Running a veterinary office requires the skills of many people.
A vet office manager has the important task of making sure all the paperwork is in order, allowing the care of the animal patients to be done quickly and efficiently by the vet.
This position is one of the most important in any vet practice.
Find out what it takes to become a vet office manager.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Maine
A vet office manager sets up appointments and checks people into the practice, making sure to get all the necessary details on the pet and owner.
They also check people out at the end of the appointment, taking care of collecting payment and providing any care instructions.
The office manager is also in charge of bookkeeping records, in some cases even payroll.
They must deal with insurance companies, hire and fire personnel, and train employees.
They are also responsible for making sure all open hours are fully staffed.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in Maine
Licensing is not necessary to become a vet office manager, but many larger employers require their office staff to become licensed before being put in charge of the entire practice.
This often includes gaining a degree in business or completing a vet office manager program, gaining experience working with animals or in an office area, and taking the test offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.
Vet Office Manager Programs in Maine
York County Community College
This course will earn you an Associate of Applied Science degree in two years, or 60 credit hours.
The cost is $96 per credit hour for in-state residents.
Classes you will take include professional interaction, managing/leading a team, use of technology, communication, critical thinking, accounting, human resources, and business ethics.
Northern Maine Community College
This two-year course will cost you $2880 a year and will net you an Associate degree in Business Administration.
Among the courses you will take are PC operating systems, microcomputer apps, spreadsheet applications, business law, human resource management, accounting, and principles of management.
Once completed, you have the option of applying your degree toward a bachelor’s degree.
Maine Adult Education Association
This course is intended to help those who already work get a chance to advance their careers.
Classes can be taken as you have the time, so there is no timeframe for completion.
They will help you design a certificate program that meets your needs, for $20 per class, which meets twice a week.
These classes include accounting, Excel, office communication, and more.
This is a medical solution for those who are short on finances and time.
They also work with you to design a program that will take you to where you want to be and help with your job search skills.
Central Maine Community College
You have a choice here of earning a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree.
The cost is $2880 per year.
Classes include accounting, marketing, computer applications, management skills, communication (both written and oral), and other aspects of management.
If you go for the 2-year degree, you can add electives that further enhance animal-related skills.
University of Maine at Machias
This is a 4-year degree program that results in a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Management.
The cost is $282 per credit hour, for a total of 120 hours.
You have the option of completing this course in person or completely online.
Classes are more advanced than other programs with Business Finance, Psychology, Sociology, Human Behavior in Organizations, Decision Making, and Management joining the typical communication and ethics classes.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| York County Community College | 112 College Dr, Wells, ME 04090, United States |
| Northern Maine Community College | 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769, United States |
| Maine Adult Education Association | 841 N Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, United States |
| Central Maine Community College | 1250 Turner St, Auburn, ME 04210, United States |
| University of Maine at Machias | 116 Obrien Ave, Machias, ME 04654, United States |
Salary of a Vet Office Manager in Maine
The average yearly salary of vet office managers in Maine is $130,214.
The pay ranges from a low of $111,070 to a high of $153,241.
The salary you can expect will depend greatly on what training and experience you have as well as where the practice is located and how large the practice is.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Auburn | $84,409 |
| Augusta | $83,029 |
| Bangor | $82,598 |
| Saco | $85,099 |
| South Portland | $85,271 |
| Westbrook | $85,271 |
| Biddeford | $84,839 |
| Windham | $85,185 |
| Lewiston | $84,409 |
| Portland | $85,271 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 80 | $49,880 | $23.98 | $66,330 | $39,370 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 290 | $49,770 | $23.93 | $59,620 | $39,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a vet office manager in Maine?
It can take anywhere from a year to seven years to become a vet office manager in Maine.
It depends on what path you take to get there and whether or not the employer requires a certain background, such as having a license.
Do vet office managers need hands-on experience with animals in Maine?
It may not be necessary to have experience with animals to become a vet office manager.
Most practices will see that you are comfortable with animals before you get full responsibilities, but the most important skills required are office skills such as bookkeeping and management.
Where do vet office managers in Maine work?
Vet office managers can be found in a variety of settings.
Their main arena is the local veteran office or clinic.
However, vet office managers can be found coordinating vet services for zoos, animal rescues, and animal sanctuaries.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State