/ How to Become a Practice Manager - Career Salaries, Job Stats & Education

Looking for to become a Practice Manager?

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Practice Manager Job Outlook

The graph shows historical and projected (to 2019) employment levels (thousands) for this occupation.

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, DEEWR trend data to November 2014 and DEEWR projections to 2019. Estimates have been rounded.

Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Practice Managers is expected to be below average (between 5,001 and 10,000). Job openings count both employment growth and turnover (defined as workers leaving their occupation for other employment or leaving the workforce).

Employment for Practice Managers to November 2019 is expected to grow strongly. Employment in this medium sized occupation (18,300 in November 2014) rose very strongly in the past five years and in the long-term (ten years).

Practice Manager Salary

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS EEBTUM survey August 2014 cat. no. 6310.0. Estimates have been rounded and consequently some discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals.

Note: These figures are indicative and cannot be used to determine a particular wage rate.

Payscale.com lists the wage for Practice Managers (in Sydney, mid-career) as being between a median of $73 000 per annum and $100 000 at the highest end of the market.

Please note: For roles as a Practice Manager, rates of pay will vary depending on the type of business and the type of environment.

Practice Management Weekly Work Hours

The graph shows the average weekly hours (by gender and full-time and part-time) worked for this occupation, compared with all occupations. 

Practice Managers have an average proportion of full-time jobs (70.3 per cent). For Practice Managers working full-time, average weekly hours are 37.7 (compared to 40.9 for all occupations) and earnings are high - in the eighth decile. Unemployment for Practice Managers is average.

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.

Practice Manager Age Profile

Looking at the chart above, Practice Managers are primarily made up of middle aged individuals who wish to carry the responsibilities of organising and maintain a health practice. 

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.

Practice Manager Education Levels

The most common form of education certification attained by Practice Managers is between a Bachelors (27 per cent) and a Cert III/IV (25.2 per cent), followed by a Diploma/Advanced Diploma (13.5 per cent).

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.

Interview with a Practice Manager

In two sentences, tell us a bit about your role in the Health industry.

Our main role is ensuring the clinic functions efficiently as well as adhering to industry best practices in all areas of the organisation. We want the best for the practice and which is ensuring positive outcomes for our clients and patients. 

What does a Practice Manager do on a day to day basis?

A Practice Manager is considered the leader within the clinic and needs to ensure daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks are completed. As a Practice Manager it is my role to make sure the clinic is always progressing by regularly reviewing processes within the clinic. My job at times is less defined when things don't go planned, however reducing the risk of something likely to occur is much easier than dealing with a problem that could be prevented. Managing staff and health professions is just the beginning - my goal is for the clinic to continually strive for clinical and organisational health.

What skills/attributes do potential Practice Managers need to have?

1. Communication

2. Efficient: Have a constant drive to improve processes whilst ensuring strict industry guidelines & standards are not compromised.

3. Time management: The ability to prioritise workload and delegate is crucial.

4. Interpersonal Skills: By working effectively with others a practice manager can achieve both high patient satisfaction and high profitability. It can be difficult to focus on both however it is imperative to achieve both for any business.

What are the best parts of being a Practice Manager?

When being part of an efficient and collaborative team the achievements and recognition are limitless. Becoming learned in an industry that makes a difference to your customers' (patients) lives leads to high job satisfaction. The challenges tackled daily in a highly dynamic and multifaceted role are extremely rewarding and exciting.

What advice would  you offer students looking to become a Practice Manager?

Make sure you are ready for the challenge and take the time to ensure you have the right experience. I hear many times of the lack of formal training given to new practice managers who have just been expected to do the role without knowing the responsibilities necessary to complete the job. 

Thanks Stacy, for sharing your story with Open Colleges