How Long Does It Take to Become a Vet Office Manager?

Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements

The first step to becoming a vet office manager is to meet the minimum requirements.

In most states, vet office managers must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.

Those who don’t meet these minimum requirements cannot apply or work as vet office managers.

These requirements are necessary because vet office managers often deal with sensitive information.

In addition, some vet office managers must attend training or educational programs, which only accept those over the age of 18.

So, it’s important to meet the minimum requirements.

Step 2: Develop Essential Skills

As a vet office manager, you must possess a handful of skills.

Before becoming a vet office manager, you must practice developing strong organizational skills, learn time management, and have excellent communication.

Since the job also includes working with sensitive information, vet office managers must be responsible, confidential, and professional.

Other skills that may benefit the job are:

Computer proficiency
Empathy
Leadership
Conflict resolution
Customer service
Financial Management
Basic animal care
Veterinary terminology
Know laws and regulations

Developing these skills can be done in a relevant field or another job.

Gaining these essential skills in any role will mainly prepare you to work as a vet office manager.

Those who can demonstrate strong skills and training may not need to attend a training program or attend an educational one.

Step 3 (optional): Attend a Training Program

One way to become a vet office manager is through a training program.

While not required, a training program can be a good way to supplement experience if you’re new to the field.

Veterinary office manager courses focus on teaching non-clinical aspects of the clinic and preparing students for office management.

A training program prepares students to work as vet office managers and helps them acquire essential skills that are vital in this role.

One such essential skill is proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks.

Training programs will often focus on teaching the following:

Anatomy and physiology
Medical records
Client communication
Restraint techniques
Duties of a vet office manager
Animal nutrition
Vaccination administration
Medications
Assisting during surgery and procedures
Prescriptions
Bookkeeping
Analysis of financial documents, accounts, and reports

These training programs often last six to eighteen months, depending on the institution.

However, they often don’t offer official certification.

Instead, they focus on teaching the relevant skills to qualify for the role.

They can be useful but aren’t necessary.

Step 4: Gain Experience and/or Training

If the state doesn’t require certification, training can suffice.

Some offices will accept those with relevant work experience in a clinical setting or another role in a veterinarian’s office.

In addition, some places will offer on-the-job training.

The most sought-after experience is that of a veterinary assistant or technician.

These roles often give firsthand experience with the daily operations of a veterinary clinic.

In addition, they also get to practice interacting with clients and animals.

Other experience might be sufficient.

Working in another clinical setting or as a manager is acceptable.

In general, offices like to see at least five years of experience working in a related setting.

Step 5 (optional): Gain CVPM Certification

Depending on your state’s regulations, you may need to have a specific certificate or may substitute it with relevant training.

States that do require certification will require the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), who is credentialed by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

The VHMA has strict requirements for those who complete the CVPM exam.

This includes the following:

Active employment as a practice manager for three years within the past seven
Have attended a minimum of 18 college hours in management-related coursework
Attended at least 48 hours of continuing education courses in management
Four letters of recommendation

The CVPM will cover topics such as human resources, law and ethics, marketing, practice organization, and finance.

Those planning to take the CVPM exam should study, as the test consists of 200 questions and has a time limit of 3 ½ hours.

Once certified, vet practice managers must accumulate 48 hours of continuing education every two years.

That said, the CVPM isn’t the only credential that is accepted.

Many who apply for the job hold certifications such as a certified manager (CM), project management professional (PMP), certified veterinary technician (CVT), and veterinary nurse certification.

Step 6: Continued Education

Continued education isn’t always necessary but can play a pivotal role as a vet office manager.

Attending continuing education can help vet office managers improve their skills and stay up to date with industry standards.

Aside from the CVPM, many types of continuing education degrees can be beneficial.

Many vet office managers have degrees in business management, practice management, marketing, and administration.

While it is not necessary, these skills can be beneficial and are also highly sought after by veterinary companies.

A four-year degree from a qualifying institution can count as continued education.

Key Takeaways

Certification is not necessary to become a vet office manager
Relevant experience and/or training is acceptable
Vet office manager training programs can help boost your chances of being hired
CVPM certification can help, but it is better for vet practice managers
It can take anywhere from six months to five years to become a vet office manager
Continuing education in a related field can help qualify you for the job