A practice manager oversees the financial and human resource aspects of a medical practice, whether it’s a doctor’s office, a dental office, or a veterinary clinic. To be successful in this position, a practice manager must have excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. As a manager, you’ll be in charge of overseeing the work of the rest of the office staff and ensuring that the practice runs smoothly. The manager may also be required to hire outside vendors, such as a cleaning service, in order to keep the practice and offices clean.
Schedulers, medical billers, and receptionists report to practice managers, who are skilled leaders who direct the activities of office workers. A practice manager must hire new employees and evaluate the performance of current employees. This entails ensuring that each member of staff is properly trained for the role they play in the office. Managing employees necessitates the ability to communicate effectively with them.
The practice manager also prepares the medical office’s income and expense reports, pays the bills, and purchases supplies and equipment as needed. A practice manager’s financial responsibilities may include budgeting and planning for the medical practice. This person may also be responsible for the practice’s marketing.
Throughout the day, medical practice managers must be able to transition from one task to the next. It can be difficult to keep a medical office running smoothly, and management staff must be able to handle crises and staff problems when they arise. During the course of the day, a successful practice manager can work on multiple projects while ensuring that the rest of the office staff has everything they need to complete their tasks.
Managers in small medical practices may only be required to have a high school diploma and work experience in a medical office. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or administration is usually required for larger practices and administrator positions. Computer and office software programs such as spreadsheets and word processing are required of practice managers. Medical office management certificate programs are also available for those considering a career in this field.
The job entails numerous challenges. With additional education and experience, managers who want a greater challenge can advance to an administrator position. A master’s degree in health services administration can lead to jobs in large medical practices, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and clinics.