With healthcare being one of the fastest-growing industries across the country, leaders are needed to oversee the delivery of care to patients and ensure the smooth operation of medical facilities. One such type of leader is the hospital manager.  

Hospitals today face rising costs, staffing shortages and growing patient populations. Effective hospital managers are essential in addressing these challenges by balancing patient care requirements with financial sustainability, ensuring both quality outcomes for patients and long-term viability for hospitals.  

Several years of related experience are typically required for hospital managers, along with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree, while not always mandatory, can help these professionals with career advancement. This combination of education and experience prepares individuals to step into leadership roles in healthcare. 

What Does a Hospital Manager Do? 

While they don’t work directly with patients, hospital managers impact patients’ care through their day-to-day tasks. For example, hospital managers coordinate staffing levels so departments have the support they need to assist patients with everything from clinical procedures to follow-up appointments.  

Hospital managers’ daily responsibilities can vary depending on the hospital’s size and needs, but they commonly include: 

• Drafting and implementing short- and long-term goals 

• Participating in community and fundraising events 

• Ensuring compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, laws and policies 

• Acting as a liaison among management, staff and patients 

• Creating and monitoring hospital budgets and resources 

• Providing relevant updates to stakeholders and the community 

• Staying current on healthcare technology and regulations 

• Monitoring the use of medical equipment and the safety of information systems 

Steps to Become a Hospital Manager 

Becoming a hospital manager typically starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as healthcare management.

1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree 

Completing a bachelor’s degree program is often the first step toward becoming a hospital manager, but employers may have their own educational requirements depending on the facility. Majors to consider include healthcare management, public health, business administration, nursing or public policy.  

These programs provide a foundation in patient care, community health, management principles and healthcare communication. Some also offer a choice of concentrations to allow students to deepen their knowledge of their area of interest.  

2. Gain Healthcare Experience 

A few years of relevant practical experience are typically required to pursue a hospital manager position. Working in administration roles at the assistant, clerk or coordinator level can help individuals get experience interacting with medical staff, learn about the daily operations of a hospital and become familiar with compliance requirements. To build this experience while studying, some degree programs include a practicum or internship component.  

These early roles are also where future managers begin to develop key professional skills, such as leadership, communication, budgeting and compliance management competencies. Strengthening these skills in real-world settings lays the groundwork for guiding teams and making informed decisions in hospital leadership. 

3. Pursue Advanced Education and Credentials 

While starting with a bachelor’s degree is common, many managers continue their education by earning a master’s in healthcare management or business administration. Programs for these degrees allow experienced professionals to expand their knowledge and customize their learning.  

Another way to qualify to advance is by obtaining a professional certification. Among the most widely recognized certifications for hospital managers are the certified health care facility manager (CHFM) designation offered by the American Hospital Association and the certified health care manager (CHCM) designation offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.  

These credentials demonstrate expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, facility operations and healthcare leadership, and they may also help improve an individual’s advancement opportunities. Both professional certifications require a mix of education and experience along with continuing education courses for renewal.  

Salary and Job Outlook for Hospital Managers 

According to the BLS, employment of medical and health services managers — a category that includes hospital managers — is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034. This growth, representing about 143,000 new jobs, is expected to be driven by the need to oversee healthcare services and staff for growing populations, particularly the growing older population, as well as to address challenges from new technology and policies.  

The BLS also reports that medical and health services managers had a median annual salary of $117,960 as of May 2024. Individuals’ actual salaries vary based on their experience, employer, position and location. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $69,700, while the highest 10 percent made more than $219,000.  

Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Healthcare Management  

By earning at least a bachelor’s degree and gaining relevant healthcare experience, individuals may be able to step into a hospital leadership role. To advance in their careers, professionals often pursue a master’s degree and/or certification.  

SEMO Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management with concentrations in healthcare quality and healthcare informatics. The four-year online program includes courses in subjects such as healthcare performance improvement, management skills, healthcare quality and healthcare budgeting. Students also complete a healthcare internship to gain practical experience. 

SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Healthcare Management program prepares individuals for roles such as health information manager, assisted living administrator or healthcare quality improvement manager. This program features concentrations in administration and informatics. In addition to taking a comprehensive final exam in a written or oral format, students must complete an internship or a research project.  

Find out more about how SEMO Online can prepare you for a career as a hospital manager.  

Recommended Readings 
Healthcare Management vs. Healthcare Administration 
How to Become a Health Informatics Specialist 
Skills Needed for Healthcare Management 
 
Sources: 
American Hospital Association, Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) 
American Hospital Association, Fast Facts on U.S. Hospitals, 2025 
American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Health Care Manager Certification 
American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Hospital Manager Job Description 
American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Hospital Manager Overview 
Indeed, “How to Become a Healthcare Manager in 5 Steps” 
Indeed, “How to Become a Hospital Manager” 
Indeed, “What Is Hospital Management (Salary and Jobs)” 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles  
Zippia, Health Care Manager Demographics and Statistics in the US