How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Kansas

Kansas is home to a thriving community of animal enthusiasts who place a high value on their pets’ health and well-being.

If you are passionate about animals and want to make a meaningful impact, a career as a veterinary office manager might be ideal for you.

In this role, you will support animal welfare by managing the smooth operation of a veterinary practice, without direct involvement in medical procedures or surgeries.

Your responsibilities will center on administrative and organizational tasks, similar to office managers in other industries.

If this career path interests you, continue reading to learn more about this rewarding profession!

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

Veterinary office managers primarily work in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes with animal rescue organizations.

As mentioned earlier, their duties are akin to those of administrative assistants or general office managers.

However, it’s important to recognize that each veterinary office operates uniquely, 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 are useful for both employers and prospective employees.

Veterinary practice owners typically hire for these roles.

When applying for a veterinary office manager position, candidates are generally expected to meet certain requirements.

Relevant experience, typically up to 7 years, is often necessary.

Educational qualifications may depend.

For some positions may need just the high school diploma or GED, and others might prefer a diploma related to veterinary office management or a similar field.

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Kansas

If you’re increasingly interested in becoming a veterinary office manager, it’s important to understand the steps to achieve this goal.

Your journey typically 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, you can enhance your qualifications by pursuing certification after high school.

A well-regarded option is the certification offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

To earn this certification, you’ll need to enroll in their program and pass an exam.

While VHMA membership is optional, it provides additional benefits.

The exam is administered at various testing centers across Kansas.

Be aware of the exam fees:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Kansas

Let’s see the training options Kansas has to offer us!

Kansas City Kansas Community College

The Veterinary Office Manager program is available through the Division for Continuing Education.

This online program offers the flexibility for students to study at their own pace, with open enrollment throughout the year.

Students must complete the course within 18 months, dedicating a total of 450 hours to their studies.

The standard tuition is $6,170, although there may be discounted periods.

The curriculum includes:

• QuickBooks Online
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel

Upon completion, you’ll take exams for these three subjects to earn certification in each.

Metropolitan Community College

The program offered by this college is called “veterinary receptionist” and basically this is the same job.

At the end of it you’ll earn a certificate.

For this, you’ll need 18 to accumulate credits.

Without the above classes you won’t be able to become a certified veterinary practice manager.

You’ll learn about:

• Veterinary terms
• Introduction to Veterinary Practice Management
• Animal Care and Sanitation
• Animal Diseases of Canine, Feline and Exotic Pets

These are general classes you’ll need for working in a veterinary practice.

The classes are offered both online and on-campus.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Kansas

You’ve learned about the role of a veterinary office manager, how to pursue this career, and where to obtain the necessary training.

Now, let’s explore the average salary for this profession.

In Kansas, veterinary office managers generally earn an average annual salary of $82,236.

It’s important to note that salaries can fluctuate, with certain areas of the state offering higher wages than others.

For a detailed breakdown, see the table below.

Regional Salary in Kansas

Vet Office Manager by State