An experienced and committed vet office manager is vital to an animal medical practice, allowing veterinarians and veterinary staff to focus on caring for animal patients.
In this role, candidates are responsible for the daily operation of the office; the veterinary office manager ensures everything runs comfortably and smoothly.
Veterinary office managers oversee and coordinate administrative procedures in veterinary clinics or hospitals.
The position is like a head veterinary receptionist, with extra skills and duties.
This includes management responsibilities such as scheduling, overseeing the application of patient services, accounts receivable, inventory orders, and more!
Table of Contents
Vet Office Manager Duties in New Mexico
Professional communication and client support service skills are crucial in the role.
Responsible for clients and patients/animals at critical times.
Often, the office manager at a veterinary clinic or hospital is the liaison during wellness visits and emergency check-ins.
Essential mastery for a veterinary office manager position includes understanding veterinary software systems, staffing solutions, problem-solving skills, and patience with pets and people.
Responsibilities include maintaining paperwork and financial records, processing insurance, budgeting, inventory, billing, coordinating projects, and complying with veterinary laws and regulations.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Veterinary Office Manager in New Mexico
A typical career trajectory for a veterinary office manager starts with earning a high school diploma or equivalency (although not mandatory) and then taking a certificate course or earning an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Employers typically prefer 1–2 years of experience in veterinary and office management.
Employers typically favor applicants with a few years of experience in veterinary skills and office management.
Candidates may want to apply for a program culminating in a business degree or veterinary practice management certificate.
The next step is to gain hands-on skills through working in the veterinary field.
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) Certification
Veterinary practice managers may want to explore certification.
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) title, issued by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), can be helpful because this certification demonstrates high professional experience and expertise.
Candidates must possess the following:
- Three years of active employment.
- 18 college semester hours in management-related courses.
- 48 hours of continuing education courses.
- Four letters of recommendation.
Vet Office Manager Programs
University of New Mexico, Continuing Education Division
- Handle medical records
- Administer medications, nutrition, and vaccinations, prepare prescriptions, and take radiographs and blood samples.
- Assist during surgery/dental procedures.
- Bookkeeping, QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Word, Excel.
- Develop professional communication skills.
This online course is open enrollment and self-paced. Candidates begin whenever they’re ready.
After registration, students have 18 months to complete it.
Contact Information
- 1634 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131 US
- 855 520-6806
Western New Mexico University
The Veterinary Office Manager course offers open enrollment, starting when ready and finishing at self-paced, with 18 months to complete the course after registration.
This course is a fantastic means to showcase the fundamental knowledge and skill set needed to perform in the position.
Candidates working to become veterinary office managers often begin in positions like veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, or front office coordinator, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a veterinary setting before advancing into management.
Veterinary Assistants
Some candidates learn the skills of veterinary assistants to get a paw in the door.
While New Mexico doesn’t demand that vet assistants be licensed or certified, earning certification through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a terrific way to build a resume.
Contact Information
- 855 520-6806
Pima Medical Institute
Experience courses in animal life stages, animal nutrition, surgical assistance, anesthesia, and diagnostic imaging, among other critical subjects.
The program comprises 30 credits and takes approximately nine months to complete.
This associate degree program teaches candidates to become entry-level veterinary technicians.
It includes clinical training and administrative skills, including terminology, animal anatomy, office management, examination techniques, and more.
Office Credentials
Some veterinary office managers use a background in business to climb the tree of success.
Contact Information
- 4400 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
- 800 477-PIMA
Northern New Mexico College
Business degrees provide cutting-edge online and in-person business administration programs, including three undergrad concentrations, four associate degrees, and eight certificates.
The online 8-week courses can help students complete an associate’s degree within 16 months and a bachelor’s degree within 32 months.
Contact Information
- 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532
- 505 747-2100
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of New Mexico, Continuing Education Division | 1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States |
| Western New Mexico University | 1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061, United States |
| Pima Medical Institute | 4400 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, United States |
| Northern New Mexico College | 921 N Paseo De Onate, Española, NM 87532, United States |
Salary
In Albuquerque, NM, an average veterinary office manager’s compensation is $81,200 as of 2024, and the range for earnings typically ranges from $70,688 to $93,295, impacted by education, experience, certifications, and additional skills.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alamogordo | $76,908 |
| Albuquerque | $81,046 |
| Farmington | $80,012 |
| Hobbs | $76,304 |
| Las Cruces | $74,666 |
| Rio Rancho | $80,788 |
| Roswell | $75,614 |
| Santa Fe | $81,477 |
| Sunland Park | $75,097 |
| Jamestown | $79,753 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 430 | $39,950 | $19.21 | $53,100 | $29,010 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 80 | $36,550 | $17.57 | $47,490 | $27,870 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 110 | $41,690 | $20.05 | $55,830 | $32,620 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the future employment picture look like for veterinary office managers in New Mexico?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) claims demand for veterinary professionals will grow by 16% between now and 2029.
Does New Mexico have a state animal?
The black bear is the official state animal in New Mexico.
It was also the habitat of the original Smokey the Bear, the US Forest Service fire prevention mascot.
What kinds of jobs can I get with training as a vet office manager?
Veterinary office managers in the Land of Enchantment can work in veterinary practices such as animal hospitals, shelters, specialty clinics, offices, labs, emergency facilities, and animal rescue organizations.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State