Do you love animals and enjoy managing office operations?
You may be a great vet office manager.
There are no official requirements to become a vet office manager in Michigan, but there are some things that will help you prepare for this career.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Michigan
Your duties as a vet office manager may vary depending on the type of practice you choose to work in and the needs of the office.
Clerical and reception duties may include updating animal records, and financial records, scheduling appointments, and billing clients.
You may also be responsible for accounting and bookkeeping.
You may manage other employees, particularly administrative or veterinary assistants.
You’ll interact with clients.
This can include greeting them, bringing them to the exam rooms, and explaining procedures and office policies.
In some offices, you may also assist with clinical duties.
This can include restraining animals, preparing them for procedures, and assisting with examinations.
You may also clean and sanitize kennels and exam rooms.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in Michigan
As mentioned previously, there are no licensing or certification requirements to become a vet office manager in Michigan.
However, there are some certifications that you should consider.
This will help you stand out from other potential employees.
Software Certifications
There are a few software certifications that will showcase your office skills.
The QuickBooks Certified User Exam allows you to prove your expertise with QuickBooks accounting software.
Microsoft also offers certifications for its Office programs.
Microsoft Word and Excel certifications are helpful for office management.
These skills will apply to any type of office position, so they will be useful even if you change jobs in the future.
CVPM Certification
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, or CVPM, is the gold standard for vet office managers.
To qualify, you’ll need 3 years of experience in a veterinary office within the last 7 years.
You’ll also need at least 18 college credits in management or related classes, including accounting and business.
You are required to have 48 continuing education hours in management as well.
Lastly, you’ll need 4 letters of recommendation before applying for the certification.
VHMA members will pay a fee of $675 to take the exam.
Nonmembers will pay $825.
Once your application is approved, you have two years to complete the certification.
You’ll need to pass a written exam to become certified.
You’ll have 3 1/2 hours to complete the exam.
If you pass, you are CVPM certified.
Vet Office Manager Programs in Michigan
A vet office manager program can provide the skills you need to begin your career.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an online Vet Office Manager certificate program.
This undergraduate program requires 19 college credits.
Most students complete the program in 14 months, but it can be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
Courses in the program include Principles of Management, Basic Accounting, Veterinary Practice Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Business Ethics.
This program meets the education requirement for the CVPM certification.
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers an online Veterinary Office Manager program.
It takes 450 hours to complete the program.
It’s self-paced, and you’ll have 18 months to finish your studies once you begin.
The program costs $3,995.00.
Tuition includes vouchers for the QuickBooks Certified User Exam and Microsoft exams for Word and Excel.
During the program, you’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems.
You’ll also learn about how to restrain animals, nutrition, vaccinations, and how to administer medications.
You’ll be trained in preparing medications, taking blood samples, and assisting with surgical and dental procedures.
You’ll also learn how to use QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, and Excel, and how to create and share information.
You’ll learn basic accounting, including bookkeeping duties, how to create financial documents and reports, and analyze accounts.
Ross Education
If you are interested in the clinical side of vet office management, you should consider Ross Education.
They offer a veterinary assistant program.
The program takes 36 weeks to complete and includes a 6-week externship.
This program will teach you how to assist a veterinarian or vet tech.
You’ll learn how to care for animals, animal anatomy and physiology, and terminology.
You’ll also learn basic office procedures.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory St, Scranton, PA 18505, United States |
| Central Michigan University | 1200 S Franklin St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859, United States |
| Ross Education |
Salary
The average salary for a veterinary office manager in Michigan is $85,260.
Most salaries will range between $74,222 to $97,960.
How much you earn will depend on your education, experience, certifications, and the type of practice you are working in.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $88,629 |
| Battle Creek | $85,260 |
| Benton Harbor | $83,532 |
| Canton | $88,456 |
| Dearborn | $87,074 |
| Lansing | $83,618 |
| Grand Rapids | $83,789 |
| Detroit | $87,074 |
| Westland | $87,506 |
| Troy | $86,728 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 160 | $46,640 | $22.43 | $59,520 | $38,200 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,230 | $48,460 | $23.3 | $57,500 | $38,700 |
| Flint, MI | 120 | $45,080 | $21.67 | $55,030 | $36,090 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 350 | $45,170 | $21.72 | $56,510 | $37,490 |
| Jackson, MI | 40 | $43,000 | $20.67 | $48,870 | $37,280 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 160 | $47,470 | $22.82 | $54,940 | $38,230 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 210 | $50,420 | $24.24 | $59,170 | $38,690 |
| Midland, MI | 50 | $47,760 | $22.96 | $56,840 | $39,590 |
| Monroe, MI | 50 | $44,580 | $21.43 | $56,870 | $32,460 |
| Muskegon, MI | 30 | $42,770 | $20.56 | $47,610 | $35,180 |
| Saginaw, MI | 50 | $44,260 | $21.28 | $49,750 | $36,740 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vet office managers in demand in Michigan?
There is some demand for vet office managers in Michigan.
The field is expected to grow in the future, as more people become pet owners.
What skills do I need to be an office manager in Michigan?
You’ll need several skills to be a vet office manager.
You’ll need knowledge of accounting, computer literacy, and strong organizational skills.
You’ll also need a love of animals, and an ability to work with others.
What is the difference between a practice manager and a vet office manager?
A practice manager is typically over the office manager.
A practice manager focuses more on human resources and managing the people of the office, while an office manager focuses on the day-to-day operations of the business.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State