Unlock your potential with a health services management course

Are you a health professional ready to take the next step in your career? Or perhaps you’re intrigued by the dynamic field of health services management and want to explore its possibilities.

With future job opportunities in the health services industry expected to grow a substantial 26.5 per cent by 2026, now could be the perfect time to begin your career in health services management.

Here, we explore the important role of health services management in the health industries, the study options and the exciting career opportunities available following advanced study.

What is health services management?

Health services management constitutes the backbone of any healthcare organisation. The professionals in these positions are vital in managing operational and administrative tasks. They work to ensure the patient experience is optimal, resources are effectively allocated and that systems run seamlessly. From medical administrators to welfare centre managers, it’s not an exaggeration to say that health services managers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare systems.

The need for more healthcare professionals in Australia is a workforce challenge healthcare providers such as Emily Gillett are all too familiar with. Gillett is the chief operating officer at The CareSide, an Australian homecare facility.

“We have a full-time recruitment department looking to recruit quality individuals into the care sector,” she explains. “As the consumer base grows with our ageing population, services everywhere are looking for people to work in this area.”

Where do health services managers work?

Health services managers work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to public health organisations and private practices. Their responsibilities range from budgeting, resource management and quality assurance to policy implementation, team coordination and strategic planning.

Unlike roles involving direct patient interaction, health services management positions often require a skill set focused on organisation, leadership and navigating complex administrative challenges.

Gillet says health services managers must have sound business acumen. “There is a commercial aspect to our role, which helps grow and maintain the business. We’re also responsible for quality and compliance, budgets, procurement of equipment for clients and carers’ training. Recruitment, scheduling, quality and compliance also fall under my role.”

She adds that aged care is heavily legislated, which managers must have an understanding of. “There’s also a lot of legislation that we must comply with.”

Health services management jobs

Healthcare is a broad field with numerous opportunities in health services management.

Gillett shares: “More traditional settings would be somewhere like acute hospital settings. Then you’ve got community settings with people who are responsible for setting up clinics, be it radiology or general practice; biochemistry, pathology, basically anywhere where health services are provided, you’d find a health services director or manager.”

Once you’ve completed a health services management course, a world of options can open up before you. From department heads to administrative directors, healthcare consultants and practice managers, there are plenty of choices. These roles can involve overseeing entire healthcare units, implementing efficient processes and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Let’s take a closer look at possible career options:

• Nursing clinical director

Nursing clinical directors are responsible for overseeing nursing programs and clinical services in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and aged-care centres. Their role involves upholding nursing care standards, offering leadership to maintain a skilled nursing and midwifery workforce and actively contributing to the planning of health services. A typical salary for this role in Australia is approximately $145,000.

• Welfare project manager

Welfare project managers lead centres, programs and projects dedicated to social welfare assistance. They oversee resources, manage budgets and coordinate health, welfare and clinical services. Their role involves collaboration with health providers, funding bodies and boards, as well as managing staff selection, training and supervision. A typical salary in Australia for this role is around $100,000.

• Health and welfare services managers

Health and welfare services managers take charge of planning, organising and coordinating health and welfare programs. They oversee administrative and professional aspects, ensuring efficient operations. The role involves developing policies, coordinating services, managing budgets and collaborating with other providers. Additionally, these managers represent organisations in various forums and ensure staff training and supervision. The average salary in Australia for this role is approximately $126,602 per year.

Health services management courses

A postgraduate health services management course could be the key if you’re ready to take your healthcare career to new heights.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is designed to give you a foundational understanding of the complexities of the Australian health and social care systems. Upon completing the Graduate Certificate, you can continue with further studies by enrolling in the Master of Health Services Management course. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field can also apply for this master’s degree.

This master’s course is designed to equip health and social care leaders with a deeper understanding of the industry and the skills to navigate its unique politics, policy and data. Students can complete a major in Quality and Safety along with a range of sub-majors. Whether you’re interested in healthcare leadership skills, digital health or planning, the UTS master’s course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these areas.

Studying a postgraduate health services management course will equip you with the expertise needed to address the unique challenges faced by health services managers, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. The insights gained from these courses will enhance your career prospects and contribute to improving healthcare systems, ensuring better patient care and operational efficiency.