What Does a Hospital Manager Do?

Hospital managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They ensure that their facility is running smoothly, from staffing to patient care to financials.

Hospital managers may also be involved in developing new programs or initiatives at their hospital. This might include anything from creating a new training program for staff members to implementing new technology systems to improve patient care.

Hospital Manager Job Duties

A hospital manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Communicating with other managers to resolve issues and make decisions regarding patient care
• Ensuring that all staff members are qualified to perform their jobs by conducting performance evaluations and making hiring decisions when needed
• Creating budgets and overseeing expenditures to ensure that they remain within budget guidelines
• Coordinating with other departments such as human resources and nursing to ensure smooth operations of the hospital
• Overseeing hiring practices to ensure that the hospital has the appropriate number of staff members for each department
• Managing department personnel, including hiring new employees where needed
• Establishing policies and procedures for the hospital or healthcare facility based on federal regulations and state laws
• Evaluating the performance of staff members and addressing issues when necessary
• Ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe while they are in the hospital

Hospital Manager Salary & Outlook

Hospital managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the hospital.

• Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $153,000 ($73.56/hour)

The employment of hospital managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

The need to reduce costs and improve quality of care will lead to continued demand for hospital managers. As hospitals continue to consolidate, they may be able to operate more efficiently and provide better care at a lower cost.

Related: Hospital Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Hospital Manager Job Requirements

A number of qualifications are necessary to become a hospital manager, which may include:

Education: Hospital managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in health administration, health care administration or a related field. Some employers may hire candidates with a related master’s degree, such as business administration, nursing or public health.

Training & Experience: Hospital managers typically receive on-the-job training in the form of an internship while earning their bachelor’s degree. Internships provide practical experience in hospital management and allow students to network with professionals in the field.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to become a hospital manager. However, hospital manager candidates can opt to pursue certifications to improve their chances of getting a job and increasing their earning potential.

Hospital Manager Skills

Hospital managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Hospital managers are responsible for overseeing a team of hospital staff and ensuring that the hospital runs smoothly. Effective leadership skills can help a hospital manager maintain a positive work environment, motivate their team and achieve organizational goals.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As a hospital manager, you may need to communicate with hospital staff, patients, insurance companies and other hospital administrators. Effective communication can help you to convey information clearly and to understand the needs of others.

Problem-solving: Hospital managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a hospital, which can include managing any issues that may arise. Effective problem-solvers can identify issues, develop solutions and implement them to prevent future problems. As a hospital manager, you may need to solve issues related to patient care, employee relations, budgeting and more.

Time management: Hospital managers often have many responsibilities and tasks to complete each day. Having strong time management skills can help a manager prioritize their duties and ensure they complete all of their work on time. This can also help them delegate tasks to their team members effectively.

Organization: Hospital managers are responsible for overseeing multiple departments and ensuring that all operations run smoothly. Strong organizational skills can help a hospital manager keep track of their many responsibilities and delegate tasks to the appropriate staff members.

Hospital Manager Work Environment

Hospital managers typically work in an office setting, although they may be required to travel to different hospital units or to other businesses. They usually work a 40-hour week, although they may be required to work overtime to complete projects or to respond to emergencies. The work can be stressful, and hospital managers must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and make quick decisions. They must also be able to deal with the emotional stress of working with sick and injured patients and their families.

Hospital Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how hospital managers work. Hospital managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Telehealth

The growth of telehealth is a trend that is quickly changing the way that healthcare is delivered. By using technology, patients can now receive care from doctors and nurses who are located miles away.

This trend is having a major impact on the hospital industry, as it is allowing hospitals to provide care to patients who would otherwise have to travel great distances to see a doctor. It is also allowing hospitals to expand their services and reach a wider patient base.

Hospital managers need to be aware of this trend and how it is changing the way that healthcare is delivered. They need to prepare themselves for the challenges that come with providing care through telehealth, such as ensuring that patients are comfortable with the technology and providing support during remote visits.

Patient-Centered Care Becomes More Important

As patient-centered care becomes more important in hospitals, managers will need to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of their patients.

This means that hospital managers will need to focus on creating a positive patient experience by providing excellent customer service and ensuring that patients are comfortable and well cared for. In order to do this, managers will need to be familiar with current trends in patient-centered care and be able to identify ways that they can improve the care that their hospital provides.

How to Become a Hospital Manager

A career as a hospital manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, to lead a team, and to work in a variety of areas within the hospital. However, it is important to consider all aspects of this career before embarking on it.

As a hospital manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hospital. This includes managing staff, ensuring that patients receive quality care, and meeting regulatory requirements. You will also need to keep up with new developments in healthcare and ensure that the hospital is compliant with regulations.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance in the field of hospital management. One of the best is to obtain an advanced degree, such as a master’s in business administration or a master’s in health administration. With an advanced degree, hospital managers can apply for positions that are not otherwise open to them. They can also advance by getting further education that leads to specialty certification, such as the certified public health administrator credential.

Hospital managers can also advance by taking on additional responsibilities. For example, a hospital manager might become a director of a hospital department or a hospital administrator. Or a hospital manager might move into a different area of hospital management, such as risk management or quality assurance.

Hospital Manager Job Description Example

The hospital manager is responsible for the overall operation of the hospital. They plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of healthcare services. They also develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure quality patient care. The hospital manager is also responsible for the financial performance of the hospital. They develop and oversee the hospital budget. They also negotiate contracts with insurance companies and other healthcare providers. The hospital manager also hires, trains, and supervises hospital staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a high level of communication with staff, patients, and families to ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date on the latest hospital news, changes, and events
• Work closely with the hospital Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategic plans
• Oversee the daily operations of the hospital, including but not limited to patient care, budgeting, staffing, and facility maintenance
• Ensure that all hospital policies and procedures are being followed by staff and that any deviations are addressed in a timely and effective manner
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and act as the hospital’s spokesperson when necessary
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local businesses, government officials, and other community partners
• Manage the hospital’s budget and financial planning, ensuring that the hospital remains fiscally responsible
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the healthcare industry and ensure that the hospital is keeping up with these changes
• Advocate for the hospital and its staff at the state and federal level, working to secure funding and other resources as needed
• Plan and oversee the construction and renovation of hospital buildings and facilities
• Appoint and supervise department heads and other key hospital personnel
• Perform annual performance reviews for all hospital staff

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, or related field
• 5+ years experience in hospital administration or management role
• Proven track record of successful hospital operations and management
• In-depth knowledge of hospital accreditation standards and regulations
• Excellent financial management skills
• Outstanding leadership and communication abilities

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, healthcare administration, or related field
• 7+ years experience in hospital administration or management role
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles
• Certification in hospital administration