How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Virginia

In Virginia, many pet owners are dedicated to ensuring their animals are happy and healthy.

If you’re passionate about animal care but prefer to avoid direct involvement in surgeries or medical treatments, consider a career as a veterinary office manager.

This role focuses on administrative and managerial tasks, allowing you to support animal welfare in a significant yet indirect manner.

To explore this career option further, read this article for more information.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

While their duties can resemble those of administrative assistants or general office managers, they also have specific tasks depending on the setting.

Typical responsibilities of veterinary office managers include:

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

Understanding these duties is crucial for both veterinary practice owners and those aspiring to become veterinary office managers.

Candidates for this role typically have:

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

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Virginia

First, you need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is a prerequisite for pursuing higher education.

After completing high school, you can enhance your credentials by earning an associate’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Additionally, you can improve your qualifications by acquiring certification post-high school.

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

To obtain this certification, you must complete the VHMA program and pass the associated exam.

While VHMA membership is optional, it provides additional benefits.

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

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Virginia

Now it’s time to explore where you can train to become a veterinary office manager in Virginia.

Central Virginia Community College

The Veterinary Office Manager course equips you with essential skills for managing the business side of a veterinary practice, preparing you for a career in this field.

You’ll also gain proficiency in Microsoft Office, a valuable asset in any profession, whether you’re just starting or already experienced.

In addition to office management training, this course includes fundamental veterinary assistant training.

You’ll learn QuickBooks Online to handle accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, providing crucial skills that will enhance your resume.

The course also prepares you for certification exams in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the QuickBooks Certified User exam, setting you on a path to success as a veterinary office manager and beyond.

Upon completion, you’ll receive vouchers for the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and the Microsoft exams for MO-201 or MO-211 (Excel) and MO-101 or MO-111 (Word).

The tuition includes vouchers for the exams but not for the proctoring.

During the course, you will learn:

• Anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
• Managing medical records and effective communication with clients and coworkers
• Restraint techniques, taking vital signs, and animal bathing
• Basics of nutrition, vaccinations, and medication administration
• Assisting during surgery and dental procedures
• Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples, and radiographs
• Duties of a veterinary office manager
• Efficient use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Professional communication skills and office etiquette
• Effective creation and dissemination of information or data
• Analyzing accounts, financial documents, and reports
• Essential bookkeeping tasks and principles, including the accrual method and depreciation, using QuickBooks

Upon completing the course, you will:

• Gain the skills to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in patient care
• Acquire the knowledge needed to manage the business aspects of a veterinary office, including expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks
• Be prepared for the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and the Microsoft Expert exams for Excel and Word

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Virginia

Understanding the responsibilities, career growth opportunities, and training paths for a veterinary office manager is essential.

It’s also important to consider potential earnings in this role.

In Virginia, veterinary office managers generally earn an average annual salary of approximately $86,478, although this figure can vary significantly depending on the region.

For a comprehensive overview of salary variations in different areas, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Virginia

Vet Office Manager by State