Practice Manager Career Progression Guide

A practical roadmap for advancing in GP practice management, from admin to PM to PCN manager. Includes qualification recommendations and salary ranges at each stage.

## GP Practice Management Career Guide

### Career Stages

**Stage 1: Administrative Foundation**

Appointments, patient communication, EMIS/SystmOne basics. Salary: £22k–£28k

**Stage 2: Senior Admin / Team Lead**

Supervision, project ownership, HR involvement. Salary: £28k–£35k

**Stage 3: Deputy Practice Manager**

Critical stepping stone. CQC, finance, running the practice in PM's absence. Salary: £32k–£42k

**Stage 4: Practice Manager**

Full accountability — strategic, operational, financial. Salary: £38k–£58k

**Stage 5: PCN / Operations Manager (optional)**

Multi-practice management, system engagement. Salary: £45k–£65k

### Recommended Qualifications

- **Foundational:** AMSPAR Practice Management Certificate; NHS Leadership Academy (free)

- **Professional:** IGPM accreditation (MIGPM) — the only formal register; CMI Level 5

- **Advanced:** MBA Healthcare Management; MSc Primary Care Management

### Salary Negotiation

- Benchmark using community salary data

- Document achievements in financial terms

- Ideal timing: after CQC Good/Outstanding

- Know your BATNA before entering negotiation