The purpose of this qualification is to provide Aotearoa/New Zealand with graduates who have attained sufficient skills to work in management roles in the health services sector. This qualification is designed for existing health professionals from diverse backgrounds with relevant qualifications and who have an interest to grow their skills in specific focus areas of services management in the health sector. Graduates of this qualification will have acquired specialist knowledge and skills in a professional health services context. Graduates will be able to critically analyse and generate solutions to unfamiliar and/or complex situations in the management of health services. Communities will benefit by having qualified management professionals in the health service sector.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 1) Analyse the evolving nature of the Aotearoa/New Zealand public health system and recommend strategies that lead to effective ongoing and measureable improvements in the population's health circumstances; 2) Manage diversity and inclusion to develop responsive and effective health care systems; 3) Promote the benefits of suitable health interventions to improve lifestyle behavioural issues faced by individuals and communities; 4) Develop strategic operational plans and policies to meet a health organisation's goals and objectives; 5) Contribute to the management of an organisation's human resource framework (hire to retire) to become more effective in a health services setting; 6) Research, analyse, and apply data analytics operations to provide support for the effective monitoring and evaluation of health conditions; 7) Develop effective procurement processes and systems (procure to pay) to reduce wasteful spending and to optimise the use of available resources in the health care organisation; 8) Undertake a research project using related experiential learning and apply acquired academic skills in order to contribute to health organisation systems.

Graduates of this qualification can pursue further studies towards a bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, or graduate diploma in the relevant field of health and social care management.

Learners enrolling must hold one of the following qualifications, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience: *Level 6 health qualification or equivalent; and/or *Level 5 health qualification or equivalent with two years of relevant work experience; and/or *a health degree or equivalent qualification or higher; and/or *appropriate work experience in the health sector.