GP Practice Manager

What the job involves

As a practice manager, you would be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the GP Surgery. Your responsibilities could include:

Recruitment and training of staff
Dealing with customer complaints and managing reputation
Stock control
Dealing with accounts and budgets
Creating and implementing a business plan
Managing systems and procedures

Personal qualities

You will need to be extremely organised and be reliable, trustworthy and confidential at all times. You must be an excellent communicator and be able to remain calm under pressure. Thorough business planning skills, including knowledge of accounting and budgeting, are a must, as are proven leadership and management skills.

Working conditions

The job is predominantly office-based, and will usually involve working standard working hours i.e. 9am-5pm. However, evening or Saturday work may be required depending on the practice opening hours. Travel to other surgeries may be needed.

Qualifications and training

Practice Managers may wish to undertake the City & Guilds/AMSPAR Diploma in Primary Care Management. This qualification is specifically designed for managers in GP Practices.

Getting into the profession

You will need to be an experienced manager or administrator to be considered for such a position; experience of working in a health setting would be advantageous, as would any qualifications in accounting or business.

A qualification in leadership or management will enhance your CV and prepare you for a managerial position.

GP practice management jobs can be found on the NHS Jobs website.

Salary and benefits

Salaries for practice managers are likely to be between approximately £21,000 and £35,000 a year.

Progression

There are job opportunities for GP practice managers across the UK, both in general practice and in hospitals and NHS trusts. You could, with further experience, become a practice partner.

Further information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our career profiles, however we advise that you check with the relevant college/university/organisation that you are intending studying with in regards to current entry criteria.