Ultimate Guide to Your Career In Practice Management/Healthcare
Careers in Practice Management are fulfilling and rewarding, plus you will be entering a well-respected field. Our Ultimate Guide to your Career in Practice Management or Healthcare will cover the variables in practice management, like salary, benefits of a healthcare career, and if you should consider a further qualification.
In the field of healthcare practice management, your daily life as a practice manager will have the responsibility of maintaining the operations of a private or public clinic. Your role will include a multitude of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. You will be responsible for the scheduling and supervision of staff, including receptionists, nurses, and medical assistants. You will also act as the human resources department to ensure all process and procedures are followed precisely.
Outside of staff concerns, you will be responsible for the complaints that patients make, keeping all client records, and ordering any supplies and materials that are needed to run your practice effectively.
How do I become a practice manager?
Why a diploma is the best choice for you
There are plenty of ways to enter into the practice management field, no matter where you are coming from previously in your career. You may be able to rely on any existing experience and knowledge you bring with you into your role. In addition, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you will need a qualification to increase your chances of securing the job you want the most.
When it comes to making this decision, the pros outweigh the cons every time. Choosing to study a Diploma of Practice Management will give you knowledge and skills that you need to succeed in a managerial position. You’ll gain communication skills, organisation skills, problem-solving skills and more. Not only that, but you’ll learn practical skills you will rely on every day such as:
- Legal and ethical compliance
- Work health and safety
- Operational planning
- People performance
- Employee relations
Combine a diploma with existing skills
By utilising your existing soft skills and the practical skills listed above, you will be able to guarantee success in your healthcare career, regardless of where you work or how many staff you are managing. Your combined skillset will have vital importance and will make you a very desirable employee. These are all essential elements to consider, especially when factoring in that 65% of managers in Australia hold a diploma certification.
Studying a Diploma of Practice Management with the College for Adult Learning offers the bonus of the best flexibility you’ll find. You will be able to complete your studies in your own time and at a pace that is comfortable for you. Not only that, but you can study from the comfort of your home or wherever suits you because the College offers courses exclusively online.
Your healthcare career as a practice manager
A career in healthcare offers many benefits. The first of which is that there are diverse career options, from working in hospitals to GP clinics, and more, so you are not locked into any one job or situation.
Types of practice managers
There is a wide variety of healthcare workplaces where a practice manager is required and valued. These include;
- 1. General Practitioner (GP)
- 2. Dental
- 3. Allied healthcare areas such as speech, psychology, physiotherapy, osteopathy, myotherapy and chiropractic
- 4. Specialist clinics
- 5. Private hospitals
- 6. Veterinary and Animal Hospitals
- 7. Complementary and Alternative Health (acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese or Oriental medicine)
Previous interest in any of these areas can act as a motivating force for the specific area that you choose to expand your career.
Making a difference
Not only is the variety appealing, but so is the satisfaction you will receive from helping people who need care. You are a source of comfort and a valued member of the community you are working in and making a difference to each day. Working conditions are exemplary because of the high standards set in this field, and you will get to work with a team of dedicated, like-minded people.
With many clinics being owner run and established businesses, you can rest assured that you have a stable job with plenty of security. If you have an interest in marketing, you may choose to join a new clinic that is fostering clients and put your skills in that area to use. The satisfaction of helping a business grow from the ground up brings immense personal reward.
Career salary expectations
Like with all jobs and career pathways, the longer you work at something, the more you will be rewarded for that experience. The same is true for practice management. The longer you are in the industry and gain experience with the responsibilities of the job, the more likely you are to receive a higher salary.
Salaries for practice managers are quite appealing. Once certain variables have been considered, such as qualification, training, and experience, most practice managers earn between $51,000 per year and $94,000 per year. On average, a practice manager can expect to earn around $68,000 each year.
Other pathways
You can make the change to practice management from a wide variety of careers, not just those based in healthcare. Experience in business management, general administration, a background in alternative health, or even managing gyms, community or leisure centres, combined with a practice management diploma qualification, will ably demonstrate your leadership skills and abilities. You can also gain experience as an assistant practice manager in a 2IC role to start, or while you are studying, then progress to full management once you obtain your qualification.
Benefits of a healthcare career
Practice Management is a rewarding career choice that is suitable for a range of people. Whether you have been working in healthcare for years as a nurse, medical receptionist, or in hospital admin, or if you are returning to the field after time off, there is a gratifying job waiting for you.
A respected career network
Organisations such as the Australian Association of Practice Management and Practice Managers Australia exist to protect the interest of practice managers by setting best-practice standards and providing networking opportunities.
When you join these groups, you are supported by a strong network of experienced managers who can provide practical and comforting advice for all situations you might face in your day-to-day work.
Worklife balance
So many people are seeking a better work/life balance that includes less commuting and more time with family and community. There are thousands of opportunities for practice management available now in every suburb in Australia, with demand continuing to increase.
5 Reasons Why a Practice Management Diploma is the Key to your Success
How to get started
In summary, excellent working conditions, competitive salaries, exciting diversity within the field, network support and so much more, are the benefits that you should consider when deciding if practice management is the right career for you.
When weighing up all the career and study options available, a diploma qualification should always be considered as an essential addition to your toolkit. In the job market, you will look more desirable and skilled than candidates who did not complete further study. The Diploma of Practice Management from the College of Adult Learning offers all you would need and more to succeed in in a healthcare career as a practice manager.