Working in an office that deals with the healthcare of animals can be a rewarding experience.
What happens, though, if you love animals but your skills are more office-related and you don’t think being hands-on with animals is where you would be most comfortable?
The good news is that you can still be an essential part of the animal care team by becoming a vet office manager.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in South Dakota
The duties of a vet office manager in South Dakota are similar to any other field that requires an office manager.
The manager is in charge of the entire office staff, which includes hiring and training, as well as scheduling.
The vet office manager also deals with bookkeeping to keep track of billing and payments, as well as payroll.
They keep the practice stocked with necessities, and they take care of managing files.
The vet office manager also answers phones, sets up appointments, checks in patients, and answers questions from pet owners.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager in South Dakota
While South Dakota does not legally require veterinary office managers to carry a license, many vet offices require some type of proof that you can handle the position.
They often ask that you be certified by the Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association.
This certification requires completion of a business degree or certificate from a vet office manager program, at least three years of experience, four personal reference letters, and passing an exam.
Vet Office Manager Programs in South Dakota
Dakota State University
Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree that takes four years to complete.
The cost is $17494.50 a year.
During the 120 hours there, you will learn basics such as computer programs, accounting, and basic office management skills such as file management.
In addition, you will attend classes on ethical and social responsibility, human resource management, effective communication, and organizational behavior.
Electives can be used to take classes in zoology and other animal-related subjects.
Mitchell Tech
Mitchell offers a three-year associate degree in office management.
The cost is $8.750 per semester.
You start with instruction in accounting, Excel, and Quickbooks, but continue to learn supervisory management, written communication, customer service web essentials, database and spreadsheet applications, and personal finance.
In the end, you receive an AAS degree.
Southeast Technical College
This is an online program that will work best for anyone who has to work while going to school and raising a family.
The 64-credit course results in earning an Associate in Business Administration degree.
The cost is $305 a credit.
Classes include basic office skills such as using Excel and doing office accounting. In addition, you will learn the art of decision-making, how to communicate in both writing and orally, and how to benefit from the use of technology.
Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Technical College has a nine-month Business Office Professional that earns you a diploma.
This program costs $255 per credit hour and runs for 30 credit hours.
During that time, you learn how to communicate effectively, human resource management, public relations skills, and the basics such as accounting, file management, and computer programs such as Word and Excel.
Northern State University
This program will cost you $19,443 a year, for four years, but there are many financial aid opportunities available.
The Bachelor in Management degree is the result of such classes as business leadership, diversity in management, psychology Organizational Behavior, and modern management methodologies.
There are also the typical office management courses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Dakota State University | 820 Washington Ave N, Madison, SD 57042, United States |
| Mitchell Technical College | 1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301, United States |
| Southeast Technical College | 2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107, United States |
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703, United States |
| Northern State University | 1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States |
Salary of a Vet Office Manager in South Dakota
The annual salaries of vet office managers in South Dakota run from $103,390 to $142,648.
The average salary is $121,812 a year.
Larger practices in bigger cities pay on the higher end, and having a certificate and experience often warrants higher pay than starting in the field.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Watertown | $76,994 |
| Brookings | $76,994 |
| Deadwood | $75,442 |
| Pierre | $72,597 |
| Aberdeen | $71,303 |
| Rapid City | $76,735 |
| Sioux Falls | $78,287 |
| Fairview | $77,080 |
| Geddes | $74,149 |
| Letcher | $76,994 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 70 | $41,300 | $19.86 | $45,960 | $36,480 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 90 | $41,610 | $20 | $45,790 | $36,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to become a vet office manager in South Dakota?
Once you have obtained your high school diploma or GED, you take either a business management course or attend a vet practice office management course.
You then find a position where you gain office experience.
After three years, you can apply to become certified.
You are then ready to apply for office manager positions.
Do I need to have experience with animals to be a vet office manager in South Dakota?
While having experience with animals isn’t always necessary, many vets require their office staff members, especially the office manager, to have some familiarity with the animals the practice deals with.
How long does it take to become a vet office manager in South Dakota?
There are different paths to take with the vet office manager as the destination.
The quickest path is to attend a program specifically for vet office managers.
This normally takes 12-18 months.
Another path requires a 4-year business or management degree and experience, and then taking the certification test.
In all, this can take at least seven years.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State