Gp Practice Manager

Typical Salary

£22,250 To £55,000

Typical Hours

36 to 38 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Gp Practice Manager

You can get into this job through:

working towards this role
applying directly
specialist courses run by professional bodies

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You could start as an assistant office manager in a health centre or hospital and work your way up through training and promotion.

You could move into practice management from a range of different business backgrounds. You'll usually need to be an experienced manager with a management qualification.

Experience in a health or social care setting would be an advantage, though it's not essential.

Other Routes

You can get relevant qualifications by training with The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR). Qualifications include:

a short course Certificate in Health Service Administration
Level 3 Diploma in Medical Administration
Level 3 Certificate in Medical Terminology
Level 5 Primary Care and Health Management

These are available through a combination of approved training centres, colleges and online. You'll need to be working in a health-related job to study some of the higher-level qualifications.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
business management skills
knowledge of English language
administration skills
leadership skills
the ability to work well with others
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

recruiting, training and supervising medical receptionists and secretaries
paying wages and making sure the practice meets its financial targets
organising duty rotas for doctors and clerical staff
managing the reception and appointments system
managing medical records systems
controlling stocks of equipment, stationery and drugs
arranging the building's cleaning, maintenance and security
monitoring prescriptions
handling confidential information

Working Environment

You could work at a GP practice or at a health centre.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a partner (part-owner) of the practice.

You might move into healthcare management in a hospital, health authority or NHS trust.

You could also work as a manager in a social services department, or you could work in private healthcare.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

Membership of The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) and the Institute of Healthcare Management will give you access to professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a GP practice manager from Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks