How to Become a Vet Office Manager in New Mexico

Animals are all around us every day.

And, like humans, sometimes they just don’t feel well.

Many think of typical pets as cats, dogs, and bunnies.

But in the varied and sometimes rural areas of New Mexico, there are horses, deer, elk, cows, chickens, snakes, bears, and birds of all types.

Working in a veterinary clinic or hospital as an office manager in New Mexico can be an exciting and worthwhile career.

Vet Office Manager Duties in New Mexico

Veterinary office managers in New Mexico function in a wide range of duties.

Of course, a love of animals is mandatory, and general office skills such as computer knowledge, keeping records, and OSHA safety are all part of the job description.

But vet office organizers, depending on the size of the practice, could also be responsible for appointment scheduling, bookkeeping, inventory, purchasing, and fee collections.

They are also involved in patient records, so a basic understanding of medical terminology and medicine is helpful.

Patience is always a plus when interacting with and educating clients, both human and animal.

Unfortunately, not all illnesses resolve positively, so an ability to handle grief and follow protocols is required.

Licensing Requirements to Become A Vet Office Manager in New Mexico

New Mexico has no licensing requirements for veterinary office managers, although there are requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Most veterinary offices look for an office manager with some knowledge and experience with both animals and office management.

There is also a national certification, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential, that can highlight your dedication to this profession.

It is offered through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

According to the VHMA website, candidates for CVPM Certification must have the following qualifications to apply for the exam:

• Three years of employment as a practice manager
• Eighteen college-level hours of management, including:
• Accounting
• Computer science
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Law and Ethics
• Four letters of recommendation
• Pay an application and examination fee – $825 for VHMA non-members ($675 for members).

The CVPM credential exam is roughly 3.5 hours and 200 multiple-choice, short answer questions covering HR, marketing, and finance.

Questions that cover business structure, law, and ethical considerations are also included in the exam.

These highly respected certificates are valid for two years.

Renewal requires a fee of $225 and an accumulation of forty-eight continuing education hours.

Vet Office Manager Programs in New Mexico

Several well-respected programs in New Mexico focus on veterinary practice office management.

A few require in-person studies.

However, some programs can be completed 100% online in a self-directed manner with support from the university.

The University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico’s continuing education department offers a Veterinary Office Management curriculum that is 100% online.

It provides comprehensive training for non-clinical workers in the veterinary field.

In New Mexico, a High School Diploma or GED is encouraged but not required to register for the 12-month program.

The syllabus lists the following courses:

• Microsoft Essentials
• Veterinary Team Culture and Communication
• Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology and Anatomy
• Small-Animal Behavior and Restraint
• Pharmacy Procedures
• Hospital Safety and Infection Control

The veterinary office management certification is self-directed with open enrollment, meaning you can start whenever you are ready.

The full fee for the program is $ 4,870, payable upon registration.

Student loans and Pell Grants do not apply.

However, there are discounts for military personnel and other unique categories.

Payment plans are available.

Students will be prepared to sit for the CVPM and QuickBooks certifications.

Both certification application fees are included in the tuition, as are books and ebooks.

San Juan College

San Juan College’s Veterinary Practice Management 34-credit hour pathway is designed to provide a core education with coursework that includes English, math, psychology, and interpersonal communications.

It also gives students the knowledge and hands-on skills to be confident in the office manager role at both veterinary clinics and hospitals.

The syllabus includes veterinary business and office procedures and accounting.

Available at the main campus in Farmington, the VPM is part of the Certificate program and takes roughly 18 months to complete.

Admission to San Juan College is open to all high school graduates or those who have a GED.

Petitions for non-standard enrollments are also considered on a case-by-case basis.

Cost is based on San Juan College enrollment; $61 per credit hour for residents and $195 for non-residents plus additional fees.

Financial Aid is available.

Estimated annual costs range between $ 16,000 and $20,000.

Western New Mexico University

Based in Silver City, Western New Mexico University offers a comprehensive 100% online veterinary office management program.

It is similar in scope, content, and cost to its sister school, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Salary For Vet Office Manager In New Mexico

The Office Manager position for Veterinary services is a growing field.

The average national salary for an experienced Vet Practice Manager hovers around $85,300 annually.

In New Mexico, the median salary is $78,800.

Compensation ranges from an entry-level salary of $51,500 to $93,900 for exceptionally trained and certified individuals.

Salaries can also depend on proximity to a larger city, years of experience, and animal specialty.

Regional Salary in New Mexico