Practice managers can now apply to join the Practice Managers Association (PMA) under a professional membership, the organisation has announced.
The new membership programme – launched today (3 February) – has been designed to give formal recognition to health and social care managers, which is ‘long overdue’, the PMA said.
The scheme is broken down into four categories and is free to apply to, with membership costs introduced in a member’s second year.
Applicants to become a PMA Professional Member (MPMA) will need to have a minimum of 10 years’ work experience in general practice or relevant qualifications, or a combination of both.
PMA Fellows, recognised for eminence or seniority in their field, will also need the same experience or qualifications and will also need to already hold an MPMA membership.
Meanwhile, associate membership is available to those with at least a years’ experience ‘engaged in any aspect of developing, maintaining or managing systems, processes and or people’ in non-clinical general practice, the PMA said.
There is also an option for student membership for those on a general practice or healthcare course, which the PMA said will ‘signal dedication to delivering high ethical standards of practice to current and future employers as well as your commitment to your own professional development’.
All applicants will also need to provide details of two supporters, such as a GP Partner or clinical director, to comment on their experience and verify the application.
Tracy Dell, primary care manager, said: ‘Never before has there been official recognition and representation for those of us on the non-clinical side of primary care, but now that has all changed.’
Austin Ambrose, the PMA’s client services director, added: ‘We have listened and acted – and the PMA is here to support you at every stage of your careers.’
