A career as a veterinary office manager is highly rewarding, knowing you are helping animals who are sick or injured, and the pet parents who are worried about their furry friend.
Opting for this career choice also allows you to expand your customer service skills since you will be dealing with clients daily.
Most practices require budding vet office managers to hold a business administration degree or have related experience if they don’t hold a college degree.
If you’re interested in becoming a vet office manager in Arizona, keep reading to learn more!
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Arizona
Vet office managers are responsible for the daily operations within the practice.
This includes leading a team of support staff and professionals to ensure the quality standards and operational needs of the practice are met while delivering excellent customer service to pets and clients.
Additional vet office manager duties include:
- Creating and implementing operational policies and procedures.
- Maintain and monitor inventory.
- Maintaining financial records and ensuring Arizona law and regulation compliance.
- Maintain veterinary equipment.
- Manage client inquiries and complaints.
- Monitor staff performance and provide coaching and regular feedback.
- Organize and schedule appointments.
- Overseeing medical records, scheduling, billing, and reception.
- Recruit, hire, and train new employees.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
Although Arizona doesn’t have any specific licensing requirements to become a vet office manager, candidates can apply to become a CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager), which is the highest certification in the industry.
Aside from the CVPM designation, most employers have educational or experiential requirements.
First, employers seek candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration or veterinary medicine and five years of experience working at a veterinary practice.
In some instances, employers will hire vet office managers without a degree but with extensive experience in the field.
Other attributes include the ability to multitask and remain level-headed during high-stress situations, knowledge of customer service, animal care, and veterinary medicine, and proven management and leadership experience.
Other favorable characteristics include Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, and excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are also requirements.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College offers a 450-course hour Veterinary Office Manager training program that teaches students how to restrain animals for procedures, take vitals, bathe them, prepare prescriptions, assist during dental procedures and surgery, and learn about animal physiology and anatomy.
Students also learn office topics like creating and sending data, bookkeeping, nutrition, vaccines, handling medical records, and using Microsoft Office.
The entire program costs $4,000 including all books and fees and lasts approximately 18 months.
By the end of the program, students will be prepared to take the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) examination.
Maricopa Community College
Although not specifically focused on office management, MCC offers a Certification of Completion in Veterinary Assisting, which prepares students for careers in animal health and veterinary medicine.
Students learn the basics of how to diagnose and prepare animals for surgery, utilize veterinary equipment, assist vet techs, maintain surgical instruments, and conduct basic techniques.
Business skills include written and verbal communications, maintaining patient/client records, creating inventory logs, taking appointments, and filing financial records.
These skills are easily transferrable into an office management position.
The program requires 18 credits to graduate, which takes around one year.
Penn Foster
The online Veterinary Practice Management Program from Penn Foster is a 12-month certificate program that prepares students for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager certification exam.
Students will learn business topics ranging from creating a budget, maintaining a business, balancing facility finances, decision-making, organizing, controlling, leading, planning, and creating an ethical perspective.
The self-paced focus of this program allows students to start at any time, have access to online content around the clock, and work at a pace best suited to pupils.
The program costs $1,600 and includes all materials and fees.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Arizona College | 8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge, AZ 85128, United States |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | 2411 W 14th St, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
Salary
The median annual national salary for a vet office manager is $86,383 with pay ranging from $65,000 to $111,000.
The compensation range is based on experience, education level, location, skills, and several other factors.
The median salary in Arizona is on par with the national average at $85,346, with pay ranging from $64,200 to $109,600.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Avondale | $84,926 |
| Chandler | $85,185 |
| Flagstaff | $82,426 |
| Gilbert | $85,185 |
| Scottsdale | $85,185 |
| Goodyear | $84,668 |
| Yuma | $92,082 |
| Phoenix | $85,185 |
| Glendale | $85,185 |
| Tucson | $81,822 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 80 | $39,250 | $18.87 | $47,460 | $30,540 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 80 | $37,300 | $17.93 | $45,290 | $30,850 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 2,010 | $40,370 | $19.41 | $47,610 | $30,980 |
| Prescott, AZ | 150 | $37,710 | $18.13 | $46,280 | $30,680 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 40 | $37,060 | $17.82 | $44,590 | $29,650 |
| Tucson, AZ | 440 | $38,260 | $18.39 | $45,840 | $30,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of taking a veterinary office manager training program in Arizona?
A veterinary office manager training program prepares graduates to assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians in providing the best possible patient care.
Students will learn essential skills, including customer service, multitasking, communication, and managing a business through tools like QuickBooks, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
Also, some programs prepare students for the QuickBooks Certified User exam.
What are the different Arizona facilities a veterinary manager can work in?
Veterinary managers can find employment in any location where animals require veterinary care.
These environments range from private vet practices to hospitals, zoos, pet adoption agencies, and animal shelters.
Some veterinary office managers manage multiple locations offered by the same provider.
Another employment option is coordinating medical care for animals in rescue sanctuaries and research facilities.
Is being a veterinary office manager in Arizona a stressful job?
Like with any job, there are moments of stress and calm.
When the practice is busy, it can be chaotic, with clients running around, pets making noise, and staff moving quickly.
These are the times when you learn how to maintain a positive attitude and relax, regardless of the situation.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State
