How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Michigan

Many people want to work alongside animals, but just don’t see themselves attending a veterinary school.

If that sounds familiar, don’t worry, as you’re not alone, and there are alternative jobs that also work in a veterinary clinic.

One of those positions is called a vet office manager, and the role doesn’t require any education.

That said, there are still standards that need to be met to work as one.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Michigan

Vet office managers play a pivotal role in a veterinary clinic.

They are essentially the core of the clinic and ensure that tasks are done efficiently and effectively.

Similar to other manager roles, a vet office manager will be responsible for multiple tasks and employees.

For example, vet office managers are often in charge of training, staff, and bookkeeping.

However, they may also aid with scheduling, booking appointments, and updating patient files.

They will also be responsible for keeping track of inventory, ordering supplies, and answering customer concerns.

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

There are no requirements in the state of Michigan to become a vet office manager.

However, many practices will be looking for either experience in a similar role.

Most want to see at least two to five years of experience in a veterinary or medical setting.

Those who have degrees or experience in healthcare, business management, and administration may also qualify.

Either that or relevant on-the-job training may also be available.

Mainly, they are looking for you to meet the minimum requirements, which we will discuss below.

Step 1: Meet Age & Education Requirements

A vet office manager will need to be at least 18 years of age and have completed a high school program.

Those who haven’t will need to attend a GED program, or they won’t be accepted.

Due to the nature of the job, younger applicants won’t be accepted unless they have previous experience.

Step 2: Certificates and Training

Next, one will need to have completed a certificate program or training.

While most clinics don’t offer on-the-job training, there still might be opportunities to either volunteer or shadow.

You can also complete a certificate program, which can help substitute for experience.

That said, it’s a highly competitive field and one will need to have their skills mastered, as working as a manager requires a high level of competency.

If one is irresponsible, then there will be major issues down the line for clients, their pets, and staff.

So, it’s important to have either a certificate or relevant work experience.

Step 3: Continue Education

Another option is to continue your education and complete a degree program with a certificate.

Programs such as administration, business management, and the like are going to be acceptable.

However, these don’t teach the exact necessary skills to work as a vet office manager.

You will also need to study the ins and outs of what a vet office needs to operate correctly.

If you’re taking any education to become a vet office manager, you’ll need to ensure that it is vetted by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

Otherwise, you may not learn the necessary skills.

The two most popular certificates are the Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate and the Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) certificate.

Vet Office Manager Programs

Ed2Go

Ed2Go is an online platform that offers self-paced, online certificate programs.

Currently, Central Michigan University and North Central Michigan College offer the Ed2Go program through their institutions.

The course is completely online and allows students to start at any time during the year.

The program spans over 382 course hours and must be completed in 12 months.

The program covers necessary topics such as office management skills, QuickBooks, and other relevant skills necessary to do the job correctly.

Tuition costs are $5,495, but may sometimes be found at discounted prices.

If a student can’t pay for the course upfront, then they can try to apply to Affirm, which breaks up the payments.

Affirm allows students to pay as low as $184 a month, but not everyone will qualify.

Salary

The average vet office manager’s salary is $84,214, but ranges between $74,617 to $92,757.

On the low end, the salary is averaged at $65,879, with the high end being $100,534.

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

Regional Salary in Michigan