Practice manager job description

A practice manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of a medical practice. A practice manager can work in various Australian healthcare settings, including medical, dental, and veterinary.

Tasks and responsibilities for a practice manager

A practice manager focuses on the operational, administrative, human resource, and office aspects of a professional practice. Their responsibilities include:

Upkeeping policies and procedures to promote efficiency
Managing employees, customers and other stakeholders to make sure the practice is running smoothly
Assisting with all administration aspects such as paperwork, customer service and invoicing
Maintaining and updating medical records
Liaising with patients and providing direct client care
Coordinating employees and rosters
Following work health and safety measures
Hiring and training new staff
Sticking to budgets

How to become a practice manager

Study

Completing a practice management course through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is the best way to increase your chances of being employed as a practice manager. The best qualification for this role is the Diploma of Practice Management, but completing a Certificate IV in Health Administration or a Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) will also set you on the right path to landing the role.
Work experience

A great way to get into the industry is to apply for positions like healthcare administrator and medical receptionist. These entry-level positions are easier to get started in and will help you build your knowledge and skills in healthcare. Experiencing the industry first-hand and learning how to work with patients and other stakeholders will increase your chances of being employed as a practice manager.
Volunteer

If there are positions available, volunteering at any sort of medical practice is a great way to get your foot in the door. Simply being in a medical facility regularly means you’ll learn on the job and start building your knowledge of the medical industry. Helping out with administration tasks can also quickly build core skills that are essential to higher-level positions.

Pathway options

There is a range of career pathways to choose from, with exciting professional development opportunities.

Junior

Admissions clerk

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) BSB30120
Health administrative worker

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Health Administration HLT37315

Mid

Health services coordinator

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Health Administration HLT47315
Medical Records Team Leader

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Health Administration HLT47315

Senior

Practice Manager

Most common qualification: Diploma of practice management HLT57715

Diploma of Practice Management

This qualification is an online course that develops the management skills you need to run the daily operations of a medical practice. This advanced course will give you the confidence and skill set to organise, manage, and control the business functions and resources of medium-sized health practices. Your main goal as a practice manager is to ensure quality patient care by managing all administrative processes as effectively as possible. Being a practice manager combines social skills — as you’re dealing with multiple stakeholders on a daily basis — as well as a process-driven mindset to ensure daily operations run smoothly. You can learn more about units of competency, course fees and more upon enquiring.

Certificate III in Health Administration

Learn the basic knowledge and skills needed to support the day-to-day operations of a health practice. This teaches you about infection prevention and control, work health and safety, and maintaining patient and financial records and builds your medical terminology vocabulary. Given part of the job is to interact with clients on a daily basis, quality customer service is also a key skill you’ll develop. Most of these courses can be completed part-time or full-time with online learning. With this qualification, work in a variety of settings including medical practices, hospitals and community health clinics. Find out more about entry requirements, course fees and more when you enquire.