How to Become a Vet Office Manager in Iowa

Imagine entering a vet’s office with three dogs and two cats scheduled at the same time.

Cocoa’s records are sent to the back with Hiss, and nobody is scheduled to come to work today.

As you can imagine, this is a situation ripe for disaster, never mind a possible failure of the practice.

An efficient vet office manager is needed to keep all this from happening.

This position helps the business run smoothly and allows the vet to do what is needed to help people and their pets.

Let’s take a closer look at this important position.

What Does a Vet Office Manager Do in Iowa?

A vet office manager has duties that often combine both office and pet care duties.

Office management duties include such activities as inventory management, hiring and training, doing payroll, and taking care of billing and payouts.

It includes keeping accurate records on each pet and being able to find these records whenever asked.

You will also need to make sure scheduling is done to best cover staffing needs.

As for people/pet-related skills, the vet office manager needs to be able to calm pet owners who may be scared, help restrain pets if necessary, assist the vet if needed, and answer pet-related questions both in person and on the phone.

You are essentially the go-between for the vet and pet owners.

What Are the Licensing Requirements for a Vet Office Manager in Iowa?

Iowa does not require vet office managers to be licensed, but vet practices may have their own requirements.

This is especially true in larger practices or those within larger cities.

Two options are available for those seeking greater credentials to increase their chances of a higher-paying job.

The VHMA offers both a CVPM as well as the newer CVCM.

The CVPM is a certification that requires you to take a test after you qualify to apply.

To apply, you must show at least three years of experience as a vet office manager, have completed 18 college credit hours, and provide four letters of recommendation.

The CVCM has less strict requirements.

For this, you need two letters of recommendation and one year of office management experience.

Veterinary Office Manager Programs in Iowa

Des Moines Area Community College

The program at Des Moines Area Community College takes a total of two years, but you will be prepared to sit for the American Veterinary Medical Association test.

This intense course covers all the office management basics as well as the basics necessary to assist a vet.

This will give you added skills that many applying for such a position will not have.

In addition to learning all you need to run an office, from paperwork to billing to human resource management, you will also be given instructions on vaccines, restraining animals, taking vitals, caring for minor wounds, and more.

Iowa Western Community College

The program at Iowa Western Community College is a self-paced one that is meant to be finished in one year.

It cost a total of $3795. In all, you will undergo instruction for 382 hours and will cover both office manager duties such as QuickBooks, Excel, and Word, but also management skills such as communication with employees and maintaining medical records.

You will also learn basic animal care topics such as communicable diseases, vaccines, anatomy, and common illnesses.

Hawkeye Community College

The one-year course at Hawkeye Community College will earn you 41 credits.

The cost is $227 per credit hour.

Subjects taught during this course include medical and pharmacology terminology, basic restraints, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, office procedures such as payroll and basic accounting, and more.

Upon completion, you will know all you need to run a vet office efficiently.

This includes helping when needed in animal care.

How Much Does a Vet Office Manager Make in Iowa?

Vet office managers in Iowa average approximately $37.36 an hour.

This translates into a yearly salary of $77,701.

The salary in Iowa is on the higher end of the pay scale for this position, and actual pay will vary depending on experience and where the practice is located.

Regional Salary in Iowa