Many people dream of becoming veterinarians but not everyone who does has the time or the budget to do so.
That doesn’t mean you can’t live out your dream of working with animals.
It takes a little creativity, but there are several ways to get the chance to do just that.
For starters, depending on where you live, there could be a big demand for a veterinary office.
Animals could be more for agricultural needs or pets hanging out at home.
Whatever the needs are local could have an impact on how likely you are to find opportunities.
One thing every vet office needs is a manager.
Read on to find out what it takes to become a vet office manager in Oklahoma.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Oklahoma
A vet office manager has a hand in every part of the behind-the-scenes action.
From managing staff to advertising, an office manager does it all.
This also includes customer service and being a point of contact for patients and their owners.
The office manager oversees every aspect of the clinic or hospital.
A person in this position would also have the ability to assist temporarily in most of the positions.
A vet office manager may not be the veterinarian, but they are what keeps the office functioning properly.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
Managers of vet offices in Oklahoma do not need a license.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t requirements that employers will look for during the hiring process, though.
One way to outshine other applicants is to have a degree.
Preferably in business or veterinary science, but that’s not mandatory.
Next, some experience in leadership of some sort.
Whether that be with humans or not.
Having experience with animals is also a major plus.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Oklahoma State University
A year and a half is a lot less than the eight years it takes to become a veterinarian.
That’s all it takes to earn a certificate for the vet office manager program at OSU.
All in all, it’s 450 hours of coursework.
This program is at your own pace and students can get started at any time.
From start to finish, these courses can be done from the comfort of your living room.
Getting a certificate through OSU costs $4,000.
Oklahoma City Community College
Students at OCCC get the benefit of working remotely and being in regular communication with a registered veterinary tech.
All three instructors have expertise in different aspects of the vet office manager position.
From accounting to marketing to animals, OCCC has you covered.
In less than two years, you could be certified to make your new career official.
This certificate program is $4,000.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK, United States |
| Oklahoma City Community College | 7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159, United States |
Salary
The median salary for a vet office manager in Oklahoma is $79,000 a year.
Of course, with more experience in a more populated area, one could make as much as $102,000 annually.
Entry-level applicants or ones in rural areas could expect something closer to $60,000.
A majority of all vet office managers in Oklahoma find their pay between $69,000 and $90,000.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bartlesville | $80,941 |
| Broken Arrow | $81,459 |
| Altus | $73,253 |
| Edmond | $78,608 |
| Enid | $78,090 |
| Lawton | $73,512 |
| Tulsa | $81,718 |
| Stillwater | $78,090 |
| Oklahoma City | $78,867 |
| Norman | $78,349 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK | 30 | $30,160 | $14.5 | $41,540 | $23,400 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 300 | $37,400 | $17.98 | $47,810 | $28,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many veterinarians are there in Oklahoma?
When compared with the rest of the country, Oklahoma has one of the highest numbers of veterinarians.
For every 100,000 people, the state has more than 30 vets.
So, why does Oklahoma seem to have an abundance of people taking care of animals?
Agriculture.
Oklahoma is one of the top producers of agricultural commodities.
With that kind of pressure, it is of the utmost importance that the animals humans rely on are taken care of.
Knowing how vital animals are to the economy, it’s not surprising that veterinarians are attracted to the state.
Even with that kind of work, all the vets are pretty busy and it seems like there’s always room for more.
How many people in Oklahoma own pets?
Being a vet in Oklahoma isn’t all about taking care of livestock.
65% of all households here have pets.
Mostly that pertains to dogs and cats, but that number isn’t limited.
A vet office has a lot more pet variety than you’d imagine.
So, you could decide that as a vet you want to specialize in domestic private practice or be hands-on at a ranch or farm.
Vets have the opportunity to pick a niche and go with it.
How long does it take to become a veterinarian?
If you love animals and want to go all the way to the top position, be prepared to put in the time.
Overall, it takes eight years to become a veterinarian.
The process starts with a four-year bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary science.
Following completion, students would then apply to a veterinary school.
That’s another four years of education before graduation.
With a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, you’ll officially be able to begin a veterinarian career.
Being a vet isn’t limited to working in a medical office.
Options include zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, ranches, farms, and even laboratories.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State