How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Washington

In Washington, numerous pet owners are committed to keeping their animals happy and healthy.

If you are passionate about animal care but would rather avoid direct involvement in surgeries or medical treatments, a career as a veterinary office manager might be a perfect fit.

This role emphasizes administrative and managerial duties, enabling you to contribute significantly to animal welfare in an indirect way.

To learn more about this career path, read this article for additional information.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

While their responsibilities may overlap with those of administrative assistants or general office managers, they also have specific tasks unique to their environment.

Common duties of veterinary office managers include:

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

Understanding these responsibilities is vital for veterinary practice owners and those aiming to become veterinary office managers.

Candidates for this role typically possess:

• 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 Washington

First, you need to obtain a high school diploma or GED, which is essential for advancing your education.

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

Additionally, you can further improve your qualifications by pursuing certification.

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) provides a well-regarded certification for those aspiring to be veterinary office managers.

To achieve this certification, you must complete the VHMA program and pass the corresponding exam.

While VHMA membership is optional, it offers additional advantages.

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

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Washington

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

Clark College

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

Plus, you will learn how to work in Microsoft Office, beneficial for both entry-level and experienced professionals.

This course also includes basic veterinary assistant training to enhance your understanding of the veterinary field.

You’ll also learn to use QuickBooks Online, gaining knowledge in accounts payable and accounts receivable.

The course prepares you for certification exams in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the QuickBooks Certified User exam.

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

Upon successfully finishing the course, you’ll receive vouchers to take the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and the Microsoft exams.

These vouchers provide prepaid access to the certifying exams, though proctor fees may apply and are not included.

You will learn about the following:

• Anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
• Managing medical records and communicating with clients and coworkers
• Restraint techniques for procedures, taking vital signs, and bathing animals
• Fundamentals of nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication
• Analyzing accounts, financial documents, and reports
• Essential bookkeeping duties and tasks
• Basic accounting principles (accrual method, depreciation, etc.)
• How QuickBooks is used for bookkeeping practices

Lower Columbia College

This college provides an online program for aspiring veterinary office managers.

As part of the course, you’ll receive vouchers for the following exams:

• QuickBooks Certified User
• Microsoft Word Exam
• Microsoft Excel Exam

Additionally, the course includes basic veterinary assistant training.

The program spans 450 hours and must be completed within 18 months.

Being online, you can study at your own pace as long as you finish within the 18-month timeframe.

The tuition fee is $5,990, but you can use Affirm to pay in monthly installments.

Discounts may also be available upon enrollment.

Enrollment is open at any time.

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Washington

Grasping the duties, career advancement possibilities, and training routes for a veterinary office manager is crucial.

Equally significant is evaluating the potential earnings in this profession.

In Washington, veterinary office managers typically receive an average yearly salary of around $92,945, though this amount can differ widely based on the location.

For a detailed breakdown of salary differences across various regions, please consult the table below.

Regional Salary in Washington

Vet Office Manager by State