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Delaware boasts a vibrant community of animal lovers dedicated to their pets’ health and well-being.
If you share this enthusiasm and seek a more active role, consider becoming a veterinary office manager.
This position allows you to support animal care without directly engaging in surgeries or medical procedures.
Your duties will closely resemble those of a traditional office manager.
If this opportunity sounds exciting, read on to discover more!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
3 main places are hiring veterinary office managers:
- Animal clinics,
- Hospitals,
- Animal rescues.
Their roles and tasks closely resemble those of administrative assistants or office managers.
However, each office may operate differently, even within the same industry.
Here are some common responsibilities of veterinary office managers:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Job descriptions are valuable tools for employers and candidates to fill job vacancies.
Typically, the employers are the owners of the veterinary practices.
When applying for a veterinary office manager position, you’ll need to meet certain requirements.
Generally, between 1 and 7 years of work experience is mandatory.
Educational requirements can vary; some positions may only require a high school diploma or GED, while others might necessitate a specialized diploma related to the occupation.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Delaware
If you’re becoming more interested in a career as a veterinary office manager, you can read below how to get started.
Education:
- Finishing high school or earning a GED is a great place to start.
Degree Programs:
- Consider enrolling in a degree program, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Certification:
- Pursue certification to enhance your credentials.
- One such certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
- To earn this certification, you’ll need to enroll in the program and pass an exam.
- While membership in the VHMA is not mandatory, it can be beneficial.
Exam:
- The certification exam is available at testing centers across Delaware.
- The exam doesn’t come without a fee, actually 2 of them:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a veterinary office manager.
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Delaware
Delaware doesn’t have training programs for veterinary office managers.
As such, your option is to attend an online course, so let’s see some.
Valdosta State University 
This university is not in Delaware but offers an online course for future vet office managers.
Like the previous program, this one also has open enrollment at any time.
To enroll in this program, you typically need to graduate from high school or have a GED, though this is not mandatory.
Some topics you’ll study include:
- Physiology and Anatomy 1 through 4
- Front Office Duties
- Canine Restraint
- Feline and Exotic Restraint
- External and Internal Parasites
- Surgery 1 and 2
You’ll have about 180 days to complete the course, with extensions available if needed.
Innovative Education and Partnerships 
This university offers a similar course to the one above, with an online program duration of 18 months.
The full price of the tuition is $5,955, but there are periods of sales that can reduce this cost.
For those who have difficulties paying the fee, Affirm is available to facilitate payment through installments.
Some of the topics you’ll study include:
- Medical Terminology
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
- Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)
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.
The vouchers for the following exams are included in the tuition:
- 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, at times you might find a discount on the tuition for this program.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Valdosta State University | online course |
| Florida Gulf Coast University Innovative Education and Partnerships | online course |
| Western Colorado University | online course |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Delaware
You’ve learned what a veterinary office manager does, how to become one, and where to train.
Now, let’s explore the earning potential for this role.
In Delaware, veterinary office managers earn an average annual salary of around $87,678.
However, salaries can vary based on the location within the state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Frankford | $91,738 |
| Harrington | $91,393 |
| Magnolia | $91,047 |
| Woodside | $90,788 |
| Dover | $90,702 |
| Cheswold | $90,529 |
| Marydel | $90,443 |
| Smyrna | $90,356 |
| Hartly | $90,270 |
| Middletown | $90,184 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 140 | $39,770 | $19.12 | $56,410 | $29,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
To whom do vet office managers in Delaware answer to?
The role of a veterinary office manager can vary based on several factors.
Typically, office managers report to a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
The CAO determines which office tasks must be completed daily and oversees other administrative responsibilities.
Can the role of a vet office manager in Delaware be referred to "boss" too?
Veterinary office managers are not 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.
What is the difference between a veterinary office manager and a veterinary practice manager in Delaware?
A veterinary office manager’s role is similar to that of a head veterinary receptionist but with added responsibilities.
The veterinary office manager oversees scheduling, inventory orders, accounts receivable, and ensures consistent client services.
In contrast, a veterinary practice manager holds a higher position and dedicate at least half of their time to management duties, often with formal training in practice management.
They handle all the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager plus marketing, budgeting, staffing, accounting, fee structures, and managing equipment and facilities.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State