Health Services Management Officer

As a member of the military, previously known as Health Care Administration Officer, Health Services Management Officers provide leadership and management of health care services and delivery. They apply the principles and practices of healthcare administration, resource-management organization, and operations for the Canadian Forces Health Services.

Their primary responsibilities are to ensure that the health care system is managed effectively, healthcare professionals can practice in a safe and efficient environment, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members receive high-quality health care wherever they may be, in-garrison, on a base or wing in Canada, or deployed on international or domestic operations.

Work Environment

Health Services Management Officers work in operational units such as a Field Ambulance, the Field Hospital, aeromedical staging units, and area medical support units, or in static facilities such as a clinic on a base or wing. They may also be employed at regional or national headquarters or in a training establishment and may be expected to deploy on international or domestic operations.

Health Services Management Officers manage the delivery of health care to Canadian soldiers, sailors, and aviators, ensuring safe and efficient healthcare services. They coordinate schedules, ensure resource availability, and adequate training to provide quality healthcare.

Being a Health Services Management Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces requires business and management skills similar to civilian healthcare management, managing resources and projects to provide top-tier care to CAF members. HSMs may also lead a team on overseas missions as platoon commanders.

Key aspects of the job include Human Resource Management, Leadership, Guidance, Administration, Planning, and Organization. The team is diverse, consisting mainly of clinical trades such as medical officers, nursing officers, physicians assistants, medical technicians, physiotherapists, mental health providers, and social workers.

HSMs have the opportunity to work in operational environments, personnel management, or clinical settings. They may progress to roles at regional or national headquarters, the national training facility, and have deployment opportunities.

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will assess if your academic program aligns with the job requirements. Basic training and military officer qualification training are mandatory before assignment.