center before starting a master's program. Nursing home administrators need to be licensed by the Nursing Home Administrators State Board of Examiners to work for health care facilities that receive Medicare or MediCal funds. High school students who plan careers in health care administration must take college preparatory courses, including biology, chemistry, advanced math, speech, and economics.

Skills & Other Requirements
Skills that rank high are organizational and planning abilities, leadership and knowledge of business principles. Employers also look for such talents as skillful interaction with individuals and groups, the ability to evaluate and utilize facts and figures, and the ability to work long hours, often under stressful conditions.

References
California Occupational Guide #235

Related Occupations: Management Trainees, Medical Records Technicians

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)