To build a successful and rewarding management career in today's demanding health system, you need to make the right choices in training and education. The HMP provides the entry level health management program, to fast track your career. The Program is provided for the NSW and ACT health systems with placements in a range of health settings. The HMP also has a number of identified positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.
Objectives of the Program
To provide future health management leaders.
To provide qualified, innovative and motivated health managers, from an entry-level basis, through a complete program of training, education and professional development.
To provide a means of changing careers for staff already working in the health system who have the desire and potential to become health managers.
Why Choose the HMP?
The HMP is a two-year work-based program with education and training coordinated by the Australian College of Heath Service Executives (NSW Branch). The trainees also undertake a part-time two-year Masters in Health Services Management through Charles Sturt University, which is fully paid for.
The Program is supported by the NSW Health Department and ACT Health and there are also placements in the not for profit and private health sectors. The HMP offers an individualised, structured and supportive workplace learning experience that enables you to learn how to manage, as well as the theoretical learning about management practice.
What are the Benefits of the Program?
Paid industry experience through the structured work placements.
Completion of a Masters in Health Service Management.
Mentoring by experienced health management professionals.
Assistance with career development.
Opportunity to create a network of 'contacts' at all levels within Health Services.
Exposure to the latest management competencies.
When you graduate from this program you are equipped to further your career within the health system with a greater understanding, knowledge and skills of how the system operates.
2. The HMP Outline
The HMP is a two-year program focusing on providing the theoretical and practical basis of health service management. The Program delivers these learning opportunities through three broad components, work placement, postgraduate studies and professional development and training at the College Study Days.
Work Placement
The HMP trainees will be appointed to a specific Area Health Service or other Placement Organisation for the duration of the Program. Placements will be organised within the employing organisation as well as in Specialty Placement Organisations (for example NSW Health), ensuring that trainees receive a comprehensive experience. Rural placements are also available. During each placement, trainees work closely with an assigned manager who assists in developing management competencies throughout the various placements in the organisation.
Masters in Health Service Management
The trainees undertake a Masters in Health Service Management through Charles Sturt University. This is a two-year part-time course undertaken through distance education which is a mandatory component of the Program. The trainees are granted study leave to complete the course and there is also support provided at the monthly Study Days.
Professional Development and Training Component
Orientation to the health system - A one week Orientation Program will be provided in Sydney in February 2009 to introduce the trainee to the health system and the Program.
Study Days - The Study Days also provide training in key management areas such as communication skills, financial management, team building and emotional intelligence.
The Rural Study Tour - Each year for three days the trainees visit rural health services gaining important insights into practical issues facing the provision of rural health.
Ongoing support and access to professional development programs and learning opportunities within placement agencies.
3. Selection Criteria
Participants of the Program are selected through completion of the application form, demonstrated academic capacity (or submission of a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills), an interview process, and the following essential criteria:
Academic capacity
Appropriateness of qualification or work experience
Preparedness to complete the Masters in Health Services Management and Provide academic results each semester
Commitment to Continuing Education
Evidence of participation in educational activities for personal or professional growth
Prior Work Experience
Health service experience or
Management/administrative experience (voluntary or paid)
Demonstrated Management Potential
Understanding of current health management challenges
Relevance of Program to Career Plan
Defined career goals
Commitment to the health service
Good Writing and Verbal Skills
Fluent English skills
Interview presentation and responses
Prepared to provide written monthly reports
Interpersonal Skills
Awareness of human resource management, group dynamics and communication skills
References
Outcomes of two referee reports (preferably from a current employer).
Australian Citizen or Permanent Residency required.
Criminal Record Check
Trainees must undergo a criminal record check to work in the Health field.
Flexible Work Placements
Applicants must be prepared to work and travel in various settings in NSW/ACT. There are some placements in metropolitan areas but there are also a number in regional areas. If placed in an Area Health Service, trainees will be required to travel throughout the whole area as a requirement of their placement.
Driver's Licence
Some placements require a driver's licence.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
Aboriginality and Torres Strait Islander is a requirement as per Section 14 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants should have appropriate tertiary qualifications or equivalent work experience.
Where are Graduates now?
Graduates of the HMP are keenly sought after to fill positions such as Project Managers, Business Managers and middle management positions throughout the health care system including:
NSW Department of Health
Area Health Services
Public and Private Hospitals
Divisions of General Practice
Other health related organisations
Excerpt from the Speech on Behalf of Graduating Trainees presented at the Annual General Meeting, June 2008. For the full speech please refer to www.achse.org.au/nsw
"The College, by introducing the Master of Health Services Management as a compulsory component of the training, gave us a privileged opportunity to test and compare theory with actual practice. Our placements provided us with a practical component to these theoretical lessons and we were able to shadow directors and chief executives, even dine with the Minister of Health! It is here we understood what it means to be a real manager. We formed incredible bonds with our supervisors and mentors; they assisted us in our learning and growth."
Shelly Dhaliwal (2006-2007 Trainee)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates of the Aboriginal Health Management Program (now incorporated into the HMP) have progressed to positions as:
CEOs or Project/Policy Managers within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services.
Area Health Service and Health Department Aboriginal Health Directors and senior staff
Business Managers in Area Health Services and Project Managers in Division of GPs
Project Officers in consultancy firms
"Aboriginal health is not the sole responsibility of Aboriginal people, but is a collective of all of our efforts. The ACHSE HMP has provided the initiative to train Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Managers to work within a broad perspective of health care. In their endeavours they have demonstrated that the trainees from the Program have a firm grounding on the provision of a culturally appropriate and holistic health service to my people."
Richard Widders (2004-05 AHMP and HMP trainee)
4. How do I apply for the HMP?
The HMP is advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald, Koori Mail and Indigenous Times newspapers, employment websites and NSW Health System in July 2008 with interviews for applicants taking place on 2 - 5 September 2008. Applications close on COB 20 August 2008.
Successful applicants undertake a one week orientation, which commences on Monday, 2 February 2009 at the College in North Ryde. HMP trainees commence their first placement the week following the Orientation.
Location
You must be prepared to accept a rural placement in a regional town/city if it is required by the placement organisation. However, there are also a number of placements in the greater Sydney metropolitan area and the ACT. A Living Away from Home Allowance through salary packaging arrangements may be applicable in some circumstances. This arrangement is to be negotiated by the successful applicant and the placement organisation.
Salaries
Graduates with no management experience:
1st Year
$45,333 pa
2nd Year
$47,869 pa
Three or more years' management experience
1st Year
$50,650 pa
2nd Year
$51,907 pa
The Australian College of Health Services Executives
Established in 1945, the Australian College of Health Service Executives is Australia's largest professional body representing Health and Aged Care Managers with over 3000 members throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific. It aims to develop and foster excellence in health service and aged care management through education and ongoing professional development for existing and aspiring managers.
The College has been providing the HMP since 1975. The Aboriginal Health Management Program (AHMP) was provided by the College in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW from 1997 to 2004. In 2005 the AHMP was incorporated as part of the HMP.
For further information contact:
Any enquiries about the Program may be directed to:
Dr Sarah Mott, State Director, ACHSE NSW Branch
Phone 02 9878 2200
Email: smott@achsensw.org.au
Enquires about the completion of the application form should be directed:
