Why Pursue a Diploma of Practice Management in Australia? Benefits and Career Opportunities
Would you like a career in the Australian healthcare industry that does not involve direct patient care? Then this course is for you! The HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management will help you to prepare for management roles in the healthcare industry, where you will offer support and care to patients in the office context.
As a practice manager, you will be someone who oversees the administration of a medical practice. In this blog, we will introduce you to the role of a practice manager, and take a close look at some of their responsibilities to get a better idea of what this career would be like.
Who is this for?
This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for individuals aspiring to manage the operations of small to medium-sized health practices. You will get equipped with specialised frontline management and leadership skills essential for operating professional practices within the health industry.
What are the skills you will gain?
Managing a healthcare practice is not easy, as it requires a lot of people management, multitasking and coordination of tasks, and methodical, organised work processes! The Diploma of Practice Management offers the knowledge and abilities needed to support a company’s strategic direction and ensure efficient daily operations. You will obtain sound background knowledge of health services and practice management, be able to perform office procedures and be conversant with legal requirements as required.
On completing this formal qualification in practice management, you will gain the expertise to oversee budgets, develop financial plans, navigate health billing and accounting systems, and ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards. Additionally, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the health industry, along with essential front-line management and leadership capabilities.
What are the career opportunities this will open up?
This course offers rewarding employment opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be qualified to pursue employment opportunities as a practice manager or advance in your current role. Furthermore, this qualification serves as a solid foundation for further studies in your field, enabling you to continue your professional development.
As per https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/, the demand for more practice managers is expected to increase in the upcoming years, with job opportunities steadily growing 7% by 2024. As a Practice Manager in Australia, you can earn $75,000 to $90,000 per year , making this a very lucrative profession.
What are the benefits of the Diploma of Practice Management?
Pursuing a Diploma of Practice Management in Australia can offer significant benefits:
- Industry-Relevant Skills:
The diploma program equips you with practical skills and knowledge specifically tailored for managing healthcare or medical practices. You will gain insights into areas such as healthcare administration, financial management, human resources, marketing, and legal compliance. These skills are highly sought after in the healthcare industry.
- Job Security:
The healthcare industry is known for its stability and resilience, even during economic downturns. By entering the practice management field, you can enjoy greater job security and stability compared to many other industries. Your skills will remain in demand as long as healthcare services are needed…which is pretty much forever!
- Growing Demand:
Australia’s healthcare industry is experiencing sustained growth, creating a strong demand for skilled practice managers. As the population ages and healthcare services expand, there is an increasing need for professionals who can efficiently manage medical practices, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
- Diverse Career Paths:
With a Diploma of Practice Management, you can pursue various career paths within the healthcare industry. You may find opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, dental practices, specialist medical practices, allied health services, and more. The diploma provides you with a versatile skill set applicable across different healthcare settings.
- Career Advancement:
Practice managers play a vital role in the efficient operation and growth of healthcare practices. As you gain experience and expertise, you can grow into leadership positions such as practice administrator, healthcare consultant, or even start your own practice. The diploma provides a solid foundation for career advancement.
- Work-Life Balance:
It’s a well-known fact that working in healthcare can lead to a challenging lifestyle, often leaving little personal time for hobbies, friends or family! Practice management roles often offer more predictable work hours compared to clinical positions in healthcare. While the workload can be demanding, it generally follows regular business hours, allowing for better work-life balance and the potential to avoid shift work or irregular schedules.
- Contributing to Healthcare Delivery:
Practice managers play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to patients. By managing the administrative aspects of healthcare practices, you contribute to the smooth operation of medical facilities, enabling healthcare providers to focus on patient care.
To conclude…
Overall, pursuing a Diploma of Practice Management in Australia offers a rewarding career path within the expanding healthcare industry. It provides industry-specific skills, stability, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare delivery while offering a diverse range of career opportunities.
Need personalised guidance and how tos? Get in touch with an IHNA counsellor today. We’re happy to help you with your education and career choices!
FAQs
Q1. Why should I pursue a Diploma of Practice Management?
The Diploma of Practice Management provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage a medical or healthcare practice. It covers various aspects such as financial management, human resources, marketing, and legal and ethical considerations, which are crucial for successful practice management. The program focuses on the unique challenges and requirements of managing a medical practice, equipping you with specific knowledge and understanding of the healthcare industry.
Q2. What are the career opportunities available with a Diploma of Practice Management?
The Diploma of Practice Management can open opportunities for career advancement within the healthcare industry. With this qualification, you may be eligible for positions such as practice manager, business manager, clinic coordinator, service manager, healthcare administrator, or healthcare consultant.
You may find roles in settings that include settings as Medical Centres, Dental Clinics, Chiropractic Clinics, Podiatry Clinics, Kindergartens, Maternal Health Care Centres, and other Community Health Care Centres.
Q3: Can I pursue a Diploma of Practice Management if I have a non-medical background?
Yes, you can pursue a Diploma of Practice Management even if you have a non-medical background. While having prior knowledge or experience in the healthcare industry can be helpful, the diploma program is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a medical practice. It covers topics such as healthcare regulations, financial management, human resources, and marketing, which are applicable across various industries.
Q4. Are there any prerequisites for this course, which need to be fulfilled or completed?
IHNA Admission Requirements include:
- Completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
- Be 18 years or older by course start.
- Pass the language, literary and numeracy (LLN) test and demonstrate proficiency at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
- Minimum English test scores:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall (General or Academic)
- TOEFL iBT: 46
- PTE Academic: 42
- CAE: 162
- OET: Pass Grade C
- IELTS test score of 5 or equivalent with at least 10 weeks ELICOS
- IELTS test score of 4.5 or equivalent with at least 20 weeks ELICOS
- Successful completion of a General English course with an Upper Intermediate outcome
- Exceptions to English test requirements exist. See IHNA website for details.