Rehabilitation Services Manager Career Guide

Serious accidents or sudden and chronic medical conditions can change a person’s life. These events may be physical trauma, a mental disability, or any number of life-altering challenges. When faced with such difficulties, people are left wondering, “How could this affect my day-to-day life? How will I recover?”

 That’s where recovery and rehabilitation professionals come in. People in these roles specialize in managing patient outcomes. In some cases, physical therapy or mental health counseling is necessary to return to good health. Thanks to modern rehabilitation services and the people that administer them, patients don’t need to travel the path to recovery alone.

 Rehabilitation services managers aid in this journey by planning and implementing rehabilitation functions, policies, and procedures. These services typically include physical, mental, substance abuse, and vocational rehabilitation. Rehab services managers are often in direct contact with clients as they address their concerns and help create treatment plans.

To become a rehab services manager, you should determine how far you’d like to go with your education and professional experience. Many managers in this field go beyond completing a bachelor’s program—they typically earn a master’s degree, certification, or both. Below are some steps for becoming a rehabilitation services manager.

1.  Complete a bachelor’s degree in an allied health field. Common degree programs include healthcare administration, health and human services, physical therapy, and psychology.
2. Complete a master’s degree in a health- or business-related field. Common graduate programs include health administration and an MBA in healthcare management.
3. Get certified in rehabilitation management. To gain a deeper understanding of managing therapy and treatment plans, consider becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE). Certification could also lead to career advancement opportunities along with an increased salary.
4. Take courses in grant writing. It can be useful to learn how to write grants to apply for and secure funding. These funds could help improve rehab center operations and treatments.
5. Gain relevant work experience. To be better prepared for the responsibilities of a management role, you might consider gaining foundational experience in an entry- or mid-level healthcare administration job.
6. Apply for rehabilitation services manager jobs. Of course, to be considered for a role in the field, you need to job search and complete applications. Remember to update or polish your résumé and cover letter and prepare yourself for answering interview questions.