Practice Managers

What does the role involve?  

Practice managers are integral to the smooth and effective running of a GP practice. Depending on the size of the practice, the manager will be involved with a wide range of activities, such as business planning, finance, recruitment of staff, training and IT.

Although it is not necessary to hold a qualification in health care management or have experience within the health service before taking on this role, most practice managers have experience of management in some context and in particular experience of finance and of managing people.  Practice managers are staff who have previously worked within administration within the practice.   

Practice managers are expected to develop a detailed knowledge of the GP contract which outlines the funding and requirements for GP practices.  

What training is available?  

There are a number of options if you wish to pursue a career in practice management:  

• Certificate/Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management (DPCHM) awarded by the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR)  

• Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers (VTSGPM) – awarded by the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM)  

• A Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management – a level 5 qualification provided by a number of AMSPAR/City and Guilds -approved centres. Find out more about the DCPHM and the location of AMSPAR/City and Guilds approved centres  

• The Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers – delivered on a part time basis over a period of 36 weeks, using a blended learning model