The population of adults aged 65 and older grew 3.1% to 61.2 million between 2023 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This population generally requires more medical care for acute, chronic, and critical illnesses than younger populations do. As this group continues to expand, so will the demand for skilled healthcare leaders who can ensure facilities operate efficiently and patients receive timely care.
Practice managers play a key role in this work.
Individuals interested in becoming practice managers typically begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related discipline and gaining a few years of practical experience. Earning an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration, can equip professionals with a more tailored education focused on healthcare leadership.
The following sections outline what practice managers do, where they work, the education and experience required to become one, and the job outlook and salary for this growing role.
What Does a Practice Manager Do?
The primary responsibility of practice managers, also known as healthcare office managers, is to oversee the administrative and business operations of a medical facility. By handling these crucial responsibilities, practice managers free physicians and clinical staff to focus on providing quality care to their patients.
The specific scope of a practice manager’s role depends on the needs and size of their facility, but practice managers’ common duties include:
- Supervising, hiring, scheduling, and training staff
- Conducting staff performance evaluations
- Reviewing and resolving patients’ complaints and concerns
- Managing the facility’s budget, insurance reimbursements, payroll, contracts, and billing
- Monitoring office equipment and medical supplies
- Collaborating with physicians and executives on business strategies
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements
- Communicating with vendors, pharmaceutical representatives, and suppliers
To carry out these responsibilities, practice managers need to have deep knowledge of healthcare laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as workplace safety standards. They are typically proficient in healthcare-related software systems, skilled in financial management, and effective in customer service and staff leadership.
Typical Work Environments
Practice managers are employed in a range of types of healthcare settings, including private doctors’ offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and specialty practices such as cardiology and pediatrics practices. In larger healthcare systems, these managers may oversee a certain department or multiple offices.
Because healthcare services providers often operate beyond standard business hours, practice managers may be required to work evenings and weekends or be on call to address urgent operational or patient-care issues.
Education and Experience Requirements
Many practice managers begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, nursing, or healthcare management. In larger healthcare organizations, a master’s degree may be preferred or required.
Earning an MBA, especially through a program with a healthcare concentration, can be valuable, as it provides professionals with advanced training in leadership, finance, and healthcare operations, often reinforced through a capstone or similar project. Many professionals choose flexible part-time or online MBA programs to balance their education with full-time work.
Acquiring a professional certification can enhance an individual’s career prospects and drive their career advancement as well. Organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders and the Medical Group Management Association offer credentials (the certified physician practice manager and certified medical practice executive credentials, respectively) that demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field. These credentials require a combination of education, hands-on experience, and passing a qualifying exam.
Beyond formal education, several years of administrative or management experience in a clinical or medical setting is typically necessary. This background helps professionals learn about medical office operations, accounting, and healthcare terminology, while they build their communication and leadership skills. Experience may come from internships, volunteering, or other positions in healthcare administration.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers, including practice managers, is projected to grow 23% between 2024 and 2034, adding about 142,900 new positions. Much of this growth is expected to be due to the aging population in the U.S., since providing care to older people generally requires more healthcare workers, facilities, and administrative oversight than providing care to other populations.
The median annual salary of medical and health services managers was $117,960 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. Actual salaries vary by industry: Hospital managers had a median salary of $130,690, while those in physicians’ offices had a median salary of $100,780.
Factors such as an individual’s location, duties, experience, and employer also influence their pay. Professionals with a certification or an advanced degree, such as an MBA, may have a stronger earning potential and more advancement opportunities.
Advance Your Healthcare Career With an MBA
Becoming a practice manager doesn’t happen overnight. Qualifying for this role typically requires three to five years of experience in an area such as business leadership, healthcare law, finance, or medical facility operations. While a bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation for the job, many professionals pursue a master’s degree to deepen their expertise and prepare for leadership in a complex healthcare environment.
Bryant University’s Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed with this type of career path in mind. The 10-course curriculum, which can be completed in 12 to 24 months, allows students to choose a concentration in strategic leadership or innovative healthcare leadership, or to follow a generalist track.
For those who prefer in-person learning, Bryant also offers a One-Year MBA and a Two-Year MBA programs at its campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Students seeking a shorter commitment may want to consider Bryant’s 10-month Graduate Certificate in Innovative Healthcare Leadership program. This self-paced, online option includes four courses covering business, practice management, leadership, and healthcare law.
Learn more about how one of Bryant University’s MBA or certificate programs can help prepare you for success as a practice manager.