If you’re passionate about working with animals but don’t want to attend a veterinary training program, you can become a vet office manager.
A vet office manager is responsible for helping run a veterinary clinic and is in charge of administrative tasks.
In addition, they help ensure that the office runs smoothly.
If you’re interested in becoming a vet office manager, then we’ll introduce you to everything you need to know below.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Washington
Vet office managers play a crucial role in a veterinarian’s office.
They are responsible for overseeing a wide variety of tasks that range from administrative to invoicing.
The primary duties of a vet office manager include taking phone calls, scheduling, and bookkeeping.
In addition, vet office managers may also manage inventory, help train staff, and manage and update records.
Other duties and responsibilities may include:
- Reception
- Scheduling
- Maintaining financial records
- Ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations
- Monitoring work staff and performance
- Provide feedback to staff
- Coach or train staff
- Manage staff, such as hiring, recruitment, and more
- Dealing with client complaints
- Monitor and maintain inventory
- Keep and update medical records
Licensing Requirements to Become
To become a vet office manager, one will need to either get relevant training or further their education.
In Washington state, vet office managers are not required to have a four-year degree, but many offices prefer it.
Applicants must meet a minimum requirement, which is listed below.
Additionally, we include option steps to further one’s chances of getting the job.
Step 1: Complete High School or GED Program
You must have completed a four-year high school degree program to work in a veterinarian’s office.
If not, then a GED program will suffice.
Applicants must be over 18 and have relevant skills or job experience to apply.
Step 2: Education and/or Training
While not necessary, some degree of training can help boost your chances.
Educational requirements are often either a bachelor’s degree in a related field or the completion of a certificate program.
Having a business management degree can also help qualify students for the role.
In addition, applicants can opt for on-the-job training or gain knowledge through mentorship programs.
Often, vet office managers get training in a related role or through a mentor.
They may also apply for a certified veterinary practice manager (CVPM) position, even though it’s a step higher than a vet office manager.
Step 3: Verified Certificate Program Completing (optional)
Extra training is not necessary to work as a vet office manager but can help prepare applicants for the job.
It’s also not necessary to get a verified certificate.
Still, they hold more weight if accredited by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
The VHMA accepts most Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificates.
However, applicants should double-check programs before applying.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Shoreline Community College
Shoreline Community College offers a veterinary office manager program conducted through Ed2Go’s portal.
The training is self-paced and includes open enrollment, allowing students to join at any time.
To complete the program, students must complete 450 course hours in 18 months.
The program costs $6,170 but can sometimes be found on sale.
Students who can’t afford the upfront cost can apply to Affirm.
Affirm can allow students to make monthly installments instead of paying tuition upfront.
However, not everyone will qualify.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster also offers an online vet practice office manager program.
It’s an undergraduate certificate program that spans over 12 months.
Students will prepare themselves to take the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager certificate exam held by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
The course is self-paced, accredited, and purely online.
Its cost is $1,999, but it can sometimes be found at a discounted price.
Students can also opt to pay monthly through different payment plans.
Washington State University
Washington State University offers a veterinary practice management program.
It is one of the few United States programs offering deep, proactive management curriculums.
The program is focused on teaching the financial basics of business and veterinary medicine, which is great for students who want to gain connections and become qualified.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Shoreline Community College | 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, United States |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
| Washington State University | 255 E Main St, Pullman, WA 99163, United States |
Salary
The average vet office manager salary is $93,121, but it ranges between $81,065 and $106,992.
On the low end, the salary is averaged at $70,089, with the high end being $119,621.
Pay is often dependent upon location, skills, and expertise.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Auburn | $92,686 |
| Kennewick | $91,393 |
| Bellevue | $95,100 |
| Kent | $92,513 |
| Bellingham | $88,634 |
| Lakewood | $92,686 |
| Everett | $93,462 |
| Olympia | $90,530 |
| Federal Way | $92,686 |
| Tacoma | $92,686 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 90 | $53,170 | $25.56 | $60,980 | $39,880 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 110 | $54,670 | $26.29 | $78,440 | $42,880 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 70 | $56,760 | $27.29 | $72,590 | $43,410 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 130 | $50,580 | $24.32 | $59,470 | $39,020 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,360 | $56,930 | $27.37 | $69,000 | $45,680 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 170 | $48,960 | $23.54 | $59,010 | $38,530 |
| Yakima, WA | 100 | $50,790 | $24.42 | $58,960 | $38,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a certificate or degree to become a vet office manager in Washington state?
No, you don’t need any formal education to become a vet office manager in Washington.
However, it’s important to have relevant skills or on-the-job training.
An office generally likes to see a few years of managerial experience or a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
How expensive is training to become a vet office manager in Washington?
Training costs vary from institution to institution, but tuition payment plans or financial aid are available.
Students should contact the institution they plan to attend for more information on payments.
The average cost of a program ranges from $2,000 to $6,500.
How long does it take to become a vet office manager in Washington?
That depends on your skills and education.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of equivalent work experience is necessary.
However, some applicants may be able to get in without either as long as they are doing a mentorship program.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State