How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to many animal enthusiasts who are passionate about ensuring the well-being of their furry friends.

If you share this passion and want to take a more active role, consider a career as a veterinary office manager.

This role allows you to contribute to animal care without directly participating in surgeries or medical procedures.

As a veterinary office manager, your responsibilities will align more with general office management tasks.

If this piqued your interest, continue reading to learn more!

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

Veterinary office managers can be found working in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes animal rescue organizations.

Their roles are quite similar to those of administrative assistants or general office managers, though each office may have its own unique processes.

Here are some common responsibilities of veterinary office managers:

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

These job descriptions are valuable for both employers, typically the veterinary practice owners, and potential employees.

When applying for a veterinary office manager position, certain requirements are usually expected.

Typically, you will need between 1 to 7 years of relevant work experience.

Educational requirements often include at least a high school diploma or GED, though some positions may require a more specific diploma related to the field.

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Massachusetts

If you’re intrigued by the role of a veterinary office manager, here’s how you can pursue this career path.

Start by completing high school or earning a GED.

Next, consider enrolling in a degree program, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Alternatively, you can enhance your credentials by obtaining certification.

One notable option is the certification from the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

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

While membership in VHMA is not mandatory, it can be beneficial.

There are various testing centers across Massachusetts where you can take this exam, though it is not free.

The exam fees are:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Massachusetts

Now that you finished the other requirements, it is time to look for a training program.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

Once you attend the Monty Tech Veterinary Science program, will gain a solid foundation in animal science.

You will be introduced to various species and breeds, learn about their characteristics, and compare animal anatomy and physiology.

The curriculum includes researching animal diseases and prevention, as well as studying genetics, breeding, and reproduction of domestic animals.

In the school’s Veterinary Science Training Center and Community Clinic, you will:

• Learn everything about veterinary practice,
• Earn college credits
• Earn industry-recognized certifications

In your sophomore year, you will also develop skills for the pet grooming industry.

The on-site clinic features a grooming salon where students will train by:

• Brushing and bathing small animals,
• Maintaining grooming equipment,
• Performing specialized cuts,
• Demonstrating advanced grooming techniques.

During your junior and senior years, you will work with veterinarians in the on-site clinic.

You will learn to safely store and distribute pharmaceutical materials, observe surgical procedures, and assist with radiological procedures.

Additionally, they will collaborate with the clinic’s Office Manager to acquire essential skills for managing a veterinary office, including:

• Scheduling appointments
• Maintaining inventory and restocking supplies
• Professional communication with customers, vendors, and industry professionals both in person and electronically
• Admitting and discharging patients
• Keeping comprehensive patient medical records
• Handling cash, check, and charge transactions

Upon graduation you will be well-prepared for both college and career pathways.

The veterinary field offers diverse career options and varying training requirements.

Graduates may pursue occupations such as:

• Administrative Support in Clinics and Hospitals
• Animal Care and Service Workers
• Groomers
• Shelter Care and Medicine
• Veterinary Assistants
• Veterinary Technicians
• Surgical Technologists

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Massachusetts

You now know what a veterinary office manager does, the steps to become one, and where you can receive training.

Next, let’s discuss the potential earnings for this role.

In Massachusetts, veterinary office managers earn an average annual salary of $93,984.

Keep in mind that salaries can vary across different regions of the state.

For a clearer picture of these variations, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Vet Office Manager by State