How to Become a Clinical Manager

Becoming a clinical manager is an excellent career goal for those interested in health care leadership and management. Clinical managers oversee entire health care facilities, ensuring that operations run smoothly while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Although the job of a clinical manager is demanding, the work they do can be highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. In this article, we’ll examine the role, including the necessary steps and degree paths to become one, as well as the career outlook for this leadership position.

What Does a Clinical Manager Do?

A clinical manager is a health care professional who oversees the clinical operations of a health care department or facility, ensuring that patient care services are effectively and efficiently delivered. Clinical managers supervise teams of health care workers, including nurses, physicians, and administrative staff. They often work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or specialized care facilities.

Clinical manager responsibilities include the following:

Managing clinical operations, from patient admissions to discharge
Hiring, training, and managing health care staff to ensure high-quality patient care
Conducting performance reviews of health care staff and providing mentorship
Overseeing budgets, managing resources, and maintaining inventory of medical tools and equipment
Creating and implementing clinical policies that comply with health care regulations and standards
Developing initiatives to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided
Working with health care consultants, administrators, and human resources (HR) to improve clinical operations and patient care

Clinical Manager Skills

Clinical managers are one of the rare health care careers in which individuals operate in both the clinical and the administrative side of the medical field. Successful clinical managers possess the following skills and competencies:

Leadership and Management: Clinical managers must effectively lead diverse teams of health care professionals and make strategic decisions that affect their entire facility.
Coaching: Clinical managers are a resource for young nurses who are still learning and require guidance.
Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary to coordinate with staff, stakeholders, and patients.
Problem-Solving: Clinical managers often need to address and resolve issues related to patient care, staff performance, and operational challenges.
Knowledge of Health Care Systems: An in-depth understanding of health care regulations, patient care standards, and medical ethics is crucial to being a successful clinical manager.
Budgeting and Financial Management: Managing clinical operations requires financial acumen to ensure that budgets are maintained without compromising patient care.

Steps to Become a Clinical Manager

Becoming a clinical manager requires a combination of education, experience, and leadership skills.

Step 1. Earn a Relevant Degree

The first step toward becoming a clinical manager is earning a relevant bachelor’s degree, such as in health administration or a related field. This degree provides a foundation in health care systems, management, health care laws, and ethics.

Step 2. Gain Health Care Experience

Clinical managers typically have several years of experience working in health care settings, either as a clinician or in a health care management position. An understanding of clinical operations and patient care processes paves the way to a successful health care administration career.

Step 3. Pursue a Master’s Degree (Optional)

A bachelor’s degree meets the minimum educational requirement to become a clinical manager; however, some facilities may require a master’s degree or higher to be considered for the role. Examples of relevant degrees include a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Step 4. Earn Relevant Certifications

Certifications can enhance a candidate’s qualifications and help demonstrate to employers their expertise in health care management. Aspiring clinical managers should consider the following credentials:

Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional: The Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals offers the cHAP.
Certified Medical Manager: The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management offers the CMM.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality: The National Association for Healthcare Quality offers the CPHQ.

Step 5. Gain Leadership Experience

Before becoming a clinical manager, individuals must gain leadership or managerial experience within a health care setting. Positions such as department manager, clinical coordinator, or long-term care administrator provide valuable skills and experience that prepare individuals for more demanding leadership roles.

Apply for Clinical Manager Positions

Candidates who’ve acquired the necessary education, experience, and leadership skills can apply for clinical manager positions. Candidates should use professional networking sites and reach out to colleagues to expand their reach and secure referrals.

Clinical Manager Salary and Career Outlook

A clinical manager’s salary varies depending on factors such as location, facility size, and years of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical and health services managers was approximately $110,680 in May 2023. However, the highest 10% of earners made upwards of $216,750, indicating the significant opportunity for career growth.

The job outlook for clinical managers is also highly favorable. The BLS projects that employment for medical and health services managers will grow by 29% by 2033, much faster than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations. The need to replace workers who are transitioning to other occupations or exiting the workforce is driving growth.

Become a Health Care Leader by Advancing Your Education

Clinical managers play a vital role in shaping the quality of patient care and ensuring that health care facilities run efficiently. Their leadership and management skills directly influence patient outcomes, staff performance, and overall clinical operations. As the health care industry continues to evolve, the need for skilled clinical managers is expected to increase, making this a rewarding and stable career choice.

For those considering this path, earning a relevant degree, such as an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Administration from NCCU Online, can be a productive step. This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of health care systems, administration and management, professional ethics, and health care law, all of which are essential for becoming a successful clinical manager.

Take the first step toward a career as a clinical manager by learning more about the program and how it supports your professional goals in the medical field.

Recommended Readings

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Sources:

Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals, cHAP Certification

Indeed, Clinical Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

Indeed, How to Become a Clinical Case Manager

LinkedIn, “How Do You Become a Clinical Director?”

National Association for Healthcare Quality, CPHQ Certification

Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, Certified Medical Manager (CMM)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers