How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Hawaii

Hawaii boasts a vibrant community of devoted animal enthusiasts committed to the well-being of their pets.

If you share a passion for animals and wish to make a significant impact on their care, consider a career as a veterinary office manager.

In this role, you will support animal health through essential administrative tasks, rather than direct medical care or surgeries.

Your duties will look very similar to those of a traditional office manager, as you must ensure the efficient and smooth operation of a veterinary practice.

If this career path resonates with you, read on to discover more about this fulfilling profession!

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

Veterinary office managers are employed in animal clinics, hospitals, and occasionally in animal rescue organizations.

Their duties resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers, but each veterinary office has its own unique procedures.

Common responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

• Scheduling appointments
• Billing clients
• Ordering supplies
• Supervising office staff

Job descriptions are important for both employers and job seekers.

In this field, the employers are typically the owners of veterinary practices.

To apply for a veterinary office manager position, certain qualifications are typically required.

Usually there is a requirement related to experience which can’t be less than 1 year, while 7 years seem enough.

Educational requirements can vary and for some positions may only require a high school diploma or GED, while others may necessitate a diploma specifically in veterinary office management.

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Hawaii

If you’re aspiring to become a veterinary office manager, it’s essential to understand the steps involved.

All careers start with the candidate finishing high school or getting their GED.

Then, consider pursuing a degree such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Alternatively, you can enhance your credentials by earning certification after high school.

A notable certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

To earn this certification, you must enroll in the VHMA program and pass the accompanying exam.

While VHMA membership is optional, it provides additional benefits.

You can take the exam at various testing centers across Hawaii.

The exam fees are:

• $675 for VHMA members
• $825 for non-members

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Hawaii

So, what vet assistant programs can you attend in Hawaii?

Windward Community College

The first year of the program consists of a three-semester Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting.

This program is best for students who want to work as a veterinary assistant, and this type of work is good for a vet office manager.

Admission Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older by the start date
• Attend an information session
• Submit an application to Windward Community College and complete health clearance requirements through the Admissions & Records office
• Placement into ENG 100 and MATH 101
• Proof of health insurance

In the second and third years you’ll have the possibility of earning an AS in Veterinary Technology (VETT).

These two years are preparing students for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to become credentialed veterinary technicians.

The program lasts for five semesters staring in Fall, continuing through Spring, Summer, Fall, and ending in the next Spring.

If you want to study in the 2nd year, you need:

• Completion of the VETA certificate
• A GPA above 2.0 and a grade of “C” or better in all VETA courses
• Demonstrated clinical aptitude and good attendance
• Two letters of recommendation
• Documentation of work experience in the veterinary field

Some of the topics of study, include:

• Pharmacology,
• Surgical assisting
• Nutrition
• Radiology,
• Anesthesiology
• Dentistry
• Veterinary office procedures.

You will master over 200 essential skill sets identified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In the final year, students will complete two internships at clinics and shelters, where their skills will be evaluated by industry professionals.

This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap to future careers, with over 70% of graduates securing employment in veterinary practice.

Windward Community College is the only institution in Hawaii offering degree and certificate programs for vet professionals.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Hawaii

Having learned about the role and duties of a veterinary office manager, the pathway to this career, and where to find the appropriate training, let’s delve into the potential earnings for this profession.

In Hawaii, the typical yearly salary for a veterinary office manager is around $90,270.

Remember, salaries can differ greatly depending on the specific region within the state.

For more detailed information on these regional salary differences, please see the table below.

Regional Salary in Hawaii

Vet Office Manager by State