Becoming a Doctor’s Office Manager

Doctor’s Office Managers are dedicated to oversee the overall business operations of a doctor’s office. They ensure that the setting is running efficiently and effectively. Their responsibilities include organize the office set-up, managing the employee schedule, supervising the staff, evaluating the staff’s performances, monitor patient scheduling policy, supervising the billing procedures, planning to improve the quality in delivering healthcare services, developing goals and budgets of the setting etc. These professionals need to stay up to date with evolving rules, regulations and health policies.

Doctor’s Office Managers find employment in various health care settings such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, group medical practices at clinics etc. They mostly work full time. Since their services are sometimes needed in emergencies, they may be required during weekends or overnight shifts.

Educational Requirements

To become a Doctor’s Office Manager, the aspiring candidates need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration, health administration or any related area. The candidates can pursue a master’s degree in related field to find better job opportunities. However, an associate degree is required to enter the occupation for smaller practices. The syllabus includes human resources administration, accounting and budgeting, hospital organization and management, strategic planning, law and ethics, health economics, and health information system.

Licensure and Certification

Since all the states in USA require a Doctor’s Office Manager to be licensed, the aspiring candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program. The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management offers certification to these professionals.

Skill Set

A Doctor’s Office Manager possesses various skills such as attention to detail, extremely organized, empathy towards patient, ability to handle multiple priorities, competent in resolving conflict, high medical ethics, management and problem solving abilities, tolerance for irregular working hours, effective communications and interpersonal skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Doctor’s Office Manager remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 23% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Doctor’s Office Manager was $88,580 in May 2013.