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Michigan has many animal lovers dedicated to the well-being of their furry companions.
If you share this enthusiasm and seek a more active role in animal care, a career as a veterinary office manager might be perfect for you.
This position lets you support veterinary practices without getting involved in surgeries or medical procedures.
As a veterinary office manager, your duties will primarily focus on general office management tasks.
If this sounds intriguing, be sure to read further!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers work in animal clinics, hospitals, and sometimes rescue organizations.
Their roles resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers, with each workplace having its own specific processes.
Common responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
These job descriptions are useful for both employers, usually veterinary practice owners, and potential employees.
To apply for a veterinary office manager position, certain requirements are typically expected:
- 1 to 7 years of relevant work experience
- At least a high school diploma or GED, though some positions may require a more specific degree related to the field.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Michigan
If you’re interested in becoming a veterinary office manager, here’s a guide to help you get started on this career path.
Educational Foundation
Begin by completing high school or obtaining a GED.
Consider pursuing a degree, such as an associate’s or a bachelor’s in business administration or a related field.
Such a degree will be very useful for any office manager, including those working in a facility dedicated to animals.
Certifications
It’s a good idea to enhance your credentials by obtaining at least a certification.
One notable option is from the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To earn this certification, enroll in their program and pass the required exam.
Although VHMA membership is optional, it offers additional benefits.
Exam Details
There are several testing centers across Michigan where you can take the exam.
Note that there is an exam fee:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Michigan
Here are some of the institutions in Michigan where you can find a training program.
Baker College 
Now that you finished the other requirements, it is time to look for a training program.
Explore our veterinary technology associate degree program, designed to launch you into a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
Led by experienced veterinary professionals, our classes offer cutting-edge techniques and tools essential in today’s veterinary practice.
Please note, this program has limited enrollment.
Throughout your studies, you’ll blend classroom learning with hands-on experience in our advanced labs, honing essential nursing and laboratory skills.
Upon graduation, you’ll qualify to sit for national licensing exams.
The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology program at Baker College is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, ensuring high standards of education.
Key Program Highlights:
- 63 Credit Hours
- Average Completion is 2 Years
- Comprehensive Curriculum Available
Veterinary Technology classes are offered at the Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, and Owosso campuses.
Additionally, general education and prerequisite courses are accessible through Baker Online, Online Live, and across all Michigan campuses.
For ambitious students, our direct admission program offers guaranteed enrollment and scholarship opportunities, recognizing high-performing incoming freshmen.
Kellogg Community College 
The Veterinary Office Manager program is available through the Division for Continuing Education.
This online program allows 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, though discounts may be available at times.
The curriculum includes:
- QuickBooks Online
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
Upon completion, you’ll take exams for these three subjects to earn certification in each.
While the exam fees are included as vouchers, the proctor fees are paid separately.
Unfortunately, finishing the course will not grant any additional credential.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Baker College | 1020 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867 |
| Kellogg Community College | 405 Hill Brady Road Lifelong Learning Battle Creek, MI 49037 |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Michigan
Now that you understand the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager, the pathway to becoming one, and where you can obtain training, let’s explore the potential earnings associated with this role.
In Michigan, veterinary office managers typically earn an average annual salary of $85,260.
It’s important to note that salary ranges can differ based on the specific region within the state.
For detailed insights into these variations, please consult the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $88,629 |
| Salem | $88,542 |
| Belleville | $88,456 |
| Plymouth | $88,370 |
| Azalia | $88,283 |
| Brighton | $88,197 |
| Wayne | $87,506 |
| Romulus | $87,419 |
| Milford | $87,333 |
| Davisburg | $87,247 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 170 | $41,930 | $20.16 | $50,180 | $34,130 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,350 | $42,360 | $20.36 | $49,110 | $37,130 |
| Flint, MI | 110 | $40,440 | $19.44 | $46,550 | $34,840 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 380 | $39,600 | $19.04 | $47,470 | $31,500 |
| Jackson, MI | 50 | $38,640 | $18.58 | $45,120 | $35,000 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 120 | $40,800 | $19.62 | $45,670 | $36,090 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 240 | $46,480 | $22.35 | $63,460 | $35,780 |
| Midland, MI | 50 | $42,290 | $20.33 | $49,040 | $35,780 |
| Monroe, MI | 60 | $40,290 | $19.37 | $48,470 | $31,050 |
| Muskegon, MI | 40 | $38,370 | $18.45 | $46,740 | $30,880 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 30 | $39,140 | $18.82 | $48,060 | $31,200 |
| Saginaw, MI | 60 | $39,780 | $19.12 | $46,860 | $31,830 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do vet office managers answer to, in Michigan?
In a larger veterinary practice, there are 2 people that oversee the vet office manager:
- The owner of the practice
- The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) who oversees many administrative tasks
Which skills do I need to work as a vet office manager in Michigan?
Here are the skills you’ll need the most as a vet office manager:
- Motivational Skills
- Staff Retention Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to detail
- Strong managerial abilities
- Solid administrative skills
- Excellent writing, reading, computer, and internet proficiency
Do vet office managers in Michigan have a good income?
According to the table above, vet office managers earn well.
Usually, the salary is affected by:
- Experience
- Education
- Location
- Clinic’s reputation
- Clinic’s size
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State