Vet office managers work in a vet office, alongside the veterinarian and other staff.
While there are no requirements for this position, many employers prefer or require potential employees to have relevant education or experience.
If you are considering completing a vet office manager certificate program, there are some things you should consider.
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Your Level of Experience in Related Fields
Your experience in relevant fields, or the lack thereof, will play a pivotal role in whether or not a certificate in vet office management is a good idea for you.
If you have no experience in a veterinary practice or administrative role, you have the most to gain by earning a certificate.
This is because there are many skills you’ll learn in the course that will be valuable in your new career.
A certificate will also make you more attractive to potential employers.
Relevant Administrative Experience
When deciding if a vet office management certificate is worth it for you, you’ll want to think about your current experience.
If you have held administrative or bookkeeping roles in the past, you have significant experience, even if it was not in a veterinary practice.
If you’ve spent the last year managing other people at a fast food restaurant or bookkeeping for a law firm, for example, you likely have many of the skills you’ll need for a role as a vet office manager.
Your experience will go a long way towards landing you a job.
While you may still find a certificate beneficial, you won’t benefit as much as someone with no relevant experience.
If you do want to earn a certificate, consider finding a program that focuses on veterinary assisting, rather than administrative duties.
Experience in a Veterinary Practice
Perhaps you have worked in a veterinary office, but you have never held an administrative role.
This experience is important, but you’ll still benefit from earning a certificate.
Rather than a program that teaches both veterinary assisting aspects and administrative duties, you may want to choose a program that focuses on administrative duties, management, or bookkeeping.
It’s important to note that experience in this area doesn’t apply only to paid positions.
If you’ve volunteered at a vet office or animal shelter for a long period of time, this experience is relevant as well.
You know the basics of caring for animals in a veterinary setting, and how a veterinary office functions.
Salary vs. Cost of Certificate Programs
You’ll be glad to know that a vet office management certificate is a great investment.
Vet office managers make an average of $59,773 to $97,574 per year.
You’ll likely be on the lower end of the scale until you gain more experience, but earning a certificate may help you get a higher starting salary than you would without any training.
A vet office manager training program typically costs $1,449 to $5,000.
You’ll easily recoup these costs once you begin working.
Time
Of course, time is also an important consideration.
Most vet office manager training programs take 18 months or less to complete.
Many are self-paced, so you can complete them on your own schedule.
These training programs are much faster to complete than a 4-year degree, making them a good option if you want to finish your education and jump into your career quickly.
Vet Office Manager Training Programs
If you decide to pursue a certificate in vet office management, there are a few options you should consider.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers an online self-paced vet office manager program.
This program costs $4,095.
The program requires 450 course hours, and you’ll have 18 months to complete the program once you begin.
This program focuses on the administrative side of being a vet office manager.
You’ll learn how to use Microsoft Office programs and Quickbooks.
Once you complete the program, you can get certified in these programs.
The voucher for the exams is included in your tuition.
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire also offers a certificate course in veterinary office management.
You’ll learn both administrative duties and the basics of veterinary assisting.
You’ll learn Microsoft Word, Excel, and Quickbooks.
You’ll also learn about veterinary anatomy and terminology, pet nutrition, laboratory procedures, and surgical assisting.
The online course requires 450 course hours, and you’ll have 18 months to complete it.
You’ll be eligible to take Microsoft Office and Quickbooks exams once you complete the course.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a program in veterinary practice management.
The program is self-paced, and you’ll have 12 months to complete it.
The cost is $1,499.
This program focuses on the administrative side of things.
You’ll learn basic bookkeeping including billing and creating a budget, applicable laws and ethics, management skills, and how to provide excellent customer service to clients.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager Without a Certificate
Many people find getting a vet office management certificate a great way to get started in their new career, but it’s not for everyone.
If you decide that getting a certificate isn’t worth it for you, you do have a few options.
Leverage Your Current Experience or Education
As mentioned previously, prior experience in a related field can help you get a job as a vet office manager.
If you have experience, be sure to clearly detail it in your job application or resume.
Education in a related field can also be very helpful.
A certificate or degree in management, accounting, or human resources can show you have the skills needed to be a vet office manager.
Completing a veterinary assistant program can also make you more attractive to potential employers.
On the Job Training
Some veterinary practices are happy to train you themselves, even if you have no education or experience.
You may be paid a reduced rate until your training period is complete.
While these jobs can be harder to find, they do exist.
Volunteering
Volunteering is also an option.
This can allow you to gain valuable experience in a vet office, and build relationships with potential coworkers.
While you won’t get paid for volunteer work, it does allow you to learn without the costs associated with a certificate program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are veterinary office managers in demand?
Yes.
Veterinarians and vet support positions, including vet office managers, are in high demand.
In fact, demand is expected to grow by 16% by 2029.
Are there advancement opportunities for vet office managers?
Yes.
Once you gain experience as a vet office manager, you may choose to become a certified veterinary practice manager or CVPM.
Veterinary practice managers typically oversee veterinary office managers and have a higher-level managerial position.
Will a vet office management certificate help me get a job in the field?
Yes.
While no educational program can guarantee you employment after you complete it, a certificate program can increase your odds of getting hired.
