How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Wisconsin

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

If you have a passion for animal care but prefer to steer clear of direct involvement in surgeries or medical treatments, a career as a veterinary office manager could be ideal for you.

This position focuses on administrative and managerial responsibilities, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare in an indirect manner.

For more details about this career path, read this article.

Job Description for Vet Office Managers

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

While their roles may overlap with those of administrative assistants or general office managers, they also handle specialized tasks tailored to their environment.

Common responsibilities for veterinary office managers encompass:

• Coordinating appointment schedules
• Handling client invoicing
• Procuring and managing supplies
• Overseeing office personnel

Grasping these responsibilities is essential for both the owners of veterinary practices and those aspiring to become veterinary office managers.

Ideal candidates for this position typically possess:

• Between 1 and 7 years of relevant experience
• A high school diploma or GED, although some roles may prefer a degree in a related field

Becoming a Vet Office Manager in Wisconsin

To get started, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or GED, which is essential for advancing your education.

After graduating from high school, you can enhance your qualifications by pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Further professional growth can be achieved through certification.

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) offers a prestigious certification for those aspiring to become veterinary office managers.

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

While joining the VHMA is optional, it offers additional advantages.

Certification exams are offered at various testing centers across Washington, with the following fees:

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

Vet Office Manager Training Programs in Wisconsin

Of course, you will also need to train in order to develop your skills.

In Wisconsin, you can choose to enroll in one of the following schools:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Veterinary Office Manager course equips you with the vital skills needed to efficiently oversee the operations of a veterinary practice, paving the way for a successful career in this role.

You will become adept in Microsoft Office, a crucial tool for any professional environment, whether you are just starting out or have years of experience.

The course also provides fundamental training in veterinary assisting.

Furthermore, you will learn how to use QuickBooks Online.

The program also prepares you for certification exams in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks.

By the end of the course, you’ll be well-prepared to excel as a veterinary office manager and in other related roles.

Upon successful completion, you will receive vouchers for the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and Microsoft certification exams.

These vouchers offer prepaid access to the certification exams, though additional proctoring fees may be required.

The course curriculum includes:

• Anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
• Managing medical records and communicating effectively with clients and colleagues
• Techniques for restraining animals, taking vital signs, and bathing
• Basics of nutrition, vaccinations, and medication administration
• Assisting with surgeries and dental procedures
• Preparing prescriptions, performing blood draws, and taking radiographs
• Responsibilities of a veterinary office manager
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Professional communication skills and office etiquette
• Creating and distributing impactful information and data
• Analyzing financial documents and reports
• Key bookkeeping tasks and accounting principles (e.g., accrual method, depreciation) with QuickBooks support

Throughout the course, you will:

• Acquire skills to support veterinarians and technicians in patient care
• Learn to manage the business operations of a veterinary office, including expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks
• Prepare for certification with the QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) Exam and Microsoft Expert exams for Excel and Word

Salary for Vet Office Manager in Wisconsin

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

Equally significant is being aware of the earning potential in this field.

In Wisconsin, the average annual salary for veterinary office managers is approximately $85,185, though this figure can vary significantly based on the specific region.

For a detailed overview of salary variations by location, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

Vet Office Manager by State