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In Montana live many animal lovers and they want to ensure their pets’ well-being.
If you share this enthusiasm and are looking to turn it into a career, becoming a veterinary office manager might be the perfect path for you.
In this role, you can support animal welfare by managing the administrative functions of a veterinary practice, without needing to perform medical procedures or surgeries.
As a veterinary office manager, you’ll handle crucial administrative tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the practice.
For more information about this fulfilling profession, keep reading.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers work in animal clinics, hospitals, and occasionally with rescue organizations.
Their roles are similar to those of administrative assistants or general office managers, with duties varying by workplace.
Common responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing pet owners
- Ordering supplies
- Supervising office staff
Understanding these responsibilities is essential for both veterinary practice owners and potential employees.
Candidates for a veterinary office manager position typically need:
- Between 1 and 7 years of relevant work experience
- At least a high school diploma or GED, though some employers may ask for a related degree.
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Montana
If you’re aspiring to become a veterinary office manager, follow this roadmap to kickstart your career:
- Complete high school or earn a GED.
- Pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field.
- Enhance your credentials by obtaining a certification.
A notable certification option is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To earn this certification, enroll in their program and pass the certification exam. While VHMA membership isn’t required, it offers additional benefits.
The certification exam is available at various testing centers throughout Missouri, with fees as follows:
- $675 for VHMA members
- $825 for non-members
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Montana
So where can you train as a vet office manager in Montana?
American Animal Hospital Association 
This association offers a certificate program that is delivered entirely online.
It consists of coursework that includes assignments, quizzes, and interactive forums.
The assignments are designed to produce practical documents that can be immediately applied to improve business outcomes in your veterinary clinic.
Each course is led by an experienced instructor who has worked extensively as a Veterinary Practice Manager.
This program is ideal for those currently working in a veterinary clinic and aiming to implement best business practices.
Here are the program details:
- The course starting dates vary
- There are no prerequisites, but at least one year of experience in a veterinary setting is highly recommended.
- You will receive a non-credit certificate
- The program’s length is 10 weeks per course
- You must register up to 2 weeks before the course start date.
- Late registrations may be accepted with a fee, depending on availability.
- It’s best to register as early as possible
- You’ll need the “Practice Made Perfect – A Complete Guide to Veterinary Practice Management,” 2nd Edition, by Marsha L. Heinke and John B. McCarthy textbook
- The book is available through the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Completion of this certificate also satisfies the continuing education requirements needed to apply for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager designation.
This designation is obtained from the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.
This comprehensive certificate program includes six courses:
- Veterinary Marketing
- Veterinary Financial Management
- Veterinary Communications
- Veterinary Systems & Operating Procedures
- Computer Applications for Industry
- Veterinary Human Resources
Upon completing the program, you will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and manage personal skills in a veterinary clinic setting.
- Apply management skills to supervise employees.
- Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to support business success.
- Follow legal and ethical guidelines for veterinary clinic operations.
- Manage human resource needs within the veterinary practice.
- Handle financial management and reporting for a veterinary clinic.
- Oversee daily operations within the clinic.
Each course can be taken individually and in any order.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| American Animal Hospital Association | online course |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in Montana
After learning so many things about this occupation, it’s essential to consider the potential earnings for this role.
In Montana, veterinary office managers generally earn an average yearly salary of $80,681.
Keep in mind that salaries can differ depending on the region within the state.
For a detailed breakdown of these salary variations, please refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Heron | $87,419 |
| Culbertson | $84,569 |
| Billings | $83,618 |
| Whitetail | $83,446 |
| Huntley | $83,359 |
| Laurel | $83,187 |
| Acton | $83,014 |
| Shepherd | $82,755 |
| Ballantine | $82,668 |
| Molt | $82,496 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 80 | $37,890 | $18.22 | $47,000 | $29,660 |
| Missoula, MT | 50 | $36,220 | $17.42 | $44,340 | $22,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a veterinary office manager and a veterinary practice manager in Montana?
A veterinary office manager’s role is akin to that of a head veterinary receptionist but with added responsibilities.
The office manager oversees various management tasks related to the veterinary office staff, including scheduling, inventory orders, accounts receivable, and maintaining consistent patient and client services.
In contrast, a veterinary practice manager holds a higher position on the organizational chart.
This role requires formal professional practice management training and involves dedicating at least half of their time to purely management duties.
Veterinary practice managers not only handle all the responsibilities of an office manager but also manage marketing, budgeting, staffing, accounting, fee structures, and equipment and facility management.
Do vet office managers in Montana need any special skills?
As a matter of fact, all veterinary office managers need to have skills related to the occupation.
These include:
- 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 Montana have a good income?
Almost all vet office managers earn well.
In Montana, the median salary for this position is similar to that at the national level, though some might see it as slightly lower than in other states.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State