Government of New Brunswick
OtherHealth_category

Health Service Administrator

Health Service Administrators plan, organize, direct, co-ordinate and evaluate health programs and services that promote health and provide care to individuals, groups and communities. Health Service Administrators may have executive responsibilities for an entire organization or be responsible for managing a specific department or program.


An Exciting Field of Work

In general, Health Service Administrators:

  • Develop plans, policies and processes for health programs and services
  • Design appropriate organizational structures
  • Select and supervise staff
  • Advise the governing body on policy and operational matters, and assist in developing organizational mission statements
  • Ensure that laws, regulations and policies are followed
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with representatives from other organizations, including governments, professional associations, the media and other stakeholders in the health care system
  • Implement operational plans and manage budgets
  • Provide the leadership required for the organization to fulfill its goals and objectives


Personal Characteristics / Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking skills
  • Ability to work effectively with others
  • Leadership and team-building abilities

Health Service Administrators should enjoy co-coordinating information and directing the work of others, negotiating with members of governing boards and senior managers and developing and implementing plans.


Education and Training

There are no standard education requirements. However, employers generally hire applicants who have health services management related post-secondary education and/or certification.

This occupation requires a combination of education and experience. Health Service Administrators who come to the field from medicine, pharmacy, nursing or accounting backgrounds can supplement their training and experience through extension or other educational programs in health service management. Those who have graduate degrees in health management usually start in junior administrative positions to gain on-the-job experience.


Education program offered in New Brunswick

A Health Services Management program is offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institution:


Length of Study / Training

6.0 - 8.0 years


Licence and certification

Certification in the relevant profession may be required.


Helpful High School Courses

  • Math
  • Sciences
  • Health
  • Business 


Employment and Common Working Conditions

Health Service Administrators work in a variety of settings such as:

  • Public health organizations
  • Specialty hospitals and acute care hospitals
  • Continuing care facilities
  • Mental health facilities
  • Rehabilitation agencies
  • Health planning agencies and government departments
  • Health associations
  • Regional health authorities
  • Government departments

Although Health Service Administrators work in an office environment, they do not always work standard office hours. Their hours of work often extend beyond an eight-hour day to attend meetings or to complete major tasks.

This work can be stressful because Health Service Administrators are responsible for the effectiveness of their organizations and, ultimately, the quality of the programs and services provided.


Employment Prospects - GOOD

With the increasing number of upcoming retirements and our aging population, it is expected that there will be opportunities in this field.