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Colorado boasts a community of devoted animal lovers committed to their pets’ well-being.
If you share this passion for animals and wish to contribute to their care in a meaningful way, consider a career as a veterinary office manager.
This position allows you to support animal health from an administrative perspective, rather than through direct medical procedures or surgeries.
Your duties will closely resemble those of a traditional office manager, ensuring the smooth operation of a veterinary practice.
If this career path interests you, discover more about this fulfilling role!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers work in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes with animal rescue organizations.
As previously mentioned, their duties are similar to those of administrative assistants or office managers.
However, it’s important to understand that each office, even within the same field, has its unique operations.
Typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Job descriptions are valuable tools for both employers and job seekers. In this field, the employers are usually the owners of veterinary practices.
When applying for a veterinary office manager position, specific qualifications are necessary.
Typically, you will need between 1 and 7 years of work experience.
Educational requirements can vary; some positions may require only a high school diploma or GED, while others may need a diploma specifically related to veterinary office management.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Colorado
If you’re considering a career as a veterinary office manager, it’s crucial to understand the steps required to enter this field.
Your path typically begins with completing high school or obtaining a GED.
Next, you might pursue a degree in business administration or a related field, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Alternatively, obtaining certification after high school can strengthen your qualifications.
One notable certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To achieve this certification, you must enroll in their program and pass an exam.
While VHMA membership is not mandatory, it can provide additional benefits.
Several testing centers throughout Colorado administer the exam.
Exam fees are as follows:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Colorado
Now it is time to check out the programs you can attend in Colorado.
Colorado State University 
The Veterinary Management Institute offers an executive-level management program specifically designed for experienced professionals in companion animal veterinary practices.
Engage with a cohort of peers and expert facilitators from Colorado State University’s College of Business to develop your leadership skills together.
One advantage of attending this course is that the content gets updated on time.
The program lasts for 5 months and it starts in July.
Over five months, you’ll engage in virtual sessions.
This program covers advanced, industry-specific management techniques to enhance your skills and grow your practice.
Topics include:
- Strategic decision making
- Service marketing
- Financial management
- Staff training and supervision
- Conflict management
- Strategic entrepreneurship
The Veterinary Management Institute is a partnership between Colorado State University’s College of Business and the American Animal Hospital Association.
Students can enhance their skills and address veterinary-specific challenges through three in-person sessions and monthly online sessions.
You can earn up to 31 hours of continuing education, fulfilling the CVPM CE credit hour requirement in one program.
You can also benefit from CSU’s long-standing expertise in veterinary medicine.
Western Colorado University 
Not everyone prefers or can attend in-person college classes.
Fortunately, this college offers a vet office manager training program tailored specifically for such students.
The program spans 18 months, during which you’ll complete 450 hours of coursework.
Included in the program are three vouchers for the following exams:
- QuickBooks Certified User Exam
- Microsoft Word Exam
- Microsoft Excel Exam
The Word and Excel exams are administered separately.
These three applications are essential tools in an office setting.
The full cost of this comprehensive course is $6,170.
However, you can manage this expense through monthly installments via Affirm.
Additionally, you might find a discount on the tuition for this program.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO 80523 |
| Western Colorado University | 600 North Adams Extended Studies Gunnison, CO 81231 US |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Colorado
Now that you understand the role and responsibilities of a veterinary office manager, let’s look at the potential earnings for this position.
In Colorado, the average annual salary for a veterinary office manager is around $88,110.
It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the specific region within the state.
For a more detailed view of these regional differences, please see the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boulder | $90,615 |
| Lafayette | $90,529 |
| Lyons | $90,443 |
| Allenspark | $90,270 |
| Frederick | $90,097 |
| Woody Creek | $89,493 |
| Snowmass | $89,320 |
| Meredith | $89,233 |
| Basalt | $89,147 |
| Broomfield | $89,061 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 330 | $47,220 | $22.7 | $58,920 | $36,690 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 590 | $45,010 | $21.64 | $59,170 | $35,710 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 2,070 | $48,210 | $23.18 | $59,690 | $37,460 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 560 | $46,470 | $22.34 | $59,610 | $36,040 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 120 | $39,040 | $18.77 | $50,450 | $28,390 |
| Greeley, CO | 210 | $42,530 | $20.45 | $57,000 | $28,740 |
| Pueblo, CO | 70 | $43,540 | $20.93 | $57,700 | $31,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the role of a vet office manager in Colorado be referred to "boss" too?
Veterinary office managers aren’t exactly bosses.
They supervise the activities of other employees, and their primary responsibilities include encouraging and ensuring the well-being of the staff they oversee.
Which skills do I need as a vet office manager in Colorado?
Every profession values certain skills above others.
For vet office managers, the three most essential skills are:
- Motivational Skills
- Staff Retention Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
Other important skills, though not as critical, include:
- Attention to detail
- Good managerial skills
- Good administrative skills
- Exemplary writing, reading, computer, and internet skills
Do vet office managers in Colorado have a good income?
Working in Colorado as a vet office manager will have you living comfortably.
Annual incomes in Colorado can reach six figures, depending on several factors:
- Experience
- Education
- Location
- Clinic’s reputation
- Clinic’s size
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State