There is a need for educated managers in the veterinary profession. Veterinarians want to practice their medical skills, leaving the business and management tasks to someone they can trust. This certificate program prepares a student to work as a Veterinary Practice Manager within the veterinary office. In addition to business, management and accounting courses, the program offers an Introduction to Veterinary Technology course and a course in Veterinary Law.
Working technicians or individuals who are employed in a veterinary clinic can improve their potential with this certificate. Graduates of the Veterinary Technology program or students who are currently in the program may take these courses to add to their training.
Completion of this certificate fulfills one step on the pathway to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) through the Veterinary Hospital Manager's Association (VHMA). To become a CVPM, one has to have been active as a practice manager for 3 of the last 7 years, have a minimum of 18 credits of management related courses, complete 48 hours of continuing education and obtain four (4) letters of recommendation to be eligible to sit for the practice manager’s exam. For more information visit https://www.vhma.org/home
Completion of the certificate can be completed in one year, starting in either the spring or fall semesters, through a guided pathway. Completion can also be done on a part time basis. The certificate includes courses that can only be taken in the summer semester.
Graduates from the Veterinary Practice Management Certificate will:
- Perform human resource functions such as staffing, scheduling, and employee management.
- Prepare financial statements and other business monitoring analyses.
- Prepare marketing strategies for a veterinary practice.
- Comply with veterinary and medical laws and regulations such as rabies compliance, controlled substance compliance, and veterinary practice act compliance.
- Review and utilize simple business contracts.
- Perform operational functions in a veterinary business such as inventory, ordering, scheduling, and client communications.
The successful Veterinary Manager will be emotionally and psychologically stable. In addition, graduates will be expected to establish priorities, be detail oriented, function effectively in emergency situations, and communicate in a professional manner.
Admissions Criteria
- Complete an application to the program.
- Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
- Place into English 110G or 111G.
- Show documented work experience (ex: a letter from the applicant’s supervisor or pay stubs) of at least 2 years in a veterinary clinic, or acceptance into the GBCC Veterinary Technology Program. Graduation or enrollment in another American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA) accredited Veterinary Technology program will fulfill this requirement.
In addition to Great Bay Community College transfer credit policies, transfer of courses in Veterinary Practice Management more than ten years old will be evaluated by the program coordinator on an individual basis.
Certificate Requirements
Choose one of the following:
3 credits