If you love animals and want to contribute to their well-being, a career in a veterinary setting in Illinois could be ideal for you.
Instead of aiming for a role as a veterinarian or vet assistant, consider becoming the office manager.
As a veterinary office manager, you’ll oversee the business aspects of the practice, enabling veterinarians and clinical staff to focus on caring for the animals.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
The responsibilities of a veterinary office manager are similar to those of an administrative assistant or general office manager.
These tasks can vary widely depending on the specific office and can change from day to day.
Many employers seek veterinary office managers with 1 to 7 years of experience, often making it a mandatory requirement for job postings.
However, there are instances where having only a high school diploma or GED is sufficient for hiring.
Veterinary office managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating administrative procedures in veterinary clinics or hospitals, reporting directly to the practice owners.
They ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the office by:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ensuring the clinic is well supplied
- Supervising office staff
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Illinois
The typical career path for a veterinary office manager begins with obtaining a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
Many aspiring vet office managers then enroll in an 18-semester-hour certification program offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To achieve this certification, you must pass an exam available at one of the various testing centers statewide.
Exam fees are $675 for VHMA members and $825 for non-members.
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 usually prefer candidates with up to 7 years of experience in both veterinary and office management.
Additionally, continuing education and obtaining further certifications can enhance your qualifications and improve your job prospects as a veterinary office manager.
Vet Office Manager Programs in Illinois
After you are done with the education part, it is time to search for a program that suits your needs.
So, what vet assistant programs can you attend in Illinois?
Illinois Valley Community College ![](https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-07-15-213655.png)
This online training course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a valuable member of any veterinary team.
Through this veterinary assistant program, you will cover all aspects of veterinary assisting, including:
- Anatomy and physiology,
- Animal restraint,
- Laboratory procedures,
- Emergency care,
- Assisting with small and large animals,
- Working with exotic species,
- Veterinary dentistry,
- The human-animal bond,
- Pharmacy procedures.
You will also learn to interact professionally with clients and educate them on important pet care topics such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.
This program prepares you to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing patient care.
Completing this comprehensive course can help you secure a new job or achieve a promotion within 120 days of completion.
University of Illinois at Springfield ![](https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-07-16-202838.png)
Not everyone prefers or can attend traditional in-person college classes.
Fortunately, this college offers a vet office manager training program specifically designed for such students.
The program lasts 18 months, during which you’ll complete 450 hours of coursework.
As part of the program, you’ll receive three vouchers for the following exams:
- QuickBooks Certified User Exam
- Microsoft Word Exam
- Microsoft Excel Exam
The Word and Excel exams are taken separately.
Mastery of these three applications is essential for any office environment.
The full cost of this comprehensive course is $6,170.
However, you can manage this expense through monthly installments with Affirm.
Additionally, you might be eligible for a tuition discount for this program.
ProTrain ![](https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-07-16-204936.png)
This institution offers a certificate program with a duration of 12 months.
You can study when you can or want, but after 12 months you won’t have access to the course anymore.
During this timeframe, you must complete 400 hours of training.
There are 9 lessons in total and all the materials you need are also included.
The tuition for this course is $2,595.
If you’re successful, then you can take the test for certification.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Illinois Valley Community College | 815 North Orlando Smith Rd. Oglesby, Illinois 61348 |
University of Illinois at Springfield | One University Plaza Springfield, IL 62703 US |
ProTrain | online course |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Illinois
Now that you have a grasp of the role of a veterinary office manager, the pathway to this career, and where to obtain the required training, it’s time to look at the potential earnings.
In Illinois, veterinary office managers make an average annual salary of around $88,370.
In the table below you’ll see the cities where the income is higher.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Chicago | $90,615 |
Cicero | $90,615 |
Hometown | $90,529 |
Elmhurst | $90,443 |
Glencoe | $90,356 |
Mount Prospect | $90,270 |
Newark | $90,097 |
Hanover Park | $89,924 |
Aurora | $89,838 |
Roselle | $89,665 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Champaign-Urbana, IL | 210 | $45,080 | $21.68 | $55,000 | $31,560 |
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 3,430 | $43,990 | $21.15 | $59,610 | $29,890 |
Peoria, IL | 110 | $36,140 | $17.37 | $46,230 | $27,730 |
Rockford, IL | 70 | $36,510 | $17.55 | $46,970 | $27,950 |
Springfield, IL | 40 | $38,220 | $18.38 | $47,850 | $30,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What career options do I have in Illinois with this type of training?
No matter where you completed your training, these are the career opportunities for you:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Office Management
- Animal Boarding and Grooming
- Laboratory Animal Care
Do vet office managers in Illinois have a good income?
Veterinary office managers in this state earn nearly six-figure salaries annually.
Several key factors influence your earning potential:
- Experience
- Education
- Location
- Clinic’s reputation
- Clinic’s size
Which skills do I need as a vet office manager in Illinois?
Every profession values certain skills above others.
For veterinary office managers, the three most essential skills are:
- Motivational Skills
- Staff Retention Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
While these are the top priorities, other important skills include:
- Attention to detail
- Strong managerial skills
- Effective administrative skills
- Exemplary writing, reading, computer, and internet skills
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager