Graduates from master's degree programs also take jobs in HMO's, large group medical practices, clinics, mental health facilities, and multifacility nursing home corporations. New recipients of bachelor's degrees in health administration usually begin as administrative assistants or assistant department heads in larger hospitals, or as department heads or assistant administrators in small hospitals or in nursing homes. A Ph.D. degree may be required to teach, consult, or do research. Nursing service administrators are usually chosen from among supervisory registered nurses with administrative abilities and advanced education. All States and the District of Columbia require nursing home administrators to pass a licensing examination, complete a State-approved training program, and pursue continuing education.
Most States also have additional requirements.
A license is not required in other areas of health services management. Health services managers are often responsible for millions of dollars of facilities and equipment and hundreds of employees. To make effective decisions, they need to be open to different opinions and good at analyzing contradictory information. To motivate others to implement their decisions, they need strong leadership qualities. Tact, diplomacy, and communication skills are essential.