How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Maryland

Working in a veterinary clinic means that you’ll get to work alongside other staff to ensure the safety and health of animals.

While becoming a veterinarian is much more complicated, a vet office manager will only need minimal experience or training.

So, if you’ve wanted to work in a vet clinic but don’t want to work on the clinical side of things, a vet office manager position can be a good pick.

Below, we’ll teach you how you can become a vet office manager in Maryland.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Maryland

A vet office manager has many responsibilities and duties that are required to keep the veterinary clinic up and running.

One mistake means that there is a lot that can go wrong, so it’s important to understand the duties of a vet office manager.

Mainly, they will be responsible for ensuring the office runs smoothly, and that all tasks are completed by the end of the day.

This may include taking phone calls, aiding customers, and scheduling appointments.

They may also need to help manage inventory, order stock, and be responsible for bookkeeping.

In addition, they may also have to aid other staff with their duties to ensure everything gets done promptly.

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
• Deal with client complaints
• Monitor and maintain inventory
• Keep and update medical records

Licensing Requirements to Become

Similar to other states, Maryland doesn’t require any certification in order to work as a vet office manager.

However, that doesn’t mean a certificate program isn’t useful.

Those wanting to demonstrate competency may take a degree or certificate program to supplement relevant experience and training.

Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to become a vet office manager are that you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma.

If not, they will also accept a GED program.

The job requires that you also be highly detailed, demonstrate responsibility, and be good at keeping track of multiple responsibilities at once.

Step 2: Certificate or On-the-Job Training

The next step is to either complete a certificate program or have on-the-job training in a similar field. For example, many managerial positions will teach you the necessary skills.

Then, all you would need to do is educate yourself on how a veterinary clinic would run.

On the other hand, you may also go through a certificate program which can help aid in understanding the job responsibilities.

These are often offered online and teach you the core components of managing a business.

A vet office manager certificate is useful because it teaches you the ins and outs of a veterinary clinic, which other certificates may not include.

Step 3: Continuing Education

If you’re set on becoming a manager or being in a leadership role, then you may also want to earn a degree or complete a certificate program.

Degrees in business management, administration, and others can suffice instead of a vet office manager certificate or training.

That said, taking a degree program can boost your resume and put you at an advantage.

Continuing education certificates include the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association’s (VHMA) Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate or Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) certificate.

Vet Office Manager Programs

Since the state of Maryland doesn’t require any degrees or education, you don’t have to attend a program.

However, they can be helpful to gain experience and demonstrate competency in the field.

If you’re interested, there are online classes available.

Ed2Go

Ed2Go partners with multiple colleges in Maryland to offer a vet office manager certificate program.

The program takes 12 months and includes 382 course hours.

Students attending will need to complete all components by the end of the 12 months.

As for pricing, Ed2Go costs $4,870 but may be found at discounted prices.

Those interested in a payment plan can see if they qualify for Affirm, which is a third-party payment plan.

However, not everyone is accepted.

Salary

The average vet office manager’s salary is $87,969, but ranges between $77,943 to $96,892.

On the low end, the salary is averaged at $68,816, with the high end being $105,015.

The pay is often dependent upon location, skills, and expertise.

Regional Salary in Maryland