How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Iowa

Vet office managers are an important part of the veterinary team.

They may help with some veterinary procedures, but their main duties are focused on business and administration.

If you love animals and have good business sense, this may be the career for you.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Iowa

As a vet office manager, you’ll work with pets, clients, and coworkers.

Your responsibilities may include welcoming pet owners, answering telephone calls, explaining procedures, and leading clients to the exam room.

You will also need to answer any questions pet owners have about the clinic or policies.

Administrative duties may include billing clients, collecting payments, bookkeeping, and utilizing accounting software.

You may oversee other employees and manage office supplies as well.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager In Iowa

There are no official licensing requirements to become a vet office manager in Iowa.

However, there are a few certifications that can make you more attractive to potential employers, and show off your knowledge.

Software Certifications

Software certifications will show that you have the technical skills to be a great vet office manager.

One of the benefits of these certifications is that they are important in nearly any office or administrative role.

The QuickBooks Certified User Exam shows that you have the expertise to use QuickBooks.

This accounting software makes bookkeeping easier and helps you keep proper records.

Microsoft also offers certifications for Word and Excel.

These certifications also display your ability to perform office duties and utilize this common software.

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager

The certified veterinary practice manager, or CVPM, is the top certification you can get as a veterinary office manager.

To get this certification, you’ll need to meet four qualifications.

First, you’ll need at least 3 years of experience in a veterinary office within the last 7 years.

You’ll also need at least 18 college credit hours in management or related courses.

Next, you’ll need 48 hours of continuing education courses in management.

Lastly, you’ll need 4 letters of recommendation.

If you are a member of the VHMA, you’ll pay $675.

If you are not a member, you’ll pay $825.

Once your application is approved, you’ll have 2 years to complete the process.

To become certified, you’ll need to get a passing grade on the examination.

You’ll have 3 1/2 hours to complete the exam.

Vet Office Manager Programs in Iowa

Most vet office manager programs in Iowa are certificate programs that allow you to study online.

However, you can also choose to take a veterinary assisting course.

Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College offers an online veterinary office manager program.

It’s self-paced, and you’ll have 18 months to complete the course.

The program focuses on the office and business aspects of a veterinary practice.

You’ll learn how to use QuickBooks accounting software, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Excel.

Vouchers for certification are included in the tuition.

You’ll also learn about the clinical side of things.

You’ll learn about anatomy and physiology.

You’ll learn to give vaccinations, perform physical exams, and take patient histories.

You’ll learn to assist with surgery and dental procedures as well.

The cost of the program is $3,995.00.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers a Veterinary Practice Management certificate program.

You’ll complete 18 college credits during the program.

This meets the educational requirement for the CVPM certification.

Courses in the program include principles of management, basic accounting, human resource management, marketing, and veterinary practice management.

The average student completes the program in 14 months, but you can complete it in as little as one year.

Hawkeye Community College

If you are interested in the clinical side of veterinary office management, you should consider Hawkeye Community College.

They offer a veterinary assistant diploma program.

This program takes one year to complete.

You’ll learn about front desk operations, data entry, record keeping, and medical terminology.

You’ll also learn how to properly restrain animals, and perform lab analysis, and pharmacology.

You’ll learn how to properly clean and sanitize exam rooms and kennels as well.

If you want to work in a smaller office, this will give you the skills you need to perform administrative duties and help out with clinical procedures.

Salary

The average salary for a vet office manager is $82,668.

Salaries typically range between $71,966 and $94,983.

How much you earn will depend on your experience, education, certification, and where you choose to work.

Regional Salary in Iowa

How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State