People don’t often realize that without a well-managed office, most businesses would not succeed.
This includes such necessary places as doctors’ offices and veterinary practices.
The vet office manager is the one who makes sure everything runs smoothly so that the vet and their techs can treat animals to keep them well and take care of any medical issues.
This position is responsible for taking care of the paperwork involved and the personnel, other than the vet.
It is an essential position for a well-run practice.
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What Does a Vet Office Manager Do in Missouri?
A vet office manager in Missouri is responsible for the day-to-day running of the office.
This can include answering phones, scheduling appointments, hiring and training staff members, and dealing with financial matters such as payroll, billing, and insurance.
In addition, this person needs to make sure the filing system is up-to-date and easily accessible by anyone who needs a particular record.
They are also in charge of dealing with any office complaints and helping keep pet owners as calm and focused as possible during emergencies.
What Are the Licensing Requirements for a Vet Office Manager in Missouri?
Missouri does not require that its vet office managers hold a license, but many employers will look for employees who are skilled in running an office and knowledgeable about at least the basics of animal care.
Taking a program with this position in mind can make a difference in the amount of pay you can expect, as well as what opportunities are open to you.
In addition to office management degrees or certificates, the VHMA offers a test that can be taken once you have at least three years of office management experience and have completed at least 18 college credits.
You will also need to have four letters of recommendation.
The less prestigious CVCM requires one year of management experience and two letters of recommendation.
Veterinary Office Manager Programs in Missouri
Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College has a 22-credit course.
The cost for in-state students is $121 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $320 per credit hour.
You will receive a certificate upon completion.
Subjects you will study include Introduction to Vet Practice Management, Vet Terminology, Animal Diseases, Animal Care and Sanitation, and subjects such as Human Resource Management, Communication, and Legal Consideration in a Vet Practice.
University of Central Missouri
The program at the University of Central Missouri costs $4299.
It runs a total of 270 hours.
During that time, you will learn computer fundamentals such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
You will learn about finances, client management, and medical ethics.
You will also be instructed on lab and surgical procedures and the basic anatomy of small animals.
Missouri Valley College
The Missouri Valley College offers an Associate’s degree that can be earned within two years.
It costs a total of $22,000.
In addition to normal front office duties such as computer work, client communication, and management duties, you will also learn many animal-related topics that will help you when communicating with both staff and clients.
The animal-related subjects include anatomy, taking vitals, nutrition, vaccines, preparing prescriptions, reproduction and sterilization, and euthanasia.
While some of these subjects are difficult to discuss, knowing the basics will help you communicate with pet families who may be facing difficult decisions.
Top 3 Schools in Missouri
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | 5300 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111, USA |
| University of Central Missouri | 116 W South St, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA |
| Missouri Valley College | 500 E College St, Marshall, MO 65340, United States |
How Much Does a Vet Office Manager Make in Missouri?
Missouri is on the upper end of the pay scale for vet office managers.
The average vet office manager can expect to earn an annual salary of $77,596, or $37.31 an hour.
Pay will vary depending on the amount of experience you have but also on the location of the practice and how much responsibility you may have.
The size of the individual practice and what specialized pet care they provide can also influence pay.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Vet Office Managers in Missouri
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Blue Springs | $82,849 |
| Chesterfield | $81,936 |
| Kansas City | $83,165 |
| Saint Peters | $81,800 |
| Saint Louis | $82,440 |
| Joplin | $74,982 |
| Columbia | $82,175 |
| Lees Summit | $82,849 |
| Springfield | $75,665 |
| Florissant | $82,303 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 60 | $73,940 | $35.55 | $122,480 | $36,390 |
| Columbia, MO | 230 | $102,560 | $49.31 | $166,310 | $45,880 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 110 | $87,290 | $41.97 | $139,640 | $41,470 |
| Joplin, MO | 60 | $90,750 | $43.63 | $152,830 | $37,190 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 1,200 | $114,800 | $55.19 | $168,460 | $57,230 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 50 | $91,140 | $43.82 | $127,850 | $55,000 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 1,910 | $106,170 | $51.04 | $167,350 | $47,910 |
| Springfield, MO | 250 | $91,660 | $44.07 | $148,090 | $44,740 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What personal skills does a vet office manager in Missouri need to possess?
To be a successful vet office manager, you must love animals, be patient, be organized and focused on detail, and be able to stay calm during an emergency.
You must exhibit fairness, empathy, and the willingness to listen.
What college classes would benefit a vet office manager?
In addition to classes in filing, computer programs such as Word and Excel, and basic bookkeeping, you would also benefit from classes in animal anatomy and animal diseases.
Basic management classes are always beneficial, and a Psychology class or two could prove helpful.
Is there a chance for advancement for a vet office manager in Missouri?
Unfortunately, the only chance for actual advancement from the position of vet office manager is to find a higher-paying position at a larger practice or one that simply pays more.
However, many vet practices are open to training those who work there and you may have the opportunity to become a vet tech over time.
