How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Idaho

If you have a passion for animals and want to help keep them healthy, working in a veterinary office in Idaho might be a great fit for you.

But why settle for a position as a veterinarian or a vet assistant when you could become the office manager?

As a veterinary office manager, you would handle the business side of the practice, allowing veterinarians and clinical staff to concentrate on providing care for the animals.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

Veterinary office manager’s responsibilities and those of administrative assistant or general office managers are closely mirrored.

These duties can vary significantly from one office to another and may change from day to day.

Many employers look for veterinary office managers with 1 to 7 years of experience, which is often a mandatory requirement for job postings.

Occasionally, there are opportunities where only a high school diploma or GED is sufficient for hiring.

Veterinary office managers oversee and coordinate administrative procedures in veterinary clinics or hospitals, reporting directly to the practice owners.

It’s up to them to ensure the office runs efficiently by:

• Scheduling appointments
• Billing pet owners
• Ordering supplies
• Supervising office staff

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Idaho

The usual career path for a veterinary office manager starts with getting a high school diploma or an equivalent.

Many aspiring vet office managers pursue an 18-semester-hour certification program offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

To earn this certification, you must pass an exam, which is available at various testing centers throughout the state.

VHMA members pay an exam fee of $675, while non-members pay $825.

The next step is to pursue a degree program, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Employers generally prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience in both veterinary and office management.

Additionally, continuing education and earning further certifications can enhance your qualifications and job prospects as a veterinary office manager.

Vet Office Manager Programs in Idaho

Now that you know more about what a vet office manager does, perhaps you should look at some training programs in this state.

College of Western Idaho (CWI)

Imagine starting your journey in animal veterinary sciences at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), where your passion for animal care transforms into a fulfilling career.

The Animal Veterinary Sciences program immerses you in the veterinary field, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to significantly impact animal health.

This program marks the beginning of an educational path that can lead to advanced studies and a rewarding career in veterinary sciences.

Classes have smaller sizes thus the instructors are more accessible for each student.

Beginning your higher education here sets you up for success, whether your goal is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

The program offers a strong foundation through a blend of high-quality education and practical experience, preparing you thoroughly for a future in veterinary sciences.

Its duration is 2 years.

Through this school you can earn either:

• Degree
• Certificate
• Associate of Science

For this course you’ll have to pay $8,900 even though additional costs may apply.

Learning Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Veterinary Knowledge:
  • Delve into fundamental and advanced topics in veterinary sciences.
• Practical Animal Care Skills:
  • Acquire hands-on experience in animal handling and care.
• Preparation for Advanced Studies:
  • Build a solid foundation for further education in veterinary medicine.
• Personalized Educational Experience:
  • Benefit from learning with dedicated faculty in a supportive environment.

Idaho State University

Are you interested in a program that offers self-paced learning?

If so, this university’s online training program could be ideal for you.

Spanning 18 months, you’ll need to complete 450 course hours.

This course covers the essentials of managing the business side of a veterinary clinic.

You’ll gain proficiency in Microsoft Office Excel and Word, fundamental tools for any office environment.

QuickBooks Online, another critical application for vet office managers, is also part of the curriculum.

Upon finishing the program, you will take three exams, each focused on one of these key office applications.

Passing these exams will earn you a certificate for each application.

The tuition fee is currently $3,995, reduced from $6,170.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Idaho

You now understand the role of a veterinary office manager, the steps to become one, and where to receive the necessary training.

Next, let’s explore the potential earnings for this position.

In Idaho, veterinary office managers earn an average annual salary of approximately $80,595.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Vet Office Manager by State