Working with animals is a job many people strive for, but not all people are comfortable with a completely hands-on experience with animal care.
This can be especially true of practices that cater to farm animals, as do many in Nebraska.
A great position that will allow you to feel you are making a difference in the lives of animals, while still using the office skills you are more comfortable with, is that of vet office manager.
Let’s dive in a little deeper.
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What Does a Vet Office Manager Do in Nebraska?
A vet office manager has a wide variety of duties.
These can include, but are not limited to:
- Hiring and training staff
- Keeping patient records
- Financial activities such as billing, insurance, and purchasing
- Keeping inventory stocked
- Answering phones
- Setting up appointments
- Comforting pets and their owners
It is the job of the vet office manager to know what is going on at all times and react accordingly.
They need to be quick-thinking, stay calm, and keep others calm in all situations.
What Are the Licensing Requirements for a Vet Office Manager in Nebraska?
Nebraska doesn’t have official licensing requirements for their vet office managers.
Still, very often, the individual vet practices will make their hiring decision based on how much experience or training the person has.
This being the case, it is a good idea to show you have what it takes.
This often includes completing a program on office management, as well as having basic knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior, and diseases.
Another thing you can do to increase your chances is to get your CVPM or CVCM which is issued by the VHMA.
The second is a certificate that requires two letters of recommendation and at least a year of experience in office management.
The first is the ultimate goal. It requires qualifying by having over three years of experience and 18 credit hours of higher education.
You also need four letters of recommendation.
Once you have these, you qualify to take the test and must pass it.
Veterinary Office Manager Programs in Nebraska
Metropolitan Community College
The program run by the Metropolitan Community College costs a total of $2299 and lasts a year.
This program covers office duties, including phone communication, record-taking, computer basics, and basic bookkeeping.
You will also study subjects such as medical terminology, diagnostics, therapies, anatomy and physiology, and basic healthcare of small animals.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
This extensive program earns you an Associate’s degree and takes two years to complete.
You will earn 71 credit hours.
Residents of Nebraska pay $277 a credit, and non-residents pay $888 per credit.
This program offers many choices that others do not.
In addition to all the normal office management skills you will need, you also have the option of taking Spanish courses related to vet practices, attending calving labs, or specializing in farm veterinarian offices.
You can also opt for a safari program that will allow you to manage a zoo vet office.
Finally, equine-specific classes are also offered.
Western Nebraska Community College
The Western Nebraska Community College program is 382 hours long and costs $3795.
Classes include Excel, Word, and basic accounting.
You also learn the basics of animal care, such as nutrition and vaccines, and you learn effective communication strategies for dealing with staff and clients.
Top 3 Schools in Nebraska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | 5300 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111, USA |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 1400 R St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 1601 E 27th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA |
How Much Does a Vet Office Manager Make in Nebraska?
Vet office managers in Nebraska are among the highest-paid.
The average office manager earns $78,383 yearly.
This breaks down to $37.92 per hour.
Larger offices and bigger city offices will often pay more, but a lot will depend on what kind of animals are seen, what your office duties include, and how much experience or training you bring to the table.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Vet Office Managers in Nebraska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bellevue | $80,853 |
| Norfolk | $75,921 |
| Fremont | $79,445 |
| North Platte | $78,105 |
| Grand Island | $78,506 |
| Omaha | $80,853 |
| Hastings | $78,506 |
| Kearney | $78,506 |
| Lincoln | $79,615 |
| Cortland | $78,731 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 50 | $102,700 | $49.38 | $165,260 | $55,510 |
| Lincoln, NE | 480 | $100,530 | $48.33 | $157,650 | $61,500 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 1,190 | $110,930 | $53.33 | $169,280 | $63,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of animals are seen by vet practices in Nebraska, and how does that affect the office running?
The normal veterinary practice in Nebraska sees mainly dogs and cats, but rural practices may see such animals as cows, horses, pigs, and sheep or goats.
Some practices specialize in small pets such as birds and mice or hamsters.
Why is the pay for vet office managers so high in Nebraska?
Nebraska pays its office managers a very high wage because they are a state where many animals are the backbone of the economy.
While the average pet owner loves their pet, farms depend upon the animals they raise.
Taking care of these animals requires a special type of training.
What kind of skills are necessary to be a good vet office manager?
A great office manager needs to be organized and dependable.
They need to be patient and empathetic and able to communicate effectively with many different types of people, including in emergencies.
The office manager must be fair and focused on detail.
They must be knowledgeable and able to adapt quickly.
They also need practical computer skills, bookkeeping knowledge, leadership training, and people skills.
