Are you passionate about animals?
Are you committed to the well-being of all pets?
If you live in Georgia and are interested in a career where you can make a genuine contribution to animals and the way they are cared for, you may want to consider a career as a vet office manager.
This is a career that allows you to do everything from administrative duties to supporting the health of animals in your clinic.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about becoming a vet office manager in Georgia, from certification to schools in the state that offer programs.
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Georgia
Duties as a vet office manager in Georgia don’t differ much from any other state.
Many of their responsibilities are similar to those of regular office managers or administrative assistants.
Many of the responsibilities that you’ll have as a vet office manager include:
- Overseeing office staff
- Maintaining inventory and ordering new supplies
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing clients
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
Georgia does not require vet office managers to be licensed.
However, you’ll typically need anywhere between one and seven years of working experience in addition to a high school diploma.
That is where your path will begin. After graduating from high school, you may want to consider earning a degree in business administration or another related field.
Furthermore, earning a certificate can make you stand out more.
For example, one certificate worth considering is the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).
To earn this certificate, you need to complete a program and pass the exam.
In Georgia, there are a few testing centers that offer the exam.
If you are a VHMA member, meaning you have a membership, you will need to pay $675 for the exam.
All non-members must pay $825.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Here are several schools in Georgia that offer training programs for aspiring vet office managers:
1. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University in Georgia offers an online program for those wishing to become veterinary office managers.
The best part about this program is that it allows you to start any time, as it features open enrollment.
Typically, this program recommends that you have a high school diploma, although it is not required.
You will be given 180 days to complete the program.
Some of the courses in this program include:
- Canine Restraint
- Physiology and Anatomy 1-4
- Surgery 1 and 2
- Front Office Duties
- External & Internal Parasites
- Feline & Exotic Restraint
2. Georgia Southern University
If you are looking for something different from traditional in-person campus classes, look no further than Georgia Southern University.
One of the programs offered here is ideal for aspiring vet office managers.
The program takes 18 months to complete, with 450 hours of coursework included.
You’ll also receive vouchers for a few different exams, such as:
- Microsoft Excel Exam
- Microsoft Word Exam
- QuickBooks Certified User Exam
The cost of this program is $6,170 with an option to make monthly payments through Affirm.
3. University of West Georgia
Finally, the University of West Georgia offers an online program for those wishing to become vet office managers.
This program allows students to move at a pace that they are comfortable with.
Students also have the option to enroll whenever they like, throughout the year.
Once enrolled, students are given 18 months to complete the program.
There is a total of 450 hours of study included, with a tuition cost of $6,170.
Students will take several exams to receive a certificate.
Top 3 Schools in Georgia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Valdosta State University | 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698, USA |
| Georgia Southern University | 1332 Southern Dr, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA |
| University of West Georgia | 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30118, USA |
Salary
The average annual salary for vet office managers in Georgia is $83,532.
However, depending on the area you live in, the salary may vary.
For instance, the average salary for vet office managers living in Duluth is $84,137, while the average salary for those living in Covington is $83,964.
Also, your experience, skills, education, and certification will play a role in the salary you earn.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Vet Office Managers in Georgia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany | $78,250 |
| Marietta | $85,914 |
| Roswell | $85,835 |
| Atlanta | $86,160 |
| Savannah | $81,796 |
| Augusta | $81,426 |
| Valdosta | $78,294 |
| Columbus | $77,792 |
| Macon | $78,831 |
| Bronwood | $77,880 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 110 | $111,140 | $53.43 | $200,470 | $55,290 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 120 | $101,660 | $48.87 | $167,030 | $51,740 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 5,830 | $126,190 | $60.67 | $207,100 | $54,900 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 310 | $112,320 | $54 | $176,110 | $59,550 |
| Brunswick, GA | 90 | $104,870 | $50.42 | $171,280 | $50,320 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 170 | $100,170 | $48.16 | $161,740 | $45,550 |
| Dalton, GA | 70 | $92,930 | $44.68 | $165,970 | $51,970 |
| Gainesville, GA | 190 | $122,030 | $58.67 | $191,330 | $54,640 |
| Hinesville, GA | 50 | $118,890 | $57.16 | $195,560 | $58,700 |
| Macon, GA | 160 | $105,930 | $50.93 | $169,910 | $46,270 |
| Rome, GA | 50 | $102,290 | $49.18 | $164,970 | $52,060 |
| Savannah, GA | 290 | $109,400 | $52.6 | $174,900 | $53,290 |
| Valdosta, GA | 70 | $102,130 | $49.1 | $162,660 | $46,780 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 100 | $109,800 | $52.79 | $183,340 | $55,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia offer a lot of vet office manager training programs?
Currently, there are only five training programs for vet office managers in the state of Georgia.
This is mainly due to the requirements needed to become a vet office manager.
Many of these requirements don’t ask for much, which means there isn’t a need for programs in the first place.
However, this shouldn’t discourage you from enrolling in a program to further your skills and education.
Is renewing my license a requirement for vet office managers in Georgia?
Vet office managers who have earned their license are required to renew it every two years.
March 31st of every even-numbered year is the deadline to renew your license.
Besides renewal, you will also have to complete 10 hours of continuing education.
What degree is better to get if I want to become a vet office manager in Georgia?
There are a couple of different degrees you can earn if you want to become a vet office manager.
But this ultimately depends on your field of study.
You can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, with the latter holding more value to employers.
