How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Hawaii

Those who have a love for animals but don’t want to end up attending a veterinary program can instead work as a vet office manager.

That way, you’ll still be able to be around animals, just not working as a vet or at a pet store.

A vet office manager is similar to other management roles, where the main duties will be scheduling, managing inventory, and taking payments.

If you’re in Hawaii and are interested in this career path, then you will want to learn about the education and other requirements to become one.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Hawaii

Unlike other positions, a vet office manager will aid with a bit of everything in a veterinary clinic.

That means that their primary duties will be taking phone calls, scheduling appointments, keeping track of finances, and training staff.

Other responsibilities that aren’t normally in a management role but are included in a vet office manager include aiding in keeping inventory, clerical tasks, and implementing policies.

Other duties and responsibilities a vet office manager has:

• 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
• Deal 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 meet certain requirements.

While not all vet office managers will need to hold degrees, they will have to go through certain training.

This law varies by state, which is why we’ll give you a breakdown of the skills and education you’ll need to work in Hawaii.

Below, we’ll take you through all the requirements and steps you’ll need to take to become one.

Step 1: Pass Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirement to become a vet office manager is to either have a high school diploma or have a completed GED program.

Any applicants looking to work in a veterinary office must be at least 18 years of age due to the seriousness of the job.

In addition, strong organizational skills, communication, and reliability are necessary for the position.

Step 2: Education and On-the-job Training

Most states expect a vet office manager to have a degree, but not all do.

The state of Hawaii doesn’t have any specific requirements, but having experience in similar fields or positions is a must.

Acceptable experience in related areas such as business management, office administration, or working in a veterinary clinic in another position is preferred.

Alternatively, some clinics will allow on-the-job training or shadowing.

Step 3: Optional Education Programs

While not necessary in Hawaii, those lacking experience can opt to take training programs.

They can get their education by completing certificate programs to show their competency and skills to employers.

Many certificates are continuing education certs that are handed out by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association’s (VHMA) Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate.

Vet Office Manager Programs

University of Hawaii

The only program that is offered in Hawaii for vet office management is hosted by Ed2Go and offered online by the University of Hawaii.

The program includes 382 course hours that are self-paced and have a deadline of 12 months to complete.

Program education includes teaching on QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office, and management skills.

Other topics covered in the program include:

• The anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
• Handling medical records and communicating with clients and coworkers
• Restraint techniques for procedures, taking vital signs, and bathing animals
• Fundamental knowledge about nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication
• Assisting during surgery and dental procedures
• Preparation of prescriptions and taking blood samples, and radiographs

The program costs $3,795 at a discounted rate and $4,870 regularly.

Those who can’t pay all at once can submit a request to affirm, which allows students to make monthly payments as low as $184.

However, not everyone will be approved, and it’s dependent upon your income and credit.

Salary

The average salary for a vet office manager in Hawaii is $91,337.

Those on the low end will make $73,533.

Vet office managers who make the highest salary are paid $113,791.

The payment ranges due to location and areas with high demand for veterinary clinics.

Regional Salary in Hawaii