How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Tennessee

Tennessee has many animal owners who are dedicated to their pets’ health and happiness.

If you’re eager to make a significant impact on animal care without engaging directly in surgeries or medical procedures, consider a career as a veterinary office manager.

In this role, you’ll focus on administrative and managerial tasks, rather than medical responsibilities, allowing you to support animal well-being in a different but essential capacity.

If this career path interests you, keep reading to learn more about what it entails.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

Veterinary office managers work in settings such as animal clinics, hospitals, and occasionally rescue organizations.

Though their roles may overlap with those of administrative assistants or general office managers, their specific responsibilities can vary based on the type of workplace.

Typical duties of veterinary office managers include:

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

A clear understanding of these duties is essential for both veterinary practice owners and individuals aspiring to this position.

Common qualifications for candidates include:

• 1 to 7 years of relevant experience
• A high school diploma or GED; some positions may prefer a degree in a related field

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Tennessee

Complete Secondary Education to obtain a high school diploma or GED.

Pursue Higher Education: Enhance your expertise with an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Strengthen your credentials by acquiring a certification after high school.

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) offers a respected certification for aspiring veterinary office managers.

To earn this certification, complete the VHMA program and pass the associated exam.

Although VHMA membership is optional, it offers additional benefits.

Certification exams are available at various testing centers across Tennessee, with fees as follows:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Tennessee

So where can you enroll in a vet office manager school in Tennessee?

Let’s find out!

The University Tennessee Knoxville

At this university you have access to a program that will award you a certificate.

The University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program (VSW-CP) equips MSSW students in four key areas of Veterinary Social Work:

• The connection between human and animal violence
• Managing grief and loss
• Facilitating animal-assisted interactions
• Addressing compassion fatigue

This program provides a robust foundation in veterinary social work, focusing on the essential knowledge and skills required to ethically incorporate animals into social work practices, aligned with the profession’s core values.

The VSW-CP aims to develop skilled social workers proficient in navigating human-animal relationships across diverse settings and applying both micro and macro practice methods effectively.

The University of Tennessee Martin

Enroll in the Veterinary Office Manager course to gain vital skills for managing the business functions of a veterinary practice and prepare for a role as a veterinary office manager.

This comprehensive program not only covers essential office management techniques but also equips you with valuable Microsoft Office skills applicable across various professions, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional.

In addition to office management training, the course includes foundational veterinary assistant skills.

You’ll also receive instruction in QuickBooks Online, focusing on accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

The course further prepares you for certification exams in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks.

Some of the things you will learn about include:

• Understanding the anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
• Managing medical records and effective communication with clients and staff
• Performing restraint techniques, taking vital signs, and bathing animals
• Gaining fundamental knowledge of nutrition, vaccinations, and medication administration
• Assisting with surgical and dental procedures
• Preparing prescriptions and conducting blood sample and radiograph procedures
• Mastering the duties and responsibilities of a veterinary office manager
• Efficiently using Microsoft Office Word and Excel for professional communication and office management
• Creating and distributing impactful information and data
• Analyzing financial documents and reports
• Performing essential bookkeeping tasks
• Learning basic accounting principles, including accrual methods and depreciation

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Tennessee

Grasping the duties, career trajectory, and available training for a veterinary office manager is crucial.

Additionally, being informed about potential earnings is important.

In Tennessee, veterinary office managers typically earn an average annual salary of around $79,990.

However, these earnings can fluctuate considerably depending on the particular area within the state.

For a comprehensive overview of salary differences by region, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Vet Office Manager by State