How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Ohio

Ohio boasts a lively community of pet enthusiasts committed to their animals’ health and well-being.

If you share this passion and are considering a career change, becoming a veterinary office manager could be an ideal path for you.

In this role, you will play a vital part in promoting animal welfare by managing the administrative aspects of a veterinary practice, while not being directly involved in medical procedures or surgeries.

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 opportunity, continue reading.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

While their roles often resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers, their specific duties can vary based on the workplace.

Typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

• Scheduling appointments
• Managing client billing
• Ordering and overseeing supplies
• Supervising office staff

Understanding these responsibilities is essential for both veterinary practice owners and those aspiring to this role.

Common qualifications for candidates include:

• 1 to 7 years of relevant experience
• A high school diploma or GED, with some positions preferring a related degree

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Ohio

To start a career as a veterinary office manager, follow these 3 steps!

The first step is to obtain your high school diploma or GED.

The second step would be to consider earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

This second step is optional in most cases, but it’s a good idea to have it.

The third and last step is to consider getting certified.

By doing so, you will boost your qualifications.

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) offers a respected certification for this profession.

To achieve this certification, you must enroll in the VHMA program and pass the required exam.

While VHMA membership is optional, it provides additional benefits.

Certification exams are administered at various testing centers across Ohio.

The following are the fees based on membership:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Ohio

Now it is time to look at the programs available in Ohio!

Edison State Community College

The Veterinary Technology program comprises a series of sequential courses spanning 6 consecutive terms.

For those wishing to extend the program beyond two years, students can opt to complete one, two, or three general studies or science courses before applying for admission to the veterinary technology program.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as:

• Animal husbandry,
• Restraint,
• Nursing,
• Surgical preparation and assistance,
• Drug administration,
• Anesthesia,
• Laboratory techniques,
• Dentistry,
• Radiography
• Hands-on experience through clinical placements in
  • Private practices
  • Emergency medical centers

The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the AVMA CVTEA, ensuring it meets the standards for educating veterinary technicians.

Graduates of this AVMA-accredited program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Passing the VTNE and registering with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board are required to practice as a registered veterinary technician.

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College, applicants to the Veterinary Technology program must:

• Successfully complete one year of high school chemistry though you can enroll in the Introduction to Chemistry (CHM 110S) as well.
• Achieve a satisfactory score on the math assessment or:
  • Obtain a grade of “B” or higher in Math Literacy (MTH 093D), or
  • A grade of “C” or higher in Intermediate Algebra I (MTH 098D)
• Obtain satisfactory assessment scores in reading and writing to qualify for Composition I (ENG 121S).
• Submit a Veterinary Technology Program Application for admission into the fall semester courses of the Veterinary Technology program.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Ohio

Understanding the responsibilities, career progression, and training options for a veterinary office manager is essential.

Equally important is evaluating the potential earnings in this profession.

In Ohio, veterinary office managers earn an average annual salary of approximately $84,482.

It’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly across different regions within the state.

For a comprehensive overview of these regional salary differences, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Ohio

Vet Office Manager by State