Working in the behavioral health industry is a very rewarding and exciting career path, and this industry is growing faster than all other job markets. There are hundreds of positions available today in technical, clinical, and administrative positions all across the country. If you are wondering how to become a program manager, you will find plenty of mid and senior-level management positions available at hospitals, treatment facilities, and community centers near you.
The Behavioral Health Jobs website specializes in the behavioral health industry and adds hundreds of new jobs every day. Program managers are in high demand at a number of healthcare organizations, government facilities, and private practices. They are responsible for ensuring the facility runs smoothly, is fully staffed with experienced professionals, and all projects are running effectively. Experienced program managers can earn between $124,000 – $164,000 per year. If you are searching for program manager career opportunities, check out the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
What Is a Program Manager?
A program manager is responsible for ensuring the goals of the company are implemented by overseeing multiple project managers within the company. They ensure the overall mission statement of the company is met and employees have everything they need to care for patients.
During a typical day, a program manager will:
- Plan and monitor program execution
- Coordinate projects between multiple managers
- Create and manage the company budget
- Provide cross-project resource management
- Identify any risks or problem areas and address them accordingly
- Maintain all program documentation
- Communicate with stakeholders and come up with solutions for solving any problem
- Ensuring the company has the equipment and staff to perform their duties
At Behavioral Health jobs, we have hundreds of program manager jobs available all across the country. Before applying for a new position, check out our career tips to make sure your resume is perfect, and you are prepared for your in-person or remote interview.
How to Become a Program Manager
Becoming a program manager takes time and experience, but the journey is well worth it. The salary range is in the low six figures, and many companies offer better-than-average benefits for higher-end positions that can include stock options, bonuses, and other premium benefits.
Here are the steps in how to become a program manager:
Education Requirements
If you are interested in becoming a program manager, you will need to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration. The best degrees for program managers include:
- B.S. in Business Management
- B.S. in Marketing
- Master’s in Business Administration
- Master’s in Management and Leadership
Certifications
Certifications are an excellent way to show employers you have the skills and experience necessary to do the job and can significantly increase your salary. The best certifications for program managers include the Program Management Professional (PgMP) and MMSP Practitioner certifications.
Work Experience
To become a program manager, you will need experience working in a team environment and showing leadership potential. Most organizations will want to see 3-5 years of experience as a project manager to be considered for a program manager position. Most companies prefer to hire from within for high-level management roles.
Soft Skills
In addition to education and work experience, individuals will need the following soft skills in order to succeed:
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Able to work with people from all backgrounds
- Able to think quickly and adapt
Things to Know When Considering a Program Manager Role
When considering a program manager role, it’s important to know that this job involves a lot of planning and organization. A program manager has to oversee multiple projects at once and make sure everything is running smoothly. This means setting goals, making schedules, and keeping track of progress. They also need to be good at solving problems because things often don’t go as planned.
Another key part of being a program manager is communication. Program managers have to talk to many different people, including team members, other managers, and sometimes even clients. They need to make sure everyone understands what’s happening and what they need to do. Good program managers listen carefully and make sure everyone’s ideas are heard. This helps make the projects more successful and the team happier. They also need to be good at presenting information, whether in a formal meeting or a casual conversation.
A program manager is a crucial role in any organization. They must have excellent planning, communication, leadership, risk management, analytical skills, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve. These qualities not only contribute to the success of projects but also help create a positive and efficient work environment for the entire team.
Find Program Manager Career Opportunities at Behavioral Health Jobs
The Behavioral Health Jobs website provides job seekers with the best jobs in the behavioral health industry, along with helpful tips for improving your chances of getting a job. Candidates can search through our database by job description or specific keywords, organization type, and education and experience level. Candidates can search for jobs near them or find a new program manager job in a city where they have always wanted to live.
For more information about what a program manager does, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today for new program manager jobs and beneficial career tips.
