How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Idaho

Working in a veterinarian’s office generally requires you to attend veterinary school.

Still, there are other jobs, such as a vet office manager.

A vet office manager doesn’t require much schooling and instead focuses on managerial tasks.

So, you get to work alongside veterinary staff and your favorite animals.

If you’re interested in learning more about a vet office manager and what role they play, then keep reading.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Idaho

A vet office manager will be in charge of managerial tasks to keep the office up and running.

Similar to another management job, a vet office manager will be required to take phone calls, schedule appointments, and update records.

A vet office manager will also need to help with other tasks, such as onboarding, training staff, and managing inventory.

Essentially, they are seen as the bridge between customers and the clinic and focus on helping all other areas of staff run smoothly.

Other duties and responsibilities may include:

• Reception
• Scheduling
• Maintaining financial records
• Ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations
• Monitoring work staff and performance
• Provide feedback to staff
• Coach or train staff
• Manage staff, such as hiring, recruitment, and more
• Deal with client complaints
• Monitor and maintain inventory
• Keep and update medical records

Licensing Requirements to Become

If being a vet office manager seems like it’s for you, then you’ll want to pay close attention to the requirements to become one.

Qualifications for working as a vet office manager vary from state to state.

So, it’s important to double-check your state’s requirements.

Here’s an overview of how to become a vet office manager in Idaho.

Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements

Since the job requires a high level of accuracy and responsibility, most places want to have applicants be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.

However, those who have alternative degrees, such as a GED or relevant work experience, can still apply.

Other job requirements include experience in a managerial position or strong skills that relate to the job.

Once applicants have met these standards, they can then focus on meeting other requirements such as schooling or certificates.

Step 2: Certificates and On-the-Job Training

While not necessary, many offices like to see a managerial certificate, specifically one as a vet office manager.

However, related degrees such as business management, administration, or veterinary medicine will also qualify.

In Idaho, it is not necessary to hold any degree, as long as you have supplemental experience.

Many employers will want to see relevant positions or have you complete shadowing or on-the-job training.

Job experience in any management position will be accepted, but working inside a veterinary clinic as a receptionist or as a vet tech is often preferred.

That said, you can still shadow, volunteer, or complete on-the-job training if the clinic needs someone to fill the role.

Step 3: Continuing Education

While certificates can help boost your resume, completing a continued education program can demonstrate your competency.

In competitive job markets, having a continued education certificate or degree can help put you above other applicants.

However, it must be noted that these programs must be accredited by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and have a Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) certificate or a Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate.

Vet Office Manager Programs

The state of Idaho doesn’t require those to take a certificate program, but attending one can help boost your application.

If you’re interested in pursuing a certificate, then attending an online course will likely be your only option.

Below, we’ll cover what’s available in the state.

Ed2Go

Multiple institutions such as the College of Southern Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, and Idaho State University offer Ed2Go’s online vet office manager training program.

The course is self-paced and includes 382 course hours. Students will have 12 months to pass the course and will receive a certificate of completion.

The program costs $4,870 but can be found at a discount year-round.

If students can’t afford to pay outright for the program, they can apply to Affirm, which can give low monthly payments of $184.

However, not everyone will be accepted and payment is based on income and credit scores.

Salary

The average vet office manager’s salary is $79,607 but ranges between $70,534 to $87,682.

On the low end, the salary is averaged at $62,274, with the high end being $95,033.

The pay is often dependent upon location, skills, and expertise.

Regional Salary in Idaho