How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Colorado

The primary function of a veterinary office manager is to ensure that the daily operations at veterinary clinics or hospitals operate efficiently and smoothly.

This is accomplished through various essential responsibilities, ranging from making appointments to billing.

The demand for high-quality pet care in Colorado continues to grow, so as a result, the vet office manager position continues to be in high demand.

To become a vet office manager, you must follow a specific process, including completing an educational program that gives you the foundation to enter the field and be successful.

If working in the veterinary field sounds like a career choice you would like to pursue, keep reading to learn more!

Vet Office Manager Duties in Colorado

Although a vet office manager wears many hats at clinics and hospitals in Colorado, the prime functions include:

• Handling correspondence between patients and the practice.
• Managing collections, accounts payable, accounts receivable, statements, and daily bank deposits.
• Preparing patient charts.
• Scheduling appointments.
• Supervising and training front office staff.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager

Colorado does not have any licensure requirements to become a vet office manager.

However, when seeking a job, licensure and certifications will differentiate you from the competition.

To become a vet office manager in Colorado, you must take several steps, including the following.

Step One: Learn the Role

Before embarking on the educational requirement, it’s important to fully understand the role of a veterinary office manager.

n addition to determining if this is the right career path, knowing the position will give you a foundation when starting a new training program.

The duties of a vet office manager in Colorado vary based on the location, type of facility, and job description, but all have the same foundations.

In addition to the aforementioned duties, managers will also hire and supervise support staff, manage marketing and advertising, and set budgets.

Step Two: Research Educational Programs

Once you completely understand the position, you must research educational programs to give you the necessary training in the field and prepare you for the role.

To find the right program, you must first choose whether online, in-class, or hybrid learning is the best for your lifestyle.

Many choose online due to the flexibility of not having to commute to a physical location.

However, if you struggle with discipline to complete the work, then in-class learning may be your best option.

When researching the best program, it’s also important to read reviews of the school and understand the costs that fit into your budget.

Educational requirements vary between veterinary offices due to the location, competition, and position type.

Step Three: Complete the Program

The next step is to complete the program.

Depending on your career goals, you may opt for a one-year certificate program or want to pursue an associate degree in vet office management or a related field.

The higher your education, the more time it will take and money it will cost, but you will graduate with more in-depth skills and a higher starting salary.

Step Four: Apply for a Position

Once you have completed the training, look for veterinary practices in your area seeking an office manager.

It’s important to focus specifically on websites that support this and similar fields, so you have a targeted search.

Your training and diploma type will play a major role in landing higher-paying positions.

Vet Office Manager Programs

Colorado Academy of Vocational Technology

CAVT is a leading veterinary technician school in the state, with many vet techs finding jobs as office managers.

The program is heavily focused on veterinary technology and how to use different types of equipment, which is why it’s an in-person learning format.

This gives graduates a hands-on learning experience, similar to an internship.

The curriculum also covers basic office management skills.

Colorado State University

CSU boasts a vet office manager online certificate program that takes around 12 months to complete in a self-paced format.

The cost of the program, including materials and fees, is $4,600.

Students learn the basics of vet office management, including back office topics like restraint techniques, physiology and anatomy, nutrition, administering medication, and vaccinations.

Students also learn front office skills like Microsoft Office, financial document analysis, accounting principles, and bookkeeping duties.

Western Colorado University

WCU offers an entirely online veterinary office manager program that teaches students the basics of the position, including Microsoft Office, veterinary assistant training, QuickBooks Online, physiology and anatomy, restraint techniques, prescription preparation, and surgical and dental procedure assistance.

This self-paced program costs $3,800 and can be completed in as quickly as 12 months.

Salary

Becoming a vet office manager can be a lucrative career, with the median U.S. salary being $85,324 and ranging from $66,746 to $101,858.

The median annual salary in Colorado is on par with the national median at $86,859, and pay ranges from $67,948 to $103,691.

Regional Salary in Colorado