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If you have a passion for animals and want to help keep them healthy, working in a veterinary office in Alaska might be a great fit for you.
But why stop at being a veterinarian or vet assistant?
Consider becoming the office manager instead.
As the office manager, you would handle the business aspects of the practice, freeing up veterinarians and clinical staff to concentrate on providing the best possible care for the animals.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
A veterinary office manager has similar responsibilities to an administrative assistant or office manager.
However, the specific duties can vary from office to office and may change day by day.
Typically, employers look for veterinary office managers with 1 to 7 years of experience, which is often a mandatory requirement in job postings.
Occasionally, candidates with just a high school diploma or GED are offered opportunities.
Veterinary office managers oversee and coordinate administrative procedures in veterinary clinics or hospitals, reporting directly to the practice owners.
They ensure the smooth and efficient daily operation of the office by:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Alaska
The typical career path for a veterinary office manager starts with earning a high school diploma or GED.
Many vet office managers enroll in programs that last for 18 semester hours.
This certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
You’ll have to pass an exam at the end of the program.
This test is available through testing centers across the state.
If you become a VHMA member your exam fee will be $675.
Non-members will have to pay $825.
The next step is to search for a degree program such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
The degree must be in business administration or some other job-related field.
Employers generally prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience in veterinary and office management.
If you think that your education is over, you might be wrong.
The Alaska Board of Veterinary Examiners says that there are 2 ways of becoming a vet office manager:
- Attending a training program
- By accumulating 2 years of on-the-job experience
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Alaska
If you want to be well-prepared for this job, you can enroll in one of the programs listed below.
You should know that none of the programs offered are accredited.
University of Alaska Matanuska Susitna College 
This university will prepare students for a career as a vet tech.
The program has 21 credits to earn.
However, you’ll need to find an entry-level job with a veterinarian practice or hospital where you’ll gain better experience in the field.
Some of the courses you’ll attend are:
- Veterinary anatomy and physiology
- Basic handling and behavior of small and large animals
- Veterinary office procedures
You’ll be awarded the occupational endorsement certificate if you complete the program.
Patrick Henry Community College 
This college offers an online program for future veterinary office managers.
Through this course, you’ll also get coupons for the following exams:
- QuickBooks Certified User
- Microsoft exam for Word
- Microsoft exam for Excel
This course also offers basic veterinary assistant training.
This course is 450 hours long and must be completed in 18 months.
Being an online program, you can study at your own pace if you complete it in 18 months.
You can use Affirm to pay the tuition in monthly installments for this program.
The tuition is $6,170 full price, but you might sometimes receive discounts upon enrolling.
Speaking of enrollment, this can be done at any time.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska Matanuska Susitna College | 8295 College Dr, Palmer, Alaska, 99645 |
| Patrick Henry Community College | online program |
You need to understand that for this occupation there’s no specific training program.
If there is any program available,
Instead, you can train as an office manager and possibly as a vet technician.
However, any of these programs or previous work experience will be acceptable for a job as a vet office manager.
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Alaska
You’ve learned what a veterinary office manager does, how to become one, and where to train.
Now, let’s look at the earning potential!
And remember that in this state, the overall income is higher than in many other states.
In Alaska, veterinary office managers earn an average annual salary of around $93,827.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fairbanks | $95,637 |
| Anchorage | $94,947 |
| Juneau | $94,947 |
| Ester | $94,861 |
| Chicken | $94,344 |
| Buckland | $94,344 |
| Northway | $94,344 |
| Big Lake | $94,258 |
| Brevig Mission | $94,000 |
| Willow | $93,656 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 210 | $45,240 | $21.75 | $57,410 | $30,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I want a degree as a vet office manager in Alaska, which one is the best to get?
While there are several degrees you could obtain, certainly one must stand out from the rest.
This degree must be a BS in business management with a minor in the veterinary field, if you can find it.
Do vet office managers in Alaska have a good income?
Actually, Alaska is known for its higher salaries in all industries.
Incomes in Alaska can reach a 6-figure number, per year.
This, of course, depends on several factors:
- Experience
- Education
- Location
- Clinic’s reputation
- Clinic’s size
Is it OK to attend online training programs for vet office managers in Alaska?
Of course.
This is because there are no specialized programs for this occupation in this state.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State