How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Rhode Island

Vet office managers are a key part of the veterinary team.

They keep the office running smoothly, so the veterinarian can focus on caring for and treating animals.

You’ll interact with clients, people, and animals.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Rhode Island

You can have several duties as a vet office manager in Rhode Island.

You’ll answer phones, schedule appointments, and bill clients.

You’ll need an understanding of veterinary procedures, so you can explain them to clients.

You may also be responsible for basic accounting.

This can include tracking expenses and profits, creating financial reports, and other bookkeeping tasks.

Some office managers are responsible for other employees.

Your duties can include hiring and firing employees, administering employee benefits, and resolving disputes between employees.

You may also have some interaction with animals.

These duties include restraining animals, leading clients and animals to the exam room, and taking vital signs.

You may also assist the vet with surgical and dental procedures.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in Rhode Island

There are no official requirements for vet office managers in Rhode Island.

However, some certifications may help you get a job, particularly if you don’t have much experience in the field.

Software Certifications

You’ll need to know how to use software properly in any office environment, so these certifications can benefit you in a variety of fields.

QuickBooks Certified User certification shows that you are skilled in using QuickBooks accounting software.

You should also consider Microsoft Word and Excel certifications.

These will show your ability to use these office programs.

CVPM

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

You’ll need to meet several requirements to qualify for this certification.

First, you’ll need to have three years of experience in a vet’s office within the last 7 years.

You’ll also need at least 18 credit hours in management and related courses.

These include human resources, accounting, and business management.

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

Once you meet these requirements, you’ll pay a fee to take the exam.

VHMA members will pay $675, and nonmembers will pay $825.

You’ll have 3 1/2 hours to complete the test. If you pass the test, you will become a CVPM.

Vet Office Manager Programs in Rhode Island

Vet office manager programs are a great way to start your career.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to be a vet office manager.

Community College of Rhode Island

The Community College of Rhode Island offers an online certificate program in Vet Office Manager.

The program features practical knowledge of office and accounting skills, including QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

You’ll learn to create financial reports, how to share information effectively, how to analyze reports and financial documents, and basic accounting principles.

You’ll also learn skills relevant to veterinary care.

You’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of major organ systems, how to prepare blood samples and prescriptions, and how to restrain animals safely.

You’ll have 18 months to complete the program, which is self-paced.

You’ll spend 450 hours studying the material.

The program costs $3,995.00.

This includes vouchers for QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel certification exams.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster is one of the oldest distance education institutions in the U.S.

They offer an online certificate program in Vet Practice Management.

The course requires 19 college credit hours and meets the education requirement for becoming a CVPM.

You’ll complete 7 courses during the program.

The average student takes 14 months to complete the program, but it can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study.

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

The course costs $1,499.

Payment plans are available, so you can get started quickly.

Salary

The average salary for a vet office manager in Rhode Island is $139,716 as of June 27, 2024.

Salaries typically range between $119,174 and $164,423.

How much you earn will vary depending on your experience, certifications, education, skills, and the type of office you choose to work in.

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State