by 
If you live in New Mexico and you care about the well-being of animals, this article is for you!
If you consider a career shift, becoming a veterinary office manager might be a really good choice for you.
These professionals contribute to animal welfare by overseeing the administrative operations of a veterinary practice, without engaging in medical procedures or surgeries, unless it’s a serious situation.
As a veterinary office manager, you will be responsible for essential administrative tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the practice.
To discover more about this rewarding career path, keep on reading!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description for Vet Office Managers
Veterinary office managers are employed in animal clinics, hospitals, and occasionally with rescue organizations.
Their roles are similar to those of administrative assistants or general office managers, but specific duties can vary depending on the setting.
Key responsibilities of veterinary office managers typically involve:
- Scheduling appointments
- Handling client billing
- Ordering and managing supplies
- Overseeing office staff
It is important for both veterinary practice owners and prospective veterinary office managers to understand these responsibilities.
The candidates for this job usually need:
- Between 1 and 7 years of relevant experience
- A high school diploma or GED
- Some vet practices may prefer candidates with a degree in a related industry
Becoming a Vet Office Manager in New Mexico
If you’re aiming to become a vet office manager, it’s essential to follow the needed steps to achieve your goal.
You should begin with graduating from high school and earning your first diploma or earning a GED.
Next, you should consider pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, veterinary professions, or in a similar field.
You can also strengthen your credentials by obtaining a few other certifications.
For instance, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) provides a highly regarded certification for this career.
To obtain this certification, you’ll need to enroll in their program and pass an exam.
Although VHMA membership is optional, it comes with added benefits, one that can be seen below.
Certification exams are offered at various testing centers across New Mexico.
The test fee is $675 for VHMA members and $825 for non-members.
Vet Office Manager Training Programs in New Mexico
Once you are done with the schools, you may want to know where you can train.
Let’s see what schools are available in New Mexico.
Western New Mexico University 
The Veterinary Office Manager course offered here can only be attended online.
This course covers key Microsoft Office skills, as well as basic veterinary assistant training.
You will also learn to use QuickBooks Online, covering accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, providing you with foundational skills that stand out on any resume.
This course prepares you for certification exams in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks.
The tuition for this course includes vouchers for these tests, but not for the Proctor.
Speaking of tuition, you’ll have to pay $6,170, and you’ll receive the textbooks as PDFs.
You’ll have 18 months to complete the 450 hours this program has.
These are some of the areas in which you’ll become proficient:
- The anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
- Managing medical records and effective communication with clients and coworkers
- Techniques for restraining animals, taking vital signs, and bathing
- Essential knowledge on nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication
- Assisting during surgical and dental procedures
University of New Mexico – Continuing Education
If you want to enroll in the course this university offers online, you’ll have to pay $7,770.
You may think that’s too much, but you can use Affirm to help you with the payment through monthly installments.
The tuition covers the following:
- The PDF textbooks
- Exams fees
The exams are for certifications for the following software:
- Microsoft Word
- Quickbooks Online
- Microsoft Excel
The completion of the course doesn’t bring any additional credential.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Western New Mexico University | 1000 W. College Ave. PO Box 680 Silver City, NM 88062 |
| University of New Mexico, Continuing Education Division | 1634 Univeristy Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87131 US |
Salary for Vet Office Manager in New Mexico
Now you have a clear understanding of:
- The responsibilities of a veterinary office manager,
- The entry pathways,
- The available training programs
However, it’s important to evaluate the potential earnings in this role.
In New Mexico, veterinary office managers generally earn an average annual salary of $79,645.
However, salaries can vary depending on the specific region within the state.
For a detailed breakdown of these regional salary differences, please refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $82,755 |
| Santa Fe | $81,632 |
| Glorieta | $81,286 |
| Albuquerque | $81,200 |
| Lamy | $81,113 |
| Tererro | $81,027 |
| Rio Rancho | $80,941 |
| Navajo | $80,854 |
| Santa Cruz | $80,768 |
| Cedar Crest | $80,681 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 380 | $36,620 | $17.61 | $47,390 | $28,020 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 70 | $36,300 | $17.45 | $49,650 | $26,500 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 100 | $38,630 | $18.57 | $49,320 | $30,680 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vet office managers in New Mexico have a good income?
As it can be seen from the table above, the salaries these professionals earn are rather high.
The income depends on:
- Experience
- Education
- Location
- Clinic’s reputation
- Clinic’s size
Do vet office managers in New Mexico have a stable job?
The short answer is yes because there will always be a need for such professionals.
However, at times it might be easier to land a job than at other times.
All this depends on how stable the economy is.
What career options do I have in New Mexico with a vet office manager training?
These are the career options with a vet office manager training:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Office Management
- Animal Boarding and Grooming
- Laboratory Animal Care
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Practice Manager
Vet Office Manager by State