Apprenticeship Standards & Qualifications

This apprenticeship is ideal for those aspiring into a supervisory or management role and who may subsequently move into the full practice management role. It is suitable for new or existing employees who are expected to develop the skills necessary to lead or manage teams. Candidates are expected to have some management responsibilities, like supporting, managing and developing team members, leading projects or planning and monitoring workloads and resources. They may also be responsible for delivering operational plans, resolving problems, or building work relationships with colleagues at the same level or above.

The PMA GP Practice Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship is designed for those already working in an established management role but would benefit from developing a wider range of management skills . It is set at a standard suitable for those who are managing teams or projects and are responsible for achieving operational or departmental goals as part of their organisations strategy. They may be accountable to a more senior manager or the business owners. Other responsibilities may include managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

Employers will have the choice of focusing on a Medical Administrators qualification or a GP Assistant depending on the needs and workforce skills-base of their practice. Both will include a highly transferable set of skills built around the core elements of Business Administration such as communication, organisation, decision-making, interpretation of information and IT skills. These two diplomas will then be contextualised to include specific areas within the primary care environment.

As models of care within the NHS evolve to provide a multi-disciplinary, flexible workforce and healthcare and social care are increasingly integrated, the role of the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) has become increasingly highlighted. In addition, a range of national drivers has resulted in an increase in the number of HCSWs employed in healthcare. Until recently, this role has not been clearly defined or regulated.

As models of care within the NHS evolve to provide a multi-disciplinary, flexible workforce and healthcare and social care are increasingly integrated, the role of the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) has become increasingly highlighted. In addition, a range of national drivers has resulted in an increase in the number of HCSWs employed in healthcare. Until recently, this role has not been clearly defined or regulated. Based upon Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard, this focuses on the core practical skills and underpinning knowledge and theory to gain competence, under clinical supervision, to be a healthcare practitioner in a GP Practice.

In a bid to provide a multi-disciplinary, professional workforce able to meet the burgeoning demands of primary care, non-clinical roles are being developed and extended. The new Level 3 City and Guilds Customer Service Specialist course offers the opportunity for customer service practitioners (receptionists, administrators, care navigators) to develop their business and customer insight knowledge and skills and work towards a recognised formal qualification.

This certificate is designed to develop an individual for the role of Dental Practice Manager who is responsible for all non-clinical aspects within a practice to achieve excellent patient care, quality, cost and delivery performance in line with practice strategy, goals and values by providing support and direction to all practice staff.