One crucial role at a veterinary clinic is the vet office manager.
Vet office managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the clinic runs smoothly.
Their duties span from administrative tasks to aiding other employees with their jobs.
If you’re interested in becoming a vet office manager in Minnesota, then these are the steps that you’ll need to take.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Minnesota
As a vet office manager, you will have a handful of duties and responsibilities.
Many of these range from administrative tasks and operational duties to clerical work.
However, vet office managers may assist with emergency management, team building and training, and state policy enforcement.
Other duties and responsibilities for a vet office manager may include:
- Reception
- Scheduling
- Maintaining financial records
- Ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations
- Monitoring work staff and performance
- Provide feedback to staff
- Coach or train staff
- Manage staff, such as hiring, recruitment, and more
- Dealing with client complaints
- Monitor and maintain inventory
- Keep and update medical records
Licensing Requirements to Become
In the state of Minnesota, there are no laws requiring a vet office manager to have a degree or certificate.
Most of the time, training is done either on the job or through a mentorship.
Many people also have previous experience working in a similar setting or a related degree.
Below, we’ll provide the requirements that you may want to know to operate as a vet office manager in Minnesota.
Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirements to work as a vet office manager are being over 18 and having completed a GED program or having a high school diploma.
Some clinics will also expect applicants to have certain skills, such as being competent in using the computer, responsible, and highly detail-oriented.
Step 2: Training or Education
Training includes any sort of managerial position or relevant job experience.
Some clinics also offer on-the-job training.
However, education is often prioritized because it teaches all the necessary skills.
Education programs include degrees in business administration or management.
Veterinarian techs or assistants will also be prioritized.
However, certificates can also be acceptable.
Step 3: Verified Certificate Program Completion
The most crucial step if you’re going the education route is to get a certificate approved by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
Training programs not authorized by the VHMA will not be acceptable.
In addition, those who complete Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate programs will also be prioritized.
Students are responsible for ensuring their program meets these requirements.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast offers a vet office manager program from Ed2Go’s portal.
The program is completely online and features open enrollment.
Students can also learn independently if they complete 450 course hours within 18 months.
Tuition costs a total of $6,170, but students may be able to find it on sale.
In addition, students who can’t pay the total amount upfront can apply for Affirm.
Affirm is a third party that helps students qualify for monthly payments.
However, it’s primarily determined by credit.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster is an online college that offers a vet practice manager program approved by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
While this is a step up from a vet office manager position, it can help students learn the necessary skills for the job.
The certificate program lasts over 12 months, and students must have an undergraduate degree.
This online program is self-paced and allows students to learn at their own pace if they complete it by the end date.
Tuition costs are $1,999, but they can be discounted.
Students also have the option to make monthly payments using a payment plan offered by the college.
Southwest Minnesota State University
Those looking for a management degree can attend Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) online business management degree.
The course is entirely online and spans 2–4 years.
Students must complete 45 credit hours for a major, and each credit costs $305.
This degree teaches core management skills.
The program includes training in entrepreneurship, general management, and human resource management.
Students also learn healthcare administration and supply chain management.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Minnesota State College Southeast | 308 Pioneer Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066, United States |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | 1501 State St, Marshall, MN 56258, United States |
Salary
The average vet office manager salary in Wisconsin is $88,370, but it can also fall between $76,929 and $101,533.
On the low end, vet office managers make $66,513, and on the high end, they can make $113,518.
Pay is determined by experience, education, and location.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Burnsville | $91,220 |
| Duluth | $83,288 |
| Saint Cloud | $85,012 |
| Eden Prairie | $91,306 |
| Saint Paul | $91,479 |
| Lakeville | $90,875 |
| Minneapolis | $91,479 |
| Minnetonka | $91,479 |
| Rochester | $86,478 |
| Brownsville | $81,133 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 150 | $42,210 | $20.29 | $56,610 | $34,660 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 2,930 | $47,810 | $22.99 | $58,430 | $39,610 |
| Rochester, MN | 100 | $44,050 | $21.18 | $48,430 | $37,650 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 80 | $41,600 | $20 | $46,850 | $30,430 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need specific licenses or certificates to work as a vet office manager in Minnesota?
No, you don’t need any specific license or certificate to work as a vet office manager in Minnesota.
Most vet office managers don’t have a certificate.
Instead, they may have relevant work experience or a degree in a related field.
What types of training are acceptable for a vet office manager in Minnesota?
Clinics tend to favor those who either have experience as managers, work in a clinical setting, or have worked in a veterinary office in any other role.
These three jobs are the best experience for learning all the ins and outs of becoming a vet office manager.
What institution regulates vet office managers in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association is the primary regulator of vet office management jobs.
Contacting them can be an excellent place to start if you want to find resources.
They can help provide information about finding mentorship programs or places to learn on the job.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State