To become a patient care manager, individuals need a high school diploma or GED, a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, and on-the-job training. They must possess nursing and management skills, as well as good communication and interpersonal skills. Experience and recommendations are also important for finding employment.
There are several steps an individual must take to become a patient care manager, and employers will define these steps differently. Some job postings describe patient care managers as registered nurses who manage a nursing staff and patient care plans. Managers often possess certain personal traits such as compassion, understanding, listening and communication skills, which help them in carrying out daily tasks. These individuals develop a specialized skill set, starting with a general education, moving on to a certificate program, and building skills with on-the-job training and management. Once properly trained, the manager can find employment in a variety of facilities that provide medical care, including long-term care facilities and hospitals.
Individuals must meet certain educational and training requirements to become a patient care manager. Most employers require managers to have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development Certificate (GED) for consideration in a patient certification program. Additionally, employers want candidates for these positions to complete a certificate program that varies, but is usually a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Most regional and state programs consist of a set number of supervised clinical hours in addition to time spent in the classroom. Students take a test at the end of the program to receive a certificate or license, allowing them to work in the field and gain management experience.
During the course of certification, students will learn a specific skill set, helping them to become a patient care manager. Managers must possess all the skills of a nurse, in addition to superior management skills. They must know how to run an effective medical facility and manage staff and patient care. Good communication, listening and interpersonal skills are essential for this career as it requires a high amount of interaction with other people.
The final step in becoming a patient care manager is finding an employment situation that is beneficial to the employee, employer, and patients. Candidates for this position have a certain amount of experience, both in management and in patient care, which is listed in the job posting. Recommendations are useful for people who are just starting a career as a manager and have very little professional experience in this particular position. A well-written resume that highlights significant work-related accomplishments is another useful tool for securing any job.
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