Skip to content
CIP 51.0704 Health Professions

Health Unit Manager/Ward Supervisor

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

38

2025 · 5 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Overview

The role of a Health Unit Manager or Ward Supervisor is critical in the healthcare sector, focusing on overseeing the operations of a specific unit or ward within a hospital or healthcare facility. This professional is responsible for ensuring that the unit provides high-quality patient care while also managing staff, budgets, and resources effectively.

Typically, individuals in this role hold a degree in nursing or health administration and often have several years of clinical experience. They must possess strong leadership skills, as they are tasked with supervising nursing staff and coordinating their schedules, training, and performance evaluations. Additionally, they are responsible for implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

Health Unit Managers also play a vital role in patient care management. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop care plans, address patient needs, and improve patient outcomes. Effective communication skills are essential, as they must facilitate discussions among staff, patients, and families to ensure that everyone is informed and involved in the care process.

Moreover, these managers often handle budgeting and financial management for their units, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that the unit operates within its financial means. They may also engage in strategic planning to enhance service delivery and improve patient satisfaction.

In summary, the Health Unit Manager/Ward Supervisor is a multifaceted role that requires a blend of clinical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and administrative skills to successfully manage a healthcare unit and ensure optimal patient care.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 15% and the international share went from 6.1% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
23.7%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
26.3%
Black
50.0%
Other
0.0%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 5 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Southeastern College-Boynton Beach Florida 21 0
— Delaware County Community College Pennsylvania 13 0
— Southeastern College-Columbia South Carolina 2 0
— Southeastern College-Charleston South Carolina 1 0
— Southeastern College-Charlotte North Carolina 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Medical and Health Services Managers 597,080 $67.77 $140,970

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.