Health Services Management Officer

As a member of the military, previously known as Health Care Administration Officer, Health Services Management Officers provide leadership and management of health care services and delivery.

They apply the principles and practices of healthcare administration, resource-management organization and operations for the Canadian Forces Health Services.

Their primary responsibilities are to ensure that the health care system is managed effectively, that healthcare professionals are able to practice in a safe and efficient environment, and that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members receive high-quality health care wherever they may be, in-garrison, on a base or wing in Canada, or deployed on international or domestic operations.

Work environment

Health Services Management Officers work in either operational units such as a Field Ambulance, the Field Hospital, aeromedical staging units and area medical support units, or in static facilities such as a clinic on a base or wing. They may also be employed at regional or national headquarters or in a training establishment, and may be expected to deploy on international or domestic operations.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Training

After enrolment, Health Services Management Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. BMOQ training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Basic Military Officer Qualification – Land (BMOQ-Land)

This training is mandatory for all HSM Officers regardless of whether they wear the Army, Navy or Air Force uniform. The BMOQ-Land is a 55-day training course that is conducted in Gagetown, New Brunswick immediately following the BMOQ in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.

Health Services Management Officers attend the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, where they complete a series of formal military training courses and programs. These include:

• Health Services Management Officer Basic Occupation Qualification.
• Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) course.
• Health Services Tactical Leadership Officer Course (HSTLOC).

Health Services Management Officers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses, on-the-job training, and professional conferences.

Part time options

The role of the Canadian Forces Health Services Reserves is to provide trained personnel to support, augment and sustain Canadian Forces Health Services organizations for CAF operations and training activities, while building and maintaining links between the Forces and the local community.

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with a health services unit in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.