The most successful veterinary office managers across Pennsylvania share many commonalities.
Although the role can be challenging and hectic, it’s also advantageous to know you are helping care for animals and giving their owners peace of mind.
The best vet office managers help move the business forward, manage the staff, drive growth, and keep the pets comfortable, and their parents happy.
They all love animals and want to be part of the veterinary business’s success.
To become a vet office manager in Pennsylvania, there are a series of important steps.
Keep reading to learn more!
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania vet office managers have many responsibilities, including the following:
- Collaborating with doctors, owners, and other stakeholders to manage the financial aspects of the business.
- Creating and executing protocols and processes.
- Handling equipment and medication inventory.
- Managing software and systems.
- Monitoring the performance of the practice.
- Training, hiring, and supervising employees.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
Pennsylvania does not require vet office managers to become licensed by the state, nor does the state have educational requirements.
However, it’s always beneficial to follow the process below to differentiate from the workforce competition.
One: Earn a High School Diploma
All training programs and employers require the completion of a high school diploma.
If you know your career path will lead to a business or veterinary function, focusing on classes around these subjects will help advance your education after graduation.
Two: Complete a Training Program
Some vet office managers opt for a 12-month certificate focusing on vet office management specifically, while others choose a more well-rounded bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Three: Gain Working Experience
While in school, it’s beneficial to work in an office or veterinary facility to better understand the nuances of the practice and how it operates.
This real-world experience will greatly complement your classroom training.
Four: Find a Job
The ultimate goal of completing a training program and gaining working experience is to find a job at a competitive salary.
While using the Internet for your job search is beneficial, don’t make it your only resource.
Speak to friends, family, and former schoolmates, and join professional organizations to expand your network.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Chesapeake College
Students in the vet office manager certificate training program offered by Chesapeake College will learn the physiology and anatomy of organ systems, data creation and transfer, account and financial document analysis, and basic accounting principles.
Other topics cover bookkeeping, animal restraint techniques, preparing blood samples, and the overall duties of a vet office manager.
The self-paced online program takes around 18 months to complete and costs $4,000, including all materials.
Harcum College
Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Harcum College offers a veterinary nursing program that opens the door for graduates across many veterinary fields, including office management.
The program takes six semesters to complete, and students will be prepared to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
Since the program has a clinical element as part of the curriculum, this program must be completed in person.
Manor College
Manor College has a business administration online degree with a specialization in veterinary practice management.
Students will gain foundational knowledge to prepare them for leadership positions across various veterinary and animal-related facilities.
Graduates will be trained to work as veterinary office managers, hospital administrators, hospital directors, and clinical managers, in pet grooming and adoption centers, and wildlife rescue care.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers a 12-month, entirely online veterinary practice management certificate, which also prepares students for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager certification exam.
The curriculum covers establishing financial business goals, how to be an effective leader, understanding ethical and legal requirements within the business, and delivering excellent customer service.
The tuition cost is $1,500 with monthly payment plans available.
Top 4 Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Chesapeake College | 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679, USA |
| Harcum College | 750 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, United States |
| Manor College | 700 Fox Chase Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046, USA |
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
Salary
The national median salary for a vet office manager is $85,324, with pay ranging from $66,746 to $101,858.
The median salary in Pennsylvania is $90,102, with pay ranging from $70,484 to $107,562.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Vet Office Managers in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Greensburg | $79,590 |
| Altoona | $77,662 |
| Harrisburg | $83,250 |
| Reading | $84,206 |
| Scranton | $81,347 |
| Johnstown | $75,733 |
| Lancaster | $83,370 |
| Lebanon | $82,585 |
| West Chester | $87,448 |
| Philadelphia | $89,180 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 420 | $110,430 | $53.09 | $168,700 | $62,880 |
| Altoona, PA | 40 | $85,790 | $41.25 | $128,830 | $42,540 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 50 | $110,360 | $53.06 | $157,740 | $58,280 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 50 | $96,470 | $46.38 | $152,770 | $51,830 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | 40 | $95,960 | $46.14 | $151,080 | $30,960 |
| Erie, PA | 90 | $81,970 | $39.41 | $131,950 | $46,670 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 610 | $103,590 | $49.81 | $152,120 | $60,900 |
| Lancaster, PA | 190 | $94,400 | $45.38 | $152,120 | $47,920 |
| Lebanon, PA | 40 | $91,660 | $44.07 | $133,110 | $46,630 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 4,480 | $123,930 | $59.58 | $190,130 | $58,270 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,360 | $109,790 | $52.78 | $194,750 | $48,450 |
| Reading, PA | 160 | $96,900 | $46.59 | $157,430 | $48,030 |
| State College, PA | 160 | $125,110 | $60.15 | $183,430 | $68,540 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 140 | $99,210 | $47.7 | $153,540 | $47,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the skills of great vet office managers?
The best office managers have perfected the following skills:
- Exceptional communication – having the ability to effectively communicate with staff and clients will ensure continued success.
- Fantastic organization – since there are so many parts to operating a successful business, it’s essential to have excellent organization.
- Hold a passion for animals – while this may be obvious, it’s important to have a passion for animals and their well-being.
- Lead by example – the best leaders in any industry lead by example, so your team is clear on processes and managing different situations.
- Strong leadership – the best vet office managers inspire their team to be the best they can be.
- Time management – since vet office managers must be multitasking with their teams, the best have strong time management skills.
Is there a demand for vet office managers in Pennsylvania?
The national job outlook for veterinary fields, including office managers, is growing.
Although the position fluctuates with the economy, owners always want to give their pets the best care possible within their financial means, thus creating growth.
How long do you need to go to school to become a Pennsylvania vet office manager?
Although there are no formal educational requirements from the state, the minimum program time is 12 months for a fast-tracked online program.
