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What is a practice manager?

What does a practice manager do?

A practice manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a medical practice. Practice managers work in professional practices such as general practitioners, dental offices, medical clinics and hospital departments in Australia.

They are also known as practice administrators, medical managers, healthcare executives and healthcare administrators, and are the glue that holds medical practices together. Practice managers implement policies and procedures to ensure the practice continues running smoothly, and resolve issues that may arise.

Practice manager responsibilities

  • Allocating resources and equipment
  • Managing patient records and accounts
  • Liaising with stakeholders of the practice
  • Keeping up to date with compliance and safety regulations
  • Completing health administration responsibilities
  • Performing customer service
  • Coordinating training and professional development for employees
  • Sticking to budgets
  • Following work health and safety procedures

Why should I work as a practice manager?

Being a practice manager is a rewarding career path where you can make a positive difference in the healthcare industry every day. Practice managers have a lot of responsibility and complete a wide range of tasks — no two days in the health practice are the same and you’re always acquiring new skills.

Some of these duties include administration, business management, patient care, as well as personnel and human resources. Practice management is a job in demand, with the Australian healthcare industry growing rapidly. Since 2021, practice manager jobs have been on the rise and are projected to grow 9.6% up until 2026.

If you are really passionate about practice management, there’s always further study you can do. A bachelor’s degree in business management or public health can take your career to new heights.

What qualifications do I need to become a practice manager?

While a practice manager course is not technically required to become a healthcare administrator, some education is strongly recommended. Not only will it help you build your organisation, communication, and management skills, and increase your knowledge of the medical industry, it will increase your employability.

A Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) is one of the most popular practice manager courses. This nationally recognised qualification combines both business and healthcare units to provide a well-rounded education in practice management. Most practice management courses are online and self-paced and can be completed part-time or full-time. With minimal to no entry requirements, enrolment is an easy process. This diploma teaches you about medical terminology, quality customer service, administration, managing stakeholders, workplace health and safety and more.

What skills and qualities should I have as a practice manager?

Leadership and management skills are essential aspects, since a practice manager is responsible for the functionality of the practice, delegating tasks, overseeing employees and ensuring that everyone is completing their tasks.

Practice managers need to have good customer service and communication skills, as they communicate with patients frequently, processing payments and scheduling bookings.

Administrative work is also a large part of the role, so practice managers should have at least a basic understanding of administration and practice management software. Practice managers also need to have basic competency in medical terminology, so they are able to communicate properly with medical professionals and patients.

If you like the sound of practice management and think it’s the right career for you, browse practice management courses and enquire about an online course today!