A career as a veterinary office manager can be a terrific vocation for those who love animals, enjoy working with people, and are skilled in detail-oriented work.
Veterinary hospitals and clinics with veterinary office managers often experience enhanced productivity because the support lets veterinarians and office staff focus on their animal patients’ medical needs.
A great office manager supports veterinarians and animal care staff while working with clientele and animals.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Colorado
Often, the office manager at a veterinary clinic or hospital is the first point of contact for wellness checkups and emergency visits, so excellent communication and client support service skills are crucial.
Essential mastery for a veterinary office manager position includes organization, problem-solving skills, and understanding of veterinary software systems.
Responsibilities include maintaining financial records and paperwork, processing insurance, billing, budgeting, and inventory, coordinating projects, handling office responsibilities, and complying with veterinary laws and regulations.
Candidates working to become veterinary office managers often begin in positions like veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, or front office coordinator, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a veterinary setting before advancing into management.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Veterinary Office Manager in Colorado
The starting point is a high school diploma or equivalency.
There are no formal educational prerequisites for becoming a veterinary practice manager, yet successfully taking college-level business and management courses enhances a candidate’s qualifications.
Look for a program culminating in a veterinary practice management certificate or business degree.
Then, acquire the necessary hands-on skills through employment in the veterinary field.
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) Certification
Veterinary practice managers may want to explore certification.
Completing a short certificate program may enhance a candidate’s employment path, and it’s used when working toward the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) endorsement.
While a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation, issued by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), isn’t mandatory, it can be helpful in the job market because this certification displays a high level of professional expertise.
While the certification is voluntary, candidates must have:
- Three years of active employment.
- 18 college semester hours in management-related courses.
- 48 hours of continuing education courses.
- Four letters of recommendation.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Western Colorado University
Experience a program that prepares candidates to assist veterinarians and staff in providing patient care.
The Veterinary Office Manager course teaches the fundamental skills for becoming a veterinary office manager and handling business aspects, such as QuickBooks Online, accounts receivable, payroll, account analysis, financial documents, reports, and basic veterinary assistant training.
Contact Information
Colorado State University
Gain skills and confidence at the Veterinary Management Institute, a management program for experienced employees at the executive level specializing in companion animal veterinary practices.
The 5-month program is presented twice annually (beginning in July).
Respected facilitators, including Dr. Temple Grandin.
Peers who may become a lifelong professional resource.
38 RACE-approved and VHMA CVPM Qualified CE hours (pending approval).
The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences/Veterinary Teaching Hospital is united with the College of Business faculty.
Contact Information
- https://biz.colostate.edu/centers-institutes/veterinary-management-institute
- 501 W. Laurel Street Fort Collins, CO 80523
- 970 491–6471
Pikes Peak State College / VET 1020 | Office Procedures & Relations.
Candidates learn veterinary office procedures like administration, professional interactions, client care, and career skills.
Contact Information
- https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/veterinary-technology/index.php
- 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- 719 502–2000
Penn Foster College
A trusted partner to many veterinary hospitals, the online 19-credit-hour certificate in veterinary practice management readies candidates to sit for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification exam, which can be used in the formal education requirement for the CVPM program offered by the VHMA.
Contact Information
- https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs/veterinary/veterinary-practice-management-certificate
- 800 275-4410
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Western Colorado University | 1 Western Way, Gunnison, CO 81231, United States |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States |
| Pikes Peak State College | 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States |
| Penn Foster College | 3133 West Frye Road, Suite 215 Chandler, AZ 85226 USA |
Salary
In a major city such as Denver, CO, a veterinary office manager’s salary is, on average, $87,938, ranging between $76,553 and $101,037, depending on schooling, certifications, and other skills.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Arvada | $87,938 |
| Denver | $87,938 |
| Pueblo | $83,618 |
| Fort Collins | $85,173 |
| Aurora | $87,938 |
| Boulder | $90,615 |
| Broomfield | $89,061 |
| Jefferson | $87,938 |
| Colorado Springs | $85,951 |
| Westminster | $87,938 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 330 | $47,220 | $22.7 | $58,920 | $36,690 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 590 | $45,010 | $21.64 | $59,170 | $35,710 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 2,070 | $48,210 | $23.18 | $59,690 | $37,460 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 560 | $46,470 | $22.34 | $59,610 | $36,040 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 120 | $39,040 | $18.77 | $50,450 | $28,390 |
| Greeley, CO | 210 | $42,530 | $20.45 | $57,000 | $28,740 |
| Pueblo, CO | 70 | $43,540 | $20.93 | $57,700 | $31,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m committed to living in Colorado. What kinds of places are hiring an experienced veterinary practice manager?
As a veterinary practice manager — options for a work environment seeking a committed and caring veterinary practice manager include small clinics, animal shelters, emergency clinics, training future animal healthcare practitioners, large animal hospitals, and more!
If a veterinarian is healing and helping, you’ll find a vet office manager to ensure the practice runs smoothly!
I’m looking forward to earning my CVPM soon. Do I have to do anything to keep it?
First, congratulations! To maintain your new CVPM certification in Colorado, candidates must earn forty-eight (48) continuing education hours and submit documentation with a $215 recertification fee every two years.
What does the future employment picture look like for veterinary office managers in Colorado?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that veterinarian jobs will rise 20 percent from 2022 to 2032, and those veterinarians will appreciate the services of a well-trained and certified vet office manager in Colorado.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State