How to Become a Vet Office Manager in North Carolina

A vet office manager is an integral part of the veterinary team.

Their role is to keep the office running smoothly, allowing the veterinarian to focus on caring for the animals.

If you love animals and enjoy working with people, this might be the career for you.

Vet Office Manager Duties in North Carolina

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

Administrative duties typically include answering phones, scheduling appointments, and explaining procedures and policies to clients.

You may also perform basic accounting and bookkeeping, bill clients, and collect payments.

In some cases, you may be responsible for employee benefits and payroll as well.

Your duties can also include managing the people in the office.

You may settle disputes, hire and fire employees, and enforce office regulations.

Lastly, you may have some clinical duties.

You may restrain animals for procedures, prepare exam rooms, and lead clients and their pets into the exam room.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in North Carolina

There are no requirements to become a vet office manager in North Carolina.

However, some certifications can make you more attractive to potential employers, and set you apart from the competition.

Software Certifications

Software certifications will display your office skills.

If you will be performing accounting at the office, you should consider the QuickBooks Certified User exam.

This will allow you to prove your expertise with QuickBooks accounting software.

You should also consider Microsoft Word and Excel certifications.

These certifications will let potential employers know you have the skills needed to do your job well.

CVPM Certification

The CVPM, or Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, certification is considered the gold standard for vet office managers.

To get this certification, 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 credit hours in management and related courses.

These can include human resources, accounting, and business management.

You’ll need 48 hours of continuing education in management, and four letters of recommendation.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for certification.

Members of the VHMA will pay $675, and non-members will need to pay $825.

If your application is approved, you have two years to complete the process.

You’ll need to pass the certification exam.

You will be given 3 1/2 hours to complete this test.

Vet Office Manager Programs in North Carolina

Vet office manager programs are a great way to get the skills you need to begin your career.

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University offers a Veterinary Office Manager certificate program.

The program is online, and self-paced.

Once you begin, you’ll have 18 months to complete the course.

You can expect to spend 450 hours completing the course.

The program costs $3,995.00.

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

You’ll learn to handle medical records, communicate with clients, and manage coworkers.

You’ll also learn how to analyze and share information and create reports.

You’ll learn basic bookkeeping and accounting, including accrual methods, depreciation, and accounts payable.

You’ll also learn how to create financial reports.

You’ll learn to restrain animals, take vital signs, and assist during procedures.

You will also know how to prepare prescriptions and take blood samples.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers a Vet Office Manager certificate program.

The program requires 19 college credit hours.

This fulfills the education requirement for CVPM.

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

Most students finish the program in 14 months, but it can be completed in 12 months.

Coastal Carolina Community College

Coastal Carolina Community College offers a veterinary office assistant program.

This program focuses on the clinical side of veterinary management.

You’ll learn how to assist a veterinarian and perform basic procedures, including animal care and physical exams.

If you already have sufficient office and management experience, this is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the veterinary world.

The program provides a certificate upon completion and requires a 15-week externship.

Salary

Vet office managers in North Carolina make an average of $82,927 as of June 27, 2024.

Salaries typically fall between $72,192 and $95,280.

How much you can earn will depend on several factors, including your experience, education, certifications, and the type of practice you work for.

Regional Salary in North Carolina

How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State