Practice managers run the business side of a doctor’s (GP's) surgery or health centre. They manage the staff, accounts and medical records, and develop the practice's business strategy.

Their duties can vary according to the size of the practice, but 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.

Practice managers have a great deal of contact with outside organisations such as local NHS trusts and primary care groups, and local authority social services departments.

Hours and Environment

As a practice manager you will usually work 37 hours week, Monday to Friday. Your hours will normally be 9am to 5pm, but you may sometimes work in the evenings, depending on your practice's opening hours. Part-time work may be available.

You will mainly be based at a GP surgery or health centre, but you may sometimes travel in your local area to visit other surgeries (if your practice covers more than location) or attend meetings.

Skills and Interests

• excellent organisational skills
• the ability to manage people and lead a team
• good written and spoken communication skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• good financial and budgeting skills
• good computer skills
• strategic planning and business skills
• maturity and responsibilty
• respect for confidential information.

Entry

There are no set entry qualifications for becoming a practice manager, but employers will usually 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 and management.

It may be useful to gain the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Diploma in Primary Care Management before looking for your first practice manager's job, although this is not essential if you have several years' relevant management experience.

For entry to the Diploma you will usually need A levels/S grades or an equivalent such as a BTEC/SQA National Diploma or an advanced medical secretarial qualification. You will also need an employer to recommend you. If you have management experience but are not currently working in health or social care, you may be accepted onto the Diploma if you can find a work placement in a GP practice.

See AMSPAR's website for more information.

Training

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 in Further Information below for more details.

You could also choose to take the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) Certificate in Managing Health and Social Care (CertMHSC). This is an open learning course suitable for health service managers including GP practice managers. See the IHM website in Further Information for more details.

Both AMSPAR and the IHM offer their members further training opportunities and professional recognition. 

Opportunities

As a practice manager you could be employed by GPs’ surgeries and health centres all over the UK.

Jobs are advertised in the local press, health service journals and on the NHS Jobs and First Practice Management websites.

With experience, you may choose to become a partner (part-owner) of the practice in your own right. Alternatively, you could move into other health management jobs in hospitals, health authorities and NHS trusts, or in social services or private health care and nursing homes.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Salaries often vary according to the size of the practice, and the level of responsibility.

The starting salary for a newly-qualified manager in a small practice can be around £15,000 a year.
Experienced practice managers usually earn around £25,000 to £35,000 a year.
Senior practice managers of large practices may earn up to £50,000.

Further information

PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
18-21 Morley Street
London
SE1 7QZ
Tel: 020 7620 1030
Tavistock House North
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9LN
Tel: 020 7387 6005