Health Care Managers

Certification or Licensing

Health care managers who are certified often earn higher salaries and have better advancement prospects than managers who are not certified. The American College of Healthcare Executives offers the fellow designation to candidates who have a master's degree (or other post-baccalaureate degree), pass an examination, currently hold an executive-level healthcare management position, and meet other requirements. Here are a few other major associations that provide certification:

• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (certified revenue cycle executive, certified revenue cycle professional, certified revenue integrity professional, certified revenue cycle specialist)
• American Health Information Management Association (registered health information administrator)
• American Hospital Association (certified healthcare facility manager)
• American Organization for Nursing Leadership (certified in executive nursing practice, certified nurse manager and leader)
• Healthcare Financial Management Association (fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association)
• Medical Group Management Association (certified medical practice executive)
• Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (certified medical manager, health information technology certified manager for physician practice)

Licensure is not a requirement for health care services executives employed in hospitals. However, all states require nursing home administrators to be licensed. Most states use the licensing exam prepared by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards. Because requirements vary from state to state, those considering careers in nursing home administration should contact their state's licensing body for specific licensure requirements. Also, it should be noted that continuing education is now a condition of licensure in most states.