The health care field offers opportunities in many interesting career positions, including for those professionals who are interested in how to become a divisional chief medical officer. Whether just getting started in the health care field or looking to move up into executive management soon, understanding the requirements necessary to get started in this particular career position is beneficial.
Chief Medical Officer Education Requirements
To begin meeting the requirements, individuals interested in chief medical officer positions should have the right education. This particular position in the management of health care organizations and agencies is somewhat unique in that a high level of medical knowledge is an absolute necessity. To meet the requirements, candidates for chief medical officer positions should have degrees in medicine. One of the main responsibilities of the chief medical officer is to train and manage the physician staff of a hospital or other health care setting, and, in order to appropriately and successfully do so, these administrators must be able to perform and discuss various types of medical procedures.
In addition to having a degree in medicine in order to complete job duties, the chief medical officer must also have an understanding of business and business processes. Therefore, the addition of a degree in business or health care administration is also often required or preferred. Much of the responsibility of the chief medical officer is to attend meetings, participate in budgeting and planning, coordinate between medical and administrative staff, and handle other various administrative duties.
Experience and Certifications
Previous management experience in health care settings is likely to be required for candidates pursuing chief medical officer positions. Having significant experience as a physician is also beneficial because it provides candidates with the medical knowledge necessary to perform the job functions and liaison between medical and other staff members.
In addition to experience practicing medicine and in management, chief medical officers can also obtain different professionals certifications to help prepare. Some certifications that can be helpful include the Certified Revenue Cycle Executive (CRCE) and Certified Compliance Technician (CCT), Additional information on these certifications can be found at the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management.
Other useful certifications include the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional designation from the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals.
Career Search Possibilities
The majority of chief medical officer positions will be found in hospitals. In many larger hospitals, there are several chief medical officer positions, divided by area of medical expertise or specialty. Additionally, this particular executive position can also be found in insurance companies, private physician group practices, out-patient care facilities, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and government agencies. Some private organizations that have a need for the overseeing of health policies and practices have positions for chief medical officers, such as the National Football League (NFL).
Related Resource: Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrator
The chief medical officer position is essential in the management of administrative and medical practices and policies in a number of different types of organization. To become a divisional chief medical officer, the right combination of skills, education, and training can be the foundation for meeting the requirements and beginning a professionally and personally rewarding career.