How to become a manager in health care
Official title: Managers in health care
Also called: Podiatric clinic manager, Clinical services manager, Psychology director - health care, Dental health services administrator, Director of psychology - health care, Occupational health services director, Nursing care manager - medical services, Public health nursing services director, Nursing services manager - medical services, Home care services director - medical services, Mental health residential care program manager, Chief dietitian
Managers in health care plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the delivery of health care services, such as diagnosis and treatment, nursing and therapy, within institutions, and in other settings, that provide health care services. They are employed in hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes and other health care organizations.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the delivery of health care services within a department of a health care institution, or in other settings where health care services are provided
- Consult with boards of directors and senior managers to maintain and establish standards for the provision of health care services
- Develop evaluation systems to monitor the quality of health care given to patients
- Monitor the use of diagnostic services, in-patient beds and facilities to ensure effective use of resources
- Develop and implement plans for new programs, special projects, new material and equipment acquisitions and future staffing levels in their department or establishment
- Plan and control departmental or establishment budget
- Represent the department or establishment at meetings with government officials, the public, the media and other organizations
- Supervise health care supervisors and professionals
How to become one
Administrators of departments such as surgery, clinical medicine or laboratory medicine are usually required to have the education and training of a specialist physician. Administrators of other departments, such as nursing, dietetics or physiotherapy, are usually required to have the education and training of the medical professionals in that department. Several years of experience in the relevant profession, including supervisory experience, are usually required. Certification in the relevant profession is required.
Ways in
- University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Nursing & Midwifery degrees, Offered by 12 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $107,816 a year The middle half earn $88,121 to $126,009.
- About 43,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 57,200 are projected by 2033. (+31.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a manager in health care?
Administrators of departments such as surgery, clinical medicine or laboratory medicine are usually required to have the education and training of a specialist physician. Administrators of other departments, such as nursing, dietetics or physiotherapy, are usually required to have the education and training of the medical professionals in that department. Several years of experience in the relevant profession, including supervisory experience, are usually required. Certification in the relevant profession is required.
How much does a manager in health care earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $107,816 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $88,121 to $126,009.
Is a manager in health care a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 31% by 2033, from about 43,600 to about 57,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a manager in health care?
Usually. 66% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03