Objective to analyze the current demand and its influencing factors for the practical ability of health management talents from the perspective of employers, to provide scientific basis for optimizing the training mode of health management talents. Methods A self-made questionnaire survey was conducted among the alumni of Nanjing Medical University who worked in the main employers of health management graduates. The sample was randomly selected by convenient sampling method. ANOVA and multiple ordered regression model were used to analyze the risk factors of demand of practical ability. Results Employers had the highest demands on the teamwork ability and interpersonal communication ability of health management graduates. Under the background of the new medical reform, big data analysis ability and policy interpretation and analysis ability were the most valued by employers. As we can see from regression model, the demand of practical ability of grade A class 3 hospitals was higher than not grade A class 3 hospitals. The demand of practical ability increased with work years. The demand of practical ability of health management group was higher than nurse group. Conclusion Clarifying the training objectives of practical ability of health management talents; innovate the teaching mode of health management students; create an environment for cultivating professional practice ability of health management students.