Medical and health services managers are the planners, directors and coordinators who work behind the scenes to keep hospitals, nursing homes, group practices and other health care facilities running efficiently. In short, they are super-organized professionals.

Medical and health services managers are extremely detail-oriented people with good analytical skills. Because much of their time is spent working with doctors, health insurance representatives and other administrators, they should also have good interpersonal and communication skills. Problem-solving is another part of the job. Technical skills are also required for these professionals to stay up-to-date on new software and electronic health record technology.

Most medical and health services managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration. However, a master’s degree in public administration, business administration or public health might help open the door to more opportunities.

Certification isn’t a requirement, but it can help demonstrate proficiency to potential employers. Organizations including the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management and the American Health Information Management Association offer various certifications for medical and health services managers.

“Their real-world exposure coupled with professional certification makes them a far better employment candidate than those without,” Karen Blanchette, executive director of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, says of professionals who obtain certification.

Depending on their workplace, prospective medical and health services managers might also need to acquire licensure. For instance, nursing home administrators must be licensed, and the licensure requirements for those in charge of assisted living facilities vary by state. Some other sectors of medical and health services management don’t require licensure.