Although Massachusetts is small, it has a decent-sized population due to Boston, which means the state is home to many animal lovers who want the best for their pets.
If you have a passion for helping animals during a dire time of need or just ensuring their well-being, then consider becoming a vet office manager.
This role allows you to contribute to animal health without being involved in medical procedures or surgeries.
As a vet office manager, your daily functions align with keeping the office running efficiently and smoothly.
To learn more about becoming a vet office manager in Massachusetts, keep reading!
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Massachusetts
Vet office managers work across various veterinary facilities, including hospitals, animal clinics, specialty locations, and animal rescue organizations.
Their roles are similar to general office managers or administrative assistants, only in a different industry.
While every office has different processes, the most common responsibilities include hiring, training, and supervising support staff, ordering supplies, billing pet owners, and scheduling appointments.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
When applying to become a vet office manager, you typically need 1-7 years of work experience and, at a minimum, a high school diploma.
However, most hiring managers are now looking for completed vet office manager training programs, which teach accounting and office management basics.
Also, the state does not require licensure, but earning certifications can only help your career.
To become a vet office manager in Massachusetts, complete the following steps:
Step One: Finish High School
At the bare minimum, you must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be considered for any position within the veterinary field.
Therefore, while applying to programs, it’s important to earn your high school diploma.
Step Two: Enroll in a Program
The next step is to research and enroll in a training program.
Although this is not required by the state, it’s highly favorable amongst hiring managers to have an educational background.
Most programs can be taken online, if you want the flexibility to work or spend time with family and friends while finishing the curriculum.
Some opt for shorter 12-month programs while others want to pursue an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree.
To become a vet office manager, you don’t only need a vet office management certificate, as earning a degree in business administration creates a similar foundation.
Step Three: Earn a Certification
One of the best options is to earn is the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) certification.
This requires enrolling in their specific program and passing an examination at the end of the course.
The organization offers numerous Massachusetts testing centers for convenience, and the examination fees are $675 for VHMA members and $825 for non-members.
Step Four: Find a Job
The final step is to find a job at a clinical, hospital, or specialty center that you like, pays well, and has a reasonable commute.
Although the certification will further differentiate you from the competition, the exam fees are expensive, so it might be best to find a position first, then have the vet office pay for the test.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Massachusetts has various vet office manager training programs, including:
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
MRVTS offers the Monty Tech Veterinary Science program, which gives students a strong foundation in all functions of animal science.
The curriculum introduces students to different breeds and species, where they learn to compare animal physiology and anatomy.
The curriculum ranges from genetics and reproduction to all aspects of a veterinary practice, including office management skills.
The program is a four-year commitment but prepares students to become veterinary assistants, technicians, surgical technologists, shelter care and medicine specialists, and vet office managers.
Massasoit Community College
MCC offers a 12-month, self-paced vet office manager course for $3,800, including fees, books, and other materials.
Since the program is entirely online, students have the flexibility to work while pursuing the certificate or spend time with family and friends.
During the program, students learn the primary duties of a vet office manager, such as creating and sending data for the most impact, accounting, basic bookkeeping skills, dental and surgical procedure assistance, and knowledge of animal nutrition.
Top 2 Schools in Massachusetts
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School | 1050 Westminster St, Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA |
| Massasoit Community College | 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, MA 02302, United States |
Salary
The median annual compensation for vet office managers is $85,324, with pay ranging from $66,74 to $101,858.
In comparison, the median pay in Massachusetts is significantly higher at $95,648, with pay ranging from $74,823 to $114,183.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Vet Office Managers in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington | $95,161 |
| Cambridge | $95,161 |
| Holyoke | $88,429 |
| Malden | $95,161 |
| Springfield | $88,429 |
| Taunton | $92,235 |
| Plymouth | $91,279 |
| Quincy | $95,161 |
| Medford | $95,161 |
| Pittsfield | $87,533 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 140 | $102,120 | $49.1 | $142,860 | $67,320 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 6,990 | $142,800 | $68.66 | $226,690 | $79,450 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 50 | $116,160 | $55.85 | $159,060 | $64,210 |
| New Bedford, MA | 60 | $109,300 | $52.55 | $171,210 | $67,040 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 60 | $115,740 | $55.64 | $167,150 | $66,930 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 410 | $113,660 | $54.64 | $169,990 | $65,580 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 480 | $124,970 | $60.08 | $185,100 | $72,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/vet-office-manager/
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/vet-office-manager-massachusetts/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall job satisfaction level for vet office managers in Massachusetts?
Most who hold this position report excellent job satisfaction due to a combination of high salary, excellent growth outlook, and helping animals in their time of need.
What degree is required to become a vet office manager in Massachusetts?
Although the state does not require additional education beyond a high school diploma, most clinics demand that their vet office managers complete a training program.
Some earn a 12-month certificate in vet office management, while others earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which applies to this position.
The higher the educational level, the higher the starting salary.
How is the job outlook for vet office managers?
The projected outlook for vet office managers, ranging from 2020 to 2030, is approximately 20 percent.
As the population grows, more people are adopting pets and want the best possible care for them, which means a higher demand for veterinarians and office managers.
