Kentucky is home to a community of passionate animal lovers dedicated to their pets’ well-being.
If you share this love for animals and want to make a meaningful contribution to their care, a career as a veterinary office manager might be perfect for you.
In this role, you will support animal health through administrative tasks rather than direct medical care or surgeries.
Your responsibilities will be similar to those of a traditional office manager, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a veterinary practice.
If this sounds like the right path for you, continue reading to learn more about this rewarding profession!
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Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers work in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes animal rescue organizations.
Their roles are similar to those of administrative assistants or general office managers, but it’s important to note that each veterinary office has its unique operations.
Typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing clients
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Job descriptions are crucial for both employers and job seekers.
In this field, employers are usually the owners of the veterinary practices.
To apply for a veterinary office manager position, specific qualifications are generally expected.
Experience requirements range from 1 to 7 years.
Some positions may only require a high school diploma or GED, while others might need a diploma specifically in veterinary office management.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Kentucky
If you aim to become a veterinary office manager, it’s crucial to know the necessary steps to follow.
Education
Begin by completing your high school education or obtaining a GED.
Next, consider earning a degree in business administration or a similar field, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Alternatively, you can bolster your qualifications by acquiring a certification post-high school.
Getting Certified
One notable certification is provided by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To obtain this certification, you must enroll in the VHMA program and pass the corresponding exam.
Although VHMA membership is optional, it offers additional advantages.
You can take the exam at various testing centers across Kentucky.
The exam fees are:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Kentucky
Now it is time to check out the programs you can attend in Kentucky.
Contrary to what you might expect, this university offers a completely online program.
You have 18 months to finish 450 hours of coursework.
The tuition fee of $6,170 includes vouchers for certification exams in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- QuickBooks
Passing these exams will earn you industry-recognized certifications.
For those needing financial assistance, Affirm offers flexible payment options.
All necessary study materials are provided in electronic format.
Aside from the 3 certifications mentioned above, you won’t earn any other upon the completion of the course.
Having a high school diploma is recommended before enrolling.
However, you can sign up at any time with open enrollment.
Eastern Kentucky University
It’s not known what you were thinking, but this university’s learning program is offered fully online.
You have up to 18 months to complete 450 hours of coursework.
The $6,170 tuition fee includes vouchers for the following certification exams:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- QuickBooks
Successfully passing these exams will earn you three valuable certifications.
For those needing help with tuition payments, Affirm is available as a financing option.
All required study materials are provided in electronic format and included in the tuition.
It’s recommended to have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling.
Enrollment in the program is open 24/7 for everyone.
Completing this course will not bring you any additional certification, just the 3 mentioned earlier.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Western Kentucky University Continuing Education | 2355 Nashville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
Eastern Kentucky University | 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475 |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Kentucky
Now that you are familiar with the role and responsibilities of a veterinary office manager, the steps to become one, and where to obtain the necessary training, let’s explore the potential earnings in this career.
In Kentucky, the average annual salary for a veterinary office manager is approximately $81,286.
Keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly across different regions within the state.
To gain a better understanding of where you can earn more, please refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Covington | $84,482 |
Hebron | $84,439 |
Alexandria | $84,396 |
Union | $84,310 |
Petersburg | $84,223 |
California | $84,137 |
Germantown | $83,964 |
Verona | $83,359 |
Crittenden | $83,014 |
De Mossville | $82,755 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowling Green, KY | 70 | $32,350 | $15.55 | $42,810 | $27,820 |
Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 30 | $32,390 | $15.57 | $41,720 | $25,970 |
Lexington-Fayette, KY | 540 | $37,690 | $18.12 | $47,830 | $29,100 |
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 570 | $37,000 | $17.79 | $46,700 | $28,840 |
Owensboro, KY | 30 | $33,790 | $16.25 | $38,700 | $29,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the vet office manager "boss," in Kentucky?
As a matter of fact, no, you can’t, even though some of their duties remind you of a “boss.”
The “boss” in your veterinary practice is the person who owns the business.
Do I have just one job opportunity with a vet office manager training in Kentucky?
In fact, no.
You can also get hired for these positions:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Animal Boarding and Grooming
- Laboratory Animal Care
Which skills do I need as a vet office manager in Kentucky?
These abilities will benefit you most in your new career:
- Motivational Skills
- Staff Retention Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to detail
- Strong managerial abilities
- Solid administrative skills
- Excellent writing, reading,
- Computer skills
- Internet proficiency
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager