How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a vibrant community of dedicated animal lovers who are committed to the well-being of their pets.

If you’re passionate about animals and looking to build a career around this interest, consider becoming a veterinary office manager.

This position allows you to support animal care by managing the operations of a veterinary practice, without having to participate in medical procedures or surgeries.

As a veterinary office manager, you’ll be responsible for crucial administrative duties that ensure the smooth functioning of the office.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

Their duties mirror those of administrative assistants or general office managers, though specific tasks can differ depending on the workplace.

Common responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

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

Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for both employers, typically veterinary practice owners, and prospective employees.

To be eligible for a veterinary office manager position, candidates typically need:

• 1 to 7 years of relevant work experience
• At least a high school diploma or GED, although some roles may require a related degree.

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Mississippi

If you’re looking to start a career as a veterinary office manager, here are some steps to guide you.

First, complete high school or obtain a GED.

Then, consider pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related field.

Alternatively, you can boost your credentials by obtaining a certification after high school.

One notable certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

To earn this certification, you must enroll in their program and pass an exam.

While VHMA membership is not mandatory, it does offer additional benefits.

The certification exam is available at various testing centers across Mississippi, with fees as follows:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Mississippi

You should also know where you could get trained to become a vet assistant in Mississippi.

The training schools are listed below:

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Veterinary Medicine is tailored for students aspiring to enter the field of veterinary medicine.

Students have the opportunity to transfer to Mississippi State’s School of Veterinary Medicine for an additional four years of professional training.

Successful completion of the Northwest curriculum qualifies students for an Associate of Arts degree.

Additionally, applicants to the School of Veterinary Medicine must complete four additional courses for admission:

• Nutrition,
• Genetics,
• Cell Biology,
• Biochemistry.

Prospective veterinarians must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

Veterinary medical colleges typically require applicants to have completed courses in:

• Organic and inorganic chemistry,
• Physics,
• Biochemistry,
• General biology,
• Animal biology,
• Animal nutrition,
• Genetics,
• Vertebrate embryology,
• Cellular biology,
• Microbiology,
• Zoology,
• Systemic physiology.

Mississippi State University

At this university you can enroll in a completely online program for a future vet office manager.

While it’s not mandatory, a high school diploma or even a GED can be required upon enrollment.

Speaking of enrolling in this program, this can be done at any time during the year.

You’ll have to complete 450 hours of coursework, but you have a time limit of 18 months of doing so.

To enroll in the course, you’ll have to pay $6,320.

At times, there are discounts applied to the fee and you can even use Affirm to help you pay the tuition.

The tuition includes all study materials which will be sent to you in electronic format.

This fee also covers the exams for:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks

These 3 computer programs are the most important tools for a vet office manager, or any office manager for that matter.

The exams are proctored, but you’ll need to pay an additional fee for the proctor.

If you pass the tests, you’ll receive a certificate for each.

What you’ll not receive is a certificate at the end of the educational program.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Mississippi

After you learn about the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager, how to become one, and where to get training, let’s look at the potential earnings for this role.

In Mississippi, veterinary office managers generally earn an average annual salary of $77,053.

Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on the region within the state.

For more detailed information on these variations, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Vet Office Manager by State