Kentucky is known for its horses, and horses need veterinarians just as all animals do.
As a vet office manager, you could get involved with horses as well as family pets, so that makes it a little unique.
An office manager is concerned with the business aspect of the clinic or hospital, but there is some involvement with animals.
Formal licensing is not required for office managers, but some training could help you do a better job.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Kentucky
A vet office manager keeps the business running smoothly so the vet and other medical personnel can concentrate on taking care of animals.
The manager would help coordinate communication between the vets and staff, create and maintain records, do billing and receive payments, bookkeeping, and many other tasks involved in running a business.
There is not a lot of difference between this and any other kind of office manager job.
You might have to help with animals occasionally, but not often.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager.
There is no formal licensing required in Kentucky for office managers.
Licensing is for vets and other medical personnel who are directly involved with animals.
Vet clinics want either some business education or at least a couple of years of experience running an office.
They would like to have both some experience and some education.
Vet Office Manager Programs in Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University offers an online course for vet office managers that lasts for an average of 18 months and includes 450 hours of instruction.
The cost is $4995, and you may pay in monthly installments.
Software training includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
There are classes for how to run a business, including such things as scheduling, billing, keeping records, and staff management.
You do have to provide your software for the course.
This course also does not include vet assistant training.
Western Kentucky Community College
Western Kentucky Community College offers an online program that costs $3,990 and includes vet assistant training.
You may also include horse care training as an add-on at extra cost.
this class you will become proficient at using Word and Quickbooks.
You may also get certification with these software programs as part of the course.
There is instruction in record keeping, billing, scheduling, staffing, and general topics involved in running an office.
You will also learn to be a vet assistant, capable of helping with animals when needed.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky Office of Continuing and Professional Education offers a vet office manager course for $4,000.
This includes 450 hours of instruction, and since it is online, you may do it at your own pace.
There are instructions available for software such as Word, Excel, and Quickbooks.
You may also get a certificate in those programs.
This course includes vet assistant training, to help you be able to help out with animals when needed.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Western Kentucky University | 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States |
| Western Kentucky Community College | 4810 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, United States |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506, United States |
Salary
The National average for vet office managers ranges from $75,000 to $99,000. The national average is $86,000.
In Lousiville, KY, the average is slightly below the national average, at $82,000, but ranges from $61,000 to $106,000.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bowling Green | $78,287 |
| Owensboro | $81,219 |
| Covington | $84,323 |
| Richmond | $79,408 |
| Frankfort | $78,805 |
| Hopkinsville | $77,598 |
| Lexington | $80,184 |
| Louisville | $82,425 |
| Canmer | $81,736 |
| Fort Campbell | $77,770 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 70 | $32,350 | $15.55 | $42,810 | $27,820 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 30 | $32,390 | $15.57 | $41,720 | $25,970 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 540 | $37,690 | $18.12 | $47,830 | $29,100 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 570 | $37,000 | $17.79 | $46,700 | $28,840 |
| Owensboro, KY | 30 | $33,790 | $16.25 | $38,700 | $29,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of an online vet office manager program?
A business administration degree from a regular college will prepare you to run almost any kind of business.
The online classes for vet office managers include training to be a vet assistant.
The business side of running a vet’s office is not that different than any other business, but the online courses help you with the particulars unique to a veterinarian’s office.
Another advantage is that you may enter the program any time you like, and you may complete the course at your own pace.
How long does it take to become a vet office manager?
Veterinarians want people with office experience to run their offices.
They like to have a couple of years of experience in an office of some kind, preferably experience as an office manager.
The classes are not required, but if you also have completed an online program for managing a vet office, you will be a very desirable candidate for the job.
Some experience running any kind of office would count as experience.
What skills does an office manager need to have?
A good office manager has good people skills, and the ability to motivate staff.
They should also be able to communicate well with the public, and with people bringing their animals to the clinic.
Attention to detail and administrative skills would also be a plus.
An office manager should also be able to communicate well, whether that be vocally or in writing.
What are the levels of office personnel in a vet clinic?
At very small clinics in small towns, the roles can blend to where you can’t tell them apart.
The office manager may also have to be the receptionist, for example.
In larger operations, the receptionist greets customers and takes in animals for appointments.
The office manager is one step up and has a lot more duties.
The office manager takes care of scheduling, billing, budgeting, and several other items.
A practice manager is a step beyond an office manager.
The practice manager may be involved in promoting the company, advertising, and staffing.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State