GP Practice Manager
What is the work like?
As a practice manager, you would run the business side of a GP's surgery or health centre. You would be responsible for managing staff, accounts and medical records, developing the practice's business strategy and making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Your duties could vary according to the size of your practice, but would usually include:
- recruiting, training and supervising medical secretaries and receptionists
- dealing with accounts and budgets, paying wages and making sure the practice meets its financial targets
- organising duty rosters for doctors and clerical staff
- managing the reception and appointments system
- managing manual and computerised medical records systems
- controlling stocks of equipment, stationery and drugs
- arranging for cleaning, maintenance and security
- attending practice meetings
- monitoring prescription data.
You would have a great deal of contact with outside organisations such as local NHS trusts and primary care groups, and local authority social services departments.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Employers will expect you to be an experienced administrator or manager, preferably in a health or social care setting.You will find it helpful to have experience of accountancy or bookkeeping, personnel work, or management in any industry.
Before you look for your first practice manager's job, it may be helpful to take the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Diploma in Primary Care Management, although this is not essential if you have proven management experience.
To be accepted for the AMSPAR Diploma, you will need A levels or a level 3 equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma or advanced medical secretarial qualification. You will also need an employer to recommend you. If you are not currently working in health or social care but you have management experience, you may be accepted onto the AMSPAR Diploma if you can find a work placement in a GP practice.
See AMSPAR's website for more information about the Diploma.
What further training and development can I do?
If you are working as a practice manager or deputy practice manager, you can take AMSPAR’s work-based Diploma in Primary Care Management. See AMSPAR’s website for more information.
You could also choose to take the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) Certificate and Diploma in Managing Health and Social Care. These are open learning courses suitable for health service managers including GP practice managers. See the IHM website for more details.
Both AMSPAR and the IHM offer their members further training opportunities and professional recognition.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 376Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
London
SE1 7QZ
Tel: 020 7620 1030
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9LN
Tel: 020 7387 6005
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries in small practices can be from £15,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings are usually between £25,000 and £50,000 a year, depending on the size of the practice.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a full-time job you would work 37 hours week, mainly between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may sometimes work in the evenings or on Saturday mornings, depending on your practice's opening hours. Part-time work and job sharing may be available.
You would be based at a GP surgery or health centre, although if your practice includes more than one surgery you would travel between locations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent organisational skills
- the ability to manage people and lead a team
- good written and spoken communication skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- accounting skills and budgeting awareness
- good computer skills
- strategic planning and business skills
- respect for confidential information.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by GPs’ surgeries and health centres all over the UK. Jobs are advertised in the local press and health service websites.
With experience, you could choose to become a partner (part-owner) of the practice in your own right. Alternatively, you could move into healthcare management in hospitals, health authorities and NHS trusts, social services or private health care.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
NHS Jobs
First Practice Management
Health Service Journal
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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