How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Missouri

If you love animals and enjoy running an office, you should consider becoming a vet office manager.

You’ll work with a veterinarian and other members of the team to ensure that the office runs smoothly.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Missouri

A vet office manager in Missouri can have a wide range of duties.

You may handle the bookkeeping and accounting aspects of the business.

You may charge customers, send out bills, and collect payments.

You might also schedule appointments with clients and explain veterinary procedures.

You could be responsible for leading clients and pets to the exam room as well.

As an office manager, you’ll typically manage people as well.

You may oversee several members of the team, including administrative assistants and veterinary assistants, depending on the size of the office.

You may handle payroll, employee benefits, and hiring and firing.

You will likely handle disagreements between employees as well.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in Missouri

There are official requirements to become a vet office manager in Missouri.

However, some certifications can set you apart from the competition.

Software Certifications

Software certifications are useful if you plan to pursue any type of office or clerical work.

The QuickBooks Certified User Exam will show your expertise with QuickBooks accounting software.

This is important if your role will include bookkeeping or accounting.

You should also consider Microsoft Office certifications, particularly Word and Excel.

These programs are commonly used in office environments.

Showing your skills with these programs can help you land the job you are hoping for.

CVPM

CVPM stands for Certified Veterinary Practice Manager.

This is considered the gold standard for vet office managers and practice managers.

To become certified, you’ll need to meet four requirements.

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

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

This includes accounting, business, and human resources.

You’ll need 48 hours of continuing education in management as well.

Lastly, you’ll need four letters of recommendation.

When applying for certification, you’ll pay a fee.

VHMA members will pay $675.

Nonmembers will pay $825.

Once you’ve applied, you have two years to complete the certification.

To become certified, you’ll need to pass the exam.

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

Vet Office Manager Programs in Missouri

Vet office manager programs allow you to learn the skills you need to succeed in your new career.

Most programs can be completed in a year or less.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers a Vet Practice Manager certificate program.

You can complete the program in as little as a year, but most students complete it in 14 months.

You’ll earn 19 college credit hours during this program.

This meets the educational requirement for the CVPM certification.

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

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers an online certificate program in veterinary office management.

The program is self-paced, and you’ll have 18 months to complete it.

This program provides administrative training, as well as the basics of veterinary assisting.

This allows you to be a valuable member of the team, in the office or the exam room.

The cost of the program is $4,035.

Tuition includes vouchers for the QuickBooks Certified User exam and Microsoft Word and Excel exams.

In addition to learning how to use the software you’ll need in veterinary office management, you’ll learn how to maintain and create medical records, and how to create and share data.

You’ll also learn basic accounting principles and office management skills.

You’ll learn how to restrain pets for procedures, perform physical examinations, give vaccinations, and prepare medications.

You’ll also learn how to assist during dental and surgical procedures.

Vet Girl

Vet Girl offers a short vet practice manager certificate program.

This program qualifies for the continuing education requirement for the CVPM certification.

You’ll spend a total of 30 hours learning this material.

Salary

The average salary for a vet office manager in Missouri is $82,323.

Salaries typically range from $71,665 to $94,586.

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

Regional Salary in Missouri

How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State