Qualifications

AMSPAR is an Awarding Body, recognised by the Department for Education and Skills.

A range of qualifications are offered.

The Primary Care Manager

The Primary Care Manager or Practice Manager plays a vital role in the medical environment, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of GP practices and Primary Care Trusts. With the arrival of the nGMS contract and the increasing emphasis on Primary Care this has never been more so. The position carries the day to day responsibility of financial management, human resources management, health and safety, patient services and quality assurance.

AMSPAR DPCM

(Level 5)

The AMSPAR Diploma in Primary Care Management (DPCM) is the only qualification designed specifically for managers in general practice that is included in the National Qualifications Framework (Level 5). Whilst the qualification is purpose built for Primary Care the contents of the syllabus cover key management skills that can be transferred to a variety of environments. The Diploma in Primary Care Management provides the student with a vital stepping stone on their way to senior management.

The programme is open to existing managers and potential managers in a health or social care environment. Candidates must be educated to Level 3 standard and should have a background that will enable them to benefit from the programme. To qualify for entry, all candidates should be recommended by an appropriate employer and accepted by a recognised centre following interview. Candidates who are unable to fulfil the entry requirements, but who have suitable management experience in any field, may be accepted onto the course providing they can find an informal attachment to a local general practice.

The Course

Unit 1 - Manage Ethics and Medico Legal Requirements
Unit 2 - Manage Staff
Unit 3 - Manage Processes and Patient Services
Unit 4 - Manage Healthcare Resources
Unit 5 - Manage Data and Communications in a Healthcare Setting
Unit 6 - Business Project

To achieve the Diploma candidates must

gain a pass in the five nationally set assignments
gain a pass in the Business Project
pass an oral presentation on the Business Project

Candidates can either take the full programme, on successful completion of which they are entitled to use the post-nominals Dip. PCM, or take individual units which can be certificated separately Students who successfully complete the full programme will be invited to become Members of AMSPAR free of charge for the remainder of the membership year in which they achieve their qualification.

The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists
Registered Charity Number 313310. Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 850300.
Tavistock House North, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9LN
Telephone: 020 7387 6005, Fax: 020 7388 2648