The terms "veterinary office manager" and "veterinary practice manager" are often incorrectly used interchangeably, they denote roles with differing scopes of responsibility and authority within a veterinary hospital. These differences are outlined in the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) job descriptions for Office Manager, Veterinary Practice Manager, and Hospital Administrator.
A veterinary practice manager typically requires a deeper and broader educational background and a comprehensive understanding of a veterinary practice's business and clinical aspects. In contrast, a veterinary office manager's depth of knowledge focuses more on clerical and operational functions within the office.
A good industry comparison would be a veterinary assistant vs a credentialed technician.
Veterinary Office Manager:
Primary Focus: This role usually concentrates on the day-to-day clerical tasks within the veterinary office. It includes managing the front desk, scheduling appointments, handling client communication, billing, and ensuring the office runs smoothly.
Responsibilities: They might oversee staff such as receptionists, manage inventory of office supplies, and ensure client records are accurately maintained.
Scope: Their role is often narrower and more focused on the operational aspects of the office environment rather than the broader business aspects of the practice.
Depth of Knowledge: Focuses on administrative and clerical skills, such as scheduling, customer service, and daily financial transactions with clients. Requires knowledge of office software and management systems. May require familiarity with medical terminology and veterinary-specific software to handle client records and communications efficiently.
Educational Level: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may prefer post-secondary education in office administration or related fields. Formal education is not commonly needed, although a certificate in veterinary office management or related coursework can be advantageous.
Other Common Job Titles: Front Desk Manager, Client Service Representative, Client Experience Manager, Team Leader, and CSR Lead
Compensation Trends: Median Salary $48,000/$25.37 hourly wage (VHMA’s 2023 Compensation and Benefits Report)
CVOM Certification Program Requirements:
• 1 year of management experience in select management duties
• 2 letters of recommendation
Recertification - every two (2) years, 18 hours of continuing education, and renewal fee
Veterinary Practice Manager:
Primary Focus: A practice manager typically has a broader scope encompassing the veterinary practice's overall management and business operations. This can include financial management, human resources, marketing, and strategic planning.
Responsibilities: They may oversee clinical and non-clinical staff, establish and implement policies and procedures, manage budgets and finances, and play a key role in business development and compliance.
Scope: The role is more encompassing, often requiring an understanding of the practice's business and clinical sides. Practice managers play a strategic role in the growth and efficiency of the practice.
Depth of Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of business management and veterinary practice operations is required. Must be knowledgeable about financial management, human resources, strategic planning, marketing, and compliance with veterinary laws and regulations. Understanding industry-specific concerns, such as animal healthcare trends, veterinary ethics, and regulatory issues, is crucial. It often involves advanced skills in leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Educational Level: Typically requires a higher level of education, such as an associate or bachelor's degree in business administration, veterinary technology, or a related field.
Other Common Job Titles: Hospital Manager, Hospital Operations Manager, Human Resource Manager, Marketing Manager, Supervisor, General Manager, Executive Director, Finance Manager, Regional Director of Operations, Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff.
Compensation Trends: Median Salary $65,000/$34.16 hourly wage (VHMA’s 2023 Compensation and Benefits Report)
CVPM Certification Program Requirements:
• 3 years of practice management experience in select management duties
• 18 college/university semester hours in management-related courses
• 48 hours of management-focused continuing education
• 4 letters of recommendation
Recertification - every two (2) years, 48 hours of continuing education, and renewal fee
Resource Links:
VHMA Job Descriptions for Office Manager, Practice Manager, and Hospital Administrator can be found here for free.
The VHMA publishes a bi-annual Compensation and Benefits Report for all team members.
A free executive summary of VHMA’s 2023 Report on Compensation and Benefits for Veterinary Managers can be found here.
The full report includes compensation characteristics broken down by position and responsibilities, credentials, years of experience, type of practice, years at the current location, split shifts, and geographical region. It is available to VHMA Members for free. Nonmembers may purchase it here.
VHMA Job Framework & Job Description for Veterinary Managers is a tool that presents the typical job framework for a veterinary practice management professional — in other words, the background for and qualifications of the job — and provides a job description that you can edit, personalize to your practice, print, and sign. You can download this free tool here.