How to Become a Vet Office Manager in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to many animal lovers committed to their pets’ well-being.

If you share this passion and are considering a career change, think about becoming a veterinary office manager.

In this role, you will support animal welfare by overseeing the administrative functions of a veterinary practice, without directly engaging in medical procedures or surgeries.

As a veterinary office manager, you will manage essential administrative tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the practice.

To discover more about this rewarding career path, read on!

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

Their roles are similar to those of administrative assistants or general office managers, though specific tasks may vary depending on the workplace.

Common responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

• Scheduling appointments
• Billing clients
• Ordering and managing supplies
• Supervising office staff

Familiarity with these duties is important for both veterinary practice owners and those aiming to become veterinary office managers.

Typical candidate requirements include:

• 1 to 7 years of relevant experience
• A high school diploma or GED
  • You might need a related degree for some positions

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in New Jersey

If you’re interested in becoming a veterinary office manager, it’s essential to understand the necessary steps.

First, complete your high school education or obtain a GED.

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

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

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) offers a highly regarded certification for this role.

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

VHMA membership is optional, but it does come with some benefits.

The certification tests are offered at many testing centers across New Jersey.

Depending on your membership status, you’ll have to pay for the exam:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in New Jersey

Let’s see where in New Jersey can you train for a vet office manager job!

Rowan University

The Veterinary Office Manager course equips you with essential skills to handle the business aspects of a veterinary practice, preparing you for a role as a veterinary office manager.

You’ll also acquire key Microsoft Office skills applicable to any professional level, whether entry-level or experienced.

This course goes beyond office management training, offering basic veterinary assistant training as well.

Additionally, you will learn to use QuickBooks Online to manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, providing you with valuable skills for any office setting.

The course also prepares you for the certification exams for Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks.

Completing this course sets you on the path to a successful career as a veterinary office manager and beyond.

Upon successfully finishing the course, you will receive vouchers to sit for the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and the Microsoft exams—MO-201 or MO-211 for Excel and MO-101 or MO-111 for Word.

These vouchers cover the exam fees, though proctor fees may apply and are not included.

Things you will learn about:

• Anatomy and Physiology:
  • Understanding the major organ systems
• Medical Records:
  • Managing medical records
  • Effective communication with clients and coworkers
• Animal Care Techniques:
  • Restraint methods,
  • Taking vital signs from an animal
  • Bathing animals
• Basic Veterinary Knowledge:
  • Nutrition,
  • Vaccinations,
  • Medication administration
• Assisting in Procedures:
  • Support during surgery and dental procedures
• Medical Tasks:
  • Preparing prescriptions,
  • Taking blood samples,
  • Taking radiographs
• Office Management:
  • Duties specific to veterinary office management
• Microsoft Office Proficiency:
  • Effective use of Word and Excel
• Professional Skills:
  • Effective communication
  • Office etiquette
• Data Management:
  • Creating impactful information and data presentations
• Financial Analysis:
  • Analyzing accounts, financial documents, and reports
• Bookkeeping:
  • Essential bookkeeping tasks and understanding basic accounting principles like accrual and depreciation, using QuickBooks to support these practices

Salary for Vet Office Manager in New Jersey

Once you have a solid understanding of the duties of a vet office manager, how to enter the field, and the available training programs in this state, it’s important to consider the potential earnings in this role.

In New Jersey, vet office managers earn an average salary of $94,675 per year.

However, salaries can vary based on the specific region within the state.

The table below has a more comprehensive breakdown of these salaries.

Regional Salary in New Jersey

Vet Office Manager by State