How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Missouri

Missouri hosts a thriving community of devoted animal enthusiasts dedicated to the welfare of their pets.

If you have a strong passion for animals and aspire to turn this passion into a career, becoming a veterinary office manager could be an ideal choice.

This role enables you to contribute to animal welfare by overseeing the administrative operations of a veterinary practice, without direct involvement in medical procedures or surgeries.

As a veterinary office manager, you’ll take on essential administrative responsibilities that are vital to maintaining the efficient operation of the practice.

If you want to learn more about this profession, read on for more info!

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

Their roles resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers, with specific duties varying by workplace.

Typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

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

Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for both employers, usually veterinary practice owners, and potential employees.

Candidates interested in a veterinary office manager position typically require:

• 1 to 7 years of relevant work experience
• At least a high school diploma or GED, though some positions may prefer a related degree.

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Missouri

If you’re aiming to embark on a career as a veterinary office manager, here’s a roadmap to get you started!

Begin by completing high school or earning a GED.

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

Alternatively, you can enhance your qualifications by obtaining a certification post high school.

Actually, you can earn certifications even during higher studies.

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

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

While VHMA membership isn’t compulsory, it does provide additional advantages.

The certification exam is administered at various testing centers throughout Missouri, with the following fees:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Missouri

Next up, you should get more info on the schools you can train in this state.

Read below for more info!

The University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers a Veterinary Receptionist certificate program that prepares students for entry into this industry in only four months.

Veterinary office managers must balance the care of pets with the efficient management of animal health facilities.

Upon completing the course, students are ready to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.

This is an industry-recognized certificate, and students have access to continuing education units too, although these credits cannot be applied toward a degree.

UCM certificate details:

• The tuition is $4,299
• Course format is online and self-paced
• There are 270 hours contact hours

The prerequisites to enroll in this course, are:

• Must be 18 years or older,
• Have a high school diploma or GED,
• Possess basic computer skills.

Developed by professionals in the pet industry, the curriculum is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills.

The program offers flexibility and support, including access to three instructor support teams:

• Student support,
• Technical support,
• Graduate support.

The key skills you’ll develop include animal care practices such as:

• Feeding, bathing, and exercising.
• Disinfection procedures.
• Animal restraint techniques.
• Post-surgical care.

This is a list of the areas of study through this course:

• Computer fundamentals
• Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency
• Duties specific to veterinary assistants
• Business writing skills
• Animal safety and nutrition
• Client and patient management
• Creating medical records,
• Scheduling appointments,
• Managing insurance verification.
• Small and large animal care practices
• Pharmacy and pharmacology basics
• Laboratory and surgical procedures
• Healthcare structure and organization
• Medical law, ethics, and documentation

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Missouri

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the responsibilities of a veterinary office manager, the pathways to enter this role, and the available training options, it’s important to explore the potential earnings associated with this position.

In Missouri, veterinary office managers typically earn an average annual salary of $82,323.

It’s important to note that salary ranges may vary based on specific regions within the state.

For a more detailed breakdown of these salary variations, please consult the table below.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Vet Office Manager by State