GP practice manager

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.

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.

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.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

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

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