by Updated on | $ 3,795 | $ $ 3,895 | $ $ $ 4,155 |
Veterinary office managers have a great career ahead of them if they complete the training that helps them stand out from other job applicants.
Salary.com lists the average salary for veterinary office managers in the U.S. at $86,909, as of November 1, 2024.
The salary varies by the location where veterinary office managers work, their experience, and their training.
Some veterinary office managers can earn an average salary of $108,272.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that the job growth outlook for careers working with animals is much faster than average when compared to other types of careers.
Knowing how much it costs to become a veterinary office manager is an important step toward a new career or advancing your career.
How Much Does It Cost to Complete a Veterinary Office Manager Program?
Many schools offer veterinary office manager programs that prepare students to work in an entry-level position or to advance their career from their veterinary practice job.
Some schools offer the veterinary office manager program through their continuing education department.
The cost of becoming a veterinary office manager varies, based on each school’s tuition and other costs.
Some schools provide students with a voucher to sit for an exam.
They may give students some supplies that they need for the program.
Colleges and Universities
Most schools that offer veterinary office manager programs do so by partnering with Ed2Go.
Students may think that online programs at schools that use these types of partnerships mean that the tuition and other costs are the same, no matter which school they enroll in for their veterinary office manager training.
They need to read all the details of programs because schools still charge different prices for the veterinary office manager program, even when they use the same partnership service.
Ed2Go offers online education programs in partnership with many schools across the U.S.
Check each school and enroll in the veterinary office manager program on the college or university website.
The curriculum includes Microsoft Essentials, Veterinary Assistant, and Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Online.
Some program courses include Introduction to Microsoft Word, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, and Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology.
It also includes Veterinary Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities, Veterinary Inventory Management, and courses related to the care of large and small animals.
Many schools that partner with Ed2Go offer the program for $3,795. Some of those schools include:
- Valdosta State University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- City College of New York (CCNY)
- Central Michigan University
- University of South Alabama
Some schools offer the same program, with the Ed2Go partnership, for $3,895.
Schools that charge that amount include Baylor University, the University of Memphis, and Georgia Southern University.
San Diego State University is one of the schools where the program cost exceeds $4,000.
The cost of the training program at that school is $4,155.
Other Training Options
Do not read the details of a training program and assume that it is the right choice because it costs less than other programs.
Make sure that the program is a veterinary office manager program.
When searching for veterinary office manager program options, general trade school office manager programs may appear in the search.
General office manager programs do not provide veterinary office manager training.
They may not qualify students to become certified veterinary office managers.
Continuing Education Costs
Many veterinary professionals complete continuing education courses to increase their knowledge and skills.
Completing additional courses may lead to career advancement.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) indicates that continuing education courses help veterinary professionals learn about new techniques, trends, and research.
Veterinary Office Manager Certification
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) recently announced a new certification for veterinary management professionals.
It focuses on the fundamental administrative office duties.
Candidates need to have one year of experience in a veterinary practice that includes accomplishing a variety of tasks.
They also need two letters of recommendation.
Students who want to become certified need to check the cost and plan to add it to their budget.
Is Becoming a Veterinary Office Manager a Good Investment?
The strong job growth for veterinarians and veterinary office staff is expected to last for the next several years.
Veterinary office managers have a great starting salary.
Job applicants who complete a veterinary office manager program are likely to have better job opportunities and earn a higher salary, compared to those who do not complete a veterinary office manager training program.
The cost of completing a veterinary office manager program is less than the cost of completing a four-year degree.
Students often receive certificates for part of their training while in the veterinary office manager program.
One example is that students who enroll in schools that partner with Ed2Go receive a voucher to sit for the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam.
Key Takeaways
Completing a program to become a veterinary office manager takes much less time than completing a four-year college program.
It also costs less than degree programs.
Students can start working in less time, compared to students enrolled in a university program.
The great starting salary is attractive for people who like to work with animals.
Becoming a certified veterinary office manager is likely to lead to a better salary and career advancement.