A practice administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of a medical facility, such as a doctor’s or dentist’s office or a veterinary clinic. To develop a business plan for the practice, the administrator collaborates with the firm’s medical practitioners, including doctors and nurses. Typically, administrators are in charge of managing the budget, dealing with personnel issues, and negotiating contracts with business partners.
A practice administrator typically needs a bachelor’s degree in business administration or management. In some countries, anyone in charge of a medical practice must have a bachelor’s degree in medicine or a related field. Many administrators are experienced physicians or medical practitioners who choose to move into management positions after several years of hands-on experience. As a result, most employers expect administrators to have prior medical experience as well as certain academic credentials.
The practice’s administrator must ensure that it is adequately staffed. This entails enlisting the services of enough doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals to meet the patients’ needs. Non-medical employees, such as receptionists, telephone clerks, and billing specialists, must also be hired the administrator. Departmental managers who report to the practice administrator are sometimes in charge of conducting new recruit interviews, but in most cases, the administrator is in charge of the overall staffing budget.
If a medical practice is to remain profitable, it must attract new clients, just like any other business. The practice administrator determines how much money should be set aside for advertising and where the practice’s advertisements should appear. Many practice administrators become involved in community groups where they can form business relationships with other business managers.
The administrator must negotiate contracts with medical supply companies and vendors in addition to promoting the business. Pharmaceutical companies frequently market new drugs to medical facilities, and before deciding which drugs and services to purchase from these companies, the administrator usually consults with the practice’s medical practitioners. Aside from medical supplies and equipment, the administrator must also negotiate contracts for paper, communication systems, computer software, and other items that practice employees use on a daily basis.
The practice administrator is in charge of dealing with employee conflicts as well as customer service issues. When conflicts arise, the administrator typically has the authority to discipline employees as well as offer rebates or refunds to dissatisfied customers. Some practices are owned and operated large medical corporations, and successful practice administrators may be promoted to regional executive or director positions.