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Indiana is home to many animal enthusiasts who prioritize the health and well-being of their pets.
If you’re passionate about animals and eager to make a meaningful impact, you might consider a career as a veterinary office manager.
In this role, you can contribute to animal welfare without directly participating in surgeries or medical procedures.
Much like an office manager in other industries, your responsibilities focus on ensuring the smooth operation of the veterinary practice.
If this introduction has piqued your interest, continue reading to explore more about this rewarding career path!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers work primarily in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes in animal rescue organizations.
As mentioned earlier, the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager closely resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers.
It’s important to note that each veterinary office operates differently, even within the same industry.
Here are some typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Job descriptions serve as valuable tools for both employers and prospective employees.
Employers in this field are typically the owners of veterinary practices.
When applying for a veterinary office manager position, candidates are expected to meet specific requirements.
One of them is the experience of up to 7 years.
Educational qualifications can vary.
For some positions you may only need a high school diploma or GED, while others may specify a diploma related to veterinary office management or a similar field.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Indiana
If you’re increasingly interested in pursuing a career as a veterinary office manager, it’s important to understand the steps to achieve this goal.
Typically, your career path begins with completing high school or obtaining a GED.
Next, consider enrolling in a degree program such as an associate or bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related field.
Alternatively, after high school, you can enhance your credentials by pursuing certification.
One reputable certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To earn this certification, you must enroll in their program and successfully pass an exam.
Membership in VHMA is optional but provides additional benefits.
The exam is administered at various testing centers across Indiana.
Please note that there is an exam fee:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Indiana
Once you finish your education, it is time to look for some vet assistant programs in this state.
University of Southern Indiana 
Unlike what you might think, the program offered by this university takes place 100% online.
You have 18 months to complete 450 hours of classes.
In the $6,170 tuition, you have vouchers allowing you to prove how good you are with:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Exel
- QuickBooks
Of course, if you pass, you’ll receive some certifications.
Affirm is available if you have issues with paying the tuition.
Furthermore, you’ll receive the books you’ll need for study in electronic format.
It’s recommended to have a high school diploma upon enrollment which is open at any time.
Indiana State University 
This university offers a pre-veterinary program.
This type of program is useful for those who want to pursue a degree in the veterinarian industry, like a veterinary doctor or technician.
However, the program is also good for those who want to work in this field but know they are a better fit for an administrative position.
This university accepts previously earned credits from specific schools.
The credits can be used towards completing this program.
University of New Hampshire 
Contrary to what you might think, this university’s program is entirely online.
You have 18 months to complete 450 hours of coursework.
The $4,999 tuition includes vouchers for certification exams in.
The course includes preparation for the exams in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- QuickBooks
Passing these exams will earn you certifications.
You’ll also receive all necessary study materials in electronic format.
It’s recommended to have a high school diploma before enrolling, and enrollment is open at any time.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Indiana State University | 200 N 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809 |
| University of Southern Indiana | 8600 University Blvd. Outreach and Engagement Evansville, IN 47712 |
| University of New Hampshire | online course |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Indiana
Now that you have discovered the role of a veterinary office manager, the steps to enter this career, and where to receive training.
Now, let’s delve into the average earnings for veterinary office managers.
In Indiana, veterinary office managers earn approximately $83,791 annually on average.
Keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly across different regions within the state.
For a detailed breakdown, refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lowell | $86,728 |
| Hebron | $86,556 |
| Gary | $86,296 |
| Saint John | $86,210 |
| Valparaiso | $86,124 |
| Schneider | $86,037 |
| Boone Grove | $85,951 |
| Fair Oaks | $85,778 |
| Kouts | $85,260 |
| Kentland | $84,482 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 50 | $38,830 | $18.67 | $45,210 | $30,070 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $40,490 | $19.47 | $47,530 | $31,420 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 110 | $38,120 | $18.33 | $47,810 | $29,190 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 130 | $38,310 | $18.42 | $45,070 | $31,200 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 930 | $42,310 | $20.34 | $48,720 | $35,050 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 200 | $45,790 | $22.01 | $58,350 | $33,770 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 40 | $37,700 | $18.13 | $45,630 | $29,890 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 100 | $42,330 | $20.35 | $55,500 | $32,130 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 40 | $36,840 | $17.71 | $48,980 | $28,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many vet office manager training programs in Indiana?
Most such training programs are offered online.
Even so, Indiana has only 2 universities that offer them.
Can the role of a vet office manager in Indiana be referred to "boss" too?
Because of the roles a vet office manager has, may inspire some coworkers to call the former “boss.”
However, the real “boss” of that practice is its owner.
What is the difference between a veterinary office manager and a veterinary practice manager in Indiana?
A veterinary office manager’s role is similar to that of a head veterinary receptionist but comes with additional responsibilities.
The office manager handles management duties related to the veterinary office staff, such as scheduling, inventory orders, accounts receivable, and ensuring consistent delivery of patient and client services.
In contrast, a veterinary practice manager ranks one level higher on the organizational chart.
This role involves spending at least half of their time on strictly management duties and requires formal professional practice management training.
Veterinary practice managers have all the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager and are also responsible for marketing, budgeting, staffing, accounting, fee structures, and equipment and facility management.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State