How to Become a Vet Office Manager in New Jersey

Did you grow up with pets?

Do you love helping animals?

Do you want to make this a full-time career without the lengthy educational commitment?

If so, then consider a career as a veterinary office manager!

In this position, you will be managing the front office activities like billing, scheduling, bookkeeping, supervising, and training a team.

Best of all, you don’t need extensive schooling to enter this position.

Before becoming a vet office manager, it’s important to learn more about the duties, New Jersey Licensure requirements, process, and programs.

Keep reading to learn more!

Vet Office Manager Duties in New Jersey

The vet office manager wears many hats at the practice, with the most important being managing the upfront office activities.

Although your specific duties may vary based on the veterinary facility type, there are many common administrative tasks that you will perform.

For instance, you will be required to hire and train new employees, schedule the staff, and oversee the administrative and reception departments.

Also, vet office managers are responsible for marketing, human resources tasks, and financial duties like accounting and bookkeeping.

While you’re ensuring the front office operates smoothly, the veterinarian and support staff are responsible for providing check-ups, treatment, and other services to the animals.

Vet office managers are rarely directly involved with animals but help in other behind-the-scenes aspects.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager

New Jersey does not require a license for vet office managers.

However, many are licensed in other areas of veterinary medicine, such as licensed veterinary technician or certified veterinary practice manager.

The state still requires you to register as part of your hiring responsibilities.

To become a vet office manager in New Jersey, follow these steps:

One: High School Completion

Like all other states, New Jersey requires a high school diploma or GED to start the vet office manager career process.

Two: Complete a Training Program

Although the state doesn’t require a training program to enter the field, most veterinary hiring managers want to see completion of a program with a resulting degree.

Many students opt for a year-long certificate program that teaches the basics of vet office management.

Others pursue associate degrees in veterinary technician or business administration.

Some candidates opt for a bachelor’s degree in business administration to surpass the competition.

Three: Earn a Certification

Although earning a certificate is not necessary, it can help differentiate you from the competition.

The best-known certification is offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, which requires you to pass an examination to become certified.

The organization offers testing centers across New Jersey for easy access.

The fee for members is $675, while non-members must pay $825.

Four: Gain Work Experience

An excellent way to hone your office management skills is to get a job in a vet clinic while going to school.

Working in an office setting is highly appealing to hiring managers and can help you get a jump-start on specific skills.

It could also lead to future positions after graduation.

Five: Improve Management Skills

While in school, you may wish to take a few management classes to improve your skills.

Working in an office will also help you learn more about managing others, even if through observation.

The best management skills learned are leadership, organization, and communication.

Six: Apply for a Position

Once you have an educational background, some experience, and the confidence to excel in this field, you must apply for an open position.

Although scouring the Internet for available roles is helpful, don’t limit yourself to one area.

Ask friends and family, former school colleagues, or contact other professionals from past work experiences.

Also, it’s highly beneficial to join professional organizations.

Vet Office Manager Programs

Bergen Community College

BCC offers a 12-month certificate program that costs $3,800 and is only available in an online format.

The coursework covers basic accounting principles, common software used by practices, nutrition, administering medication, vaccines, prescription preparation, sending information, reporting, and financial documentation analysis.

Manor College

Manor College has a four-year veterinary practice management program that couples with business administration.

This major provides the foundational coursework required for students to become vet office managers in animal-related practices.

The program is comprehensive and gives students enough information to become certified vet technicians as well as office managers.

Rowan University

Located in South Jersey, Rowan University offers a veterinary office management program that gives you the skills necessary to manage the various business responsibilities of a veterinary practice.

The program teaches you Microsoft Office skills, QuickBooks Online, anatomy and physiology of major bodily systems, bookkeeping, accounting fundamentals, management, and other requirements for success.

Salary

The median annual compensation for a vet office manager in New Jersey is $96,416, which is more than $10,000 more than the national median.

The pay in New Jersey ranges from $75,423 to $115,099, which is also $10,000 or more than the national pay range.

Being a vet office manager in New Jersey can be incredibly lucrative.

Regional Salary in New Jersey

Source

https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/vet-office-manager/