Veterinary offices need people in different roles to keep things running smoothly.
If you are interested in the administrative side of things, you should consider becoming a vet office manager.
Table of Contents
Vet Office Manager Duties in Indiana
Vet office managers handle the administrative duties of the office.
This allows the veterinarian and vet techs to focus on caring for the animals that visit the clinic.
Your duties may include billing clients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, payment collection, and maintaining office supplies.
If you work in a larger office or animal hospital, you may also oversee employees, including administrative assistants and other office workers.
In some offices, you may assist with veterinary procedures, or bring pets and owners into the exam rooms.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in Indiana
There are no official licensing requirements to become a vet office manager in Indiana.
However, there are some voluntary certifications you can consider.
These can help you land a job by making you more attractive to potential employers.
Office Management Software Certifications
To prove your office management skills, you can get certified in a few office management programs.
The QuickBooks Certified User Exam will prove your expertise in QuickBooks accounting software.
You can also get certified in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
You’ll need to pass an exam that shows your skills in this program.
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
The top certification for veterinary office managers is the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification.
To get this certification, you’ll need to meet several requirements.
You’ll need 3 years of experience in a veterinary office within the last 7 years.
You’ll also need 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, including accounting and business management.
Next, you are required to have 48 hours of continuing education courses or seminars devoted to management.
Lastly, you’ll need four letters of recommendation.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply to take the CVPM exam.
You’ll also need to pay a fee of $675 for VHMA members and $825 for non-members.
Once your application is approved, you’ll have 2 years to complete your certification.
To become certified, you’ll need to pass an examination.
You’ll have 3 1/2 hours to complete the examination.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Vet office manager programs are typically certificate programs.
These may take 12 to 18 months to complete.
They are typically offered online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home.
Indiana Tech
Indiana Tech offers a veterinary office manager certificate program.
The program is self-paced.
Once you begin, you’ll have 18 months to complete the program.
The program costs $3,995.00.
The price of the program includes vouchers for the QuickBooks Certified User Exam and Microsoft Word and Excel exams.
This program will teach you to utilize Microsoft Office programs for office management.
You’ll also learn basic accounting principles and QuickBooks software.
In addition to office skills, you’ll learn veterinary assistance skills.
This allows you to assist with basic veterinary tasks.
You’ll learn about major organ systems, how to handle medical records, and how to communicate with pet owners and coworkers professionally.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a Vet Practice Management course to prepare you to become a veterinary office manager.
The program has a total of 7 courses and provides you with 19 college credits.
You can complete the program in 12 months, but most students take 14 months to complete.
Payment plans are available beginning at $59 per month.
Courses included in the program include principles of management, basic accounting, human resource management, marketing, and veterinary practice management.
You can learn in your own home at your own pace with this program.
San Juan College
San Juan College offers an online Veterinary Office Manager program.
The program fulfills the educational requirement for the educational requirement for the CVPM certification.
You’ll need to complete 12 general education credits, and 18 to 19 core program credits to finish the program.
The credits you earn can be used towards an associate’s degree at San Juan College as well.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Indiana Tech | 1600 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803 |
Penn Foster | 200 Hickory St, Scranton, PA 18505, United States |
San Juan College | 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87402, United States |
Salary
The average salary for a veterinary office manager in Indiana is $83,791.
Most salaries will fall between $72,944 and $96,273.
How much you can earn will depend on your education, experience, certifications, and the type of office you choose to work in.
Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Indianapolis | $84,050 |
Fort Wayne | $80,595 |
Evansville | $81,891 |
South Bend | $81,113 |
Carmel | $83,964 |
Bloomington | $79,559 |
Hammond | $86,296 |
Gary | $86,296 |
Fishers | $79,818 |
Lafayette | $83,532 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bloomington, IN | 50 | $38,830 | $18.67 | $45,210 | $30,070 |
Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $40,490 | $19.47 | $47,530 | $31,420 |
Evansville, IN-KY | 110 | $38,120 | $18.33 | $47,810 | $29,190 |
Fort Wayne, IN | 130 | $38,310 | $18.42 | $45,070 | $31,200 |
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 930 | $42,310 | $20.34 | $48,720 | $35,050 |
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 200 | $45,790 | $22.01 | $58,350 | $33,770 |
Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 40 | $37,700 | $18.13 | $45,630 | $29,890 |
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 100 | $42,330 | $20.35 | $55,500 | $32,130 |
Terre Haute, IN | 40 | $36,840 | $17.71 | $48,980 | $28,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do you need to be a vet office manager in Indiana?
You’ll need accounting skills, computer skills, and strong communication skills to be a vet office manager.
However, you’ll also need a love for animals, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage people effectively.
What is the Difference Between a Veterinary Process Manager and a Practice Manager in Indiana?
A practice manager is a step above a vet office manager.
A practice manager will spend more time involved in managing people, while a veterinary office manager focuses more on administrative duties.
Is There a Demand for Veterinary Office Managers in Indiana?
The outlook for veterinary office managers in Indiana is expected to grow in the coming years.
Currently, there are plenty of job opportunities in this field.