How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Indiana

If you’re interested in a non-clinical role working in a vet clinic, then you’ll be happy to know that there are other job positions, such as a vet office manager.

A vet office manager is much different from a clinical job, as you won’t be in charge of any medical treatment.

Instead, you’ll take on a managerial role that helps ensure that the veterinary clinic runs smoothly.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then we’ll walk you through how to become a vet office manager in Indiana.

Vet Office Manager Duties in Indiana

There are many duties a vet office manager will need to complete to have the clinic running smoothly.

They will be in charge of many managerial tasks, such as keeping track of inventory, staff, and bookkeeping.

However, the job goes even further, as you may also take on the responsibilities of other staff members.

This can include training staff, aiding vet techs with animals, and implementing policies.

You may also be responsible for contacting patients, scheduling appointments, and dealing with any customer issues that may arise.

That said, being a vet office manager is a wonderful job and allows you to help assist staff in ensuring the safety of the animals in the clinic.

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

A vet office manager’s requirements will change depending on the state you reside in.

For example, those in Indiana won’t need any certificate to practice.

However, having a certificate or relevant experience can help demonstrate competency.

That said, you may also complete other degree programs and qualify to work as a vet office manager.

Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements

As a vet office manager, you’ll be responsible for aiding staff to keep animals healthy.

That is why you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate strong responsibility and organizational skills.

However, you will also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as completing a GED program.

Step 2: Certificate, Degree, or Training

Those looking to work as a vet office manager will have multiple routes they can take education-wise to qualify for the position.

The easiest method is to gain relevant work experience or training in a related field or position.

Those who have had previous experience working in a managerial position will often be qualified.

On the other hand, you may also attend a certificate or degree program.

A certificate program will be either a vet office manager certificate or a vet practice manager. However, neither is necessary.

Lastly, those wanting to continue their education or can’t find any places to train them can alternatively take a degree program.

This can be in administration, business management, or veterinary practice.

That said, you will also need to educate yourself on the veterinary clinic and how it operates.

Step 3: Continuing Education

Those looking to work in a management position as a career can alternatively take a continuing education program.

This means that they can gain a certificate after completing a two- or four-year degree.

The program must be accepted by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and include the Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certificate.

Vet Office Manager Programs

There are multiple ways to gain certification, mainly with most courses being held online.

In the state of Indiana, there are a few different colleges that offer online programs.

However, keep in mind that other degrees are also acceptable as long as they focus on managerial skills.

Ed2Go

Ed2Go is an online platform that offers self-paced, online certificate programs.

Currently, Northwest University and Indiana Tech offer the Ed2Go program through their institutions.

The course is completely online and allows students to start whenever they please.

The program spans over 382 course hours and must be completed in 12 months.

Those who don’t won’t be able to get a certificate of completion.

The program covers topics such as office management skills, QuickBooks, and more.

Tuition costs are $4,870, but may sometimes be found at discounted prices.

If a student can’t pay for the course upfront, then they can try to apply to Affirm, which breaks up the payments.

Affirm allows students to pay as low as $184 a month, but not everyone will qualify.

Daniels School of Business

Another alternative is the Daniels School of Business, which has paired with Purdue University, which offers a veterinary practice management program.

This program is all online and covers a variety of topics, including finance, marketing, and human resource skills.

The course is CVMP-qualified and discounts are available.

To get exact details, one will need to contact the school at vpmp@purdue.edu.

Salary

The average vet office manager’s salary is $82,764 but ranges between $73,332 to $91,159.

On the low end, the salary is averaged at $64,744, with the high end being $98,802.

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

Regional Salary in Indiana