Veterinary Receptionists are an essential part of a veterinary practice. They are often the first face you see upon entering the building, and the last face you see when exiting.
The impression that Veterinary Receptionist gives to clients and pets is lasting, making their role in a clinic extremely important.
What Are The Duties and Responsibilities of a Veterinary Receptionist?
A Veterinary Receptionist has a list of responsibilities that help the clinic function as a whole. From reassuring uneasy clients to processing payment at the end of a visit, each of these duties will require care and attention.
Some of the daily tasks of a Veterinary Receptionist include:
- Greeting clients who enter the clinic with a warm and welcoming tone.
- Assessing pets that enter the clinic, and making sure a pet does not need immediate care.
- Answer questions a client might have about their pet, their visit, or general inquiries.
- Check-in incoming patients.
- Alerting the veterinarian or technician of a patient’s arrival.
- Update and file patient charts.
- Answering phone calls, which may include answering questions or scheduling appointments.
- Handle incoming and outgoing emails.
- Retrieve prescriptions.
- Process payments from customers whether credit card, cash, etc.
- Assist with purchases such as pet supply, pet food, or other pet-related items.
- Maintain the cleanliness of any assigned areas.
- Any additional assigned tasks.
How to Become a Veterinary Receptionist?
The requirements to become a Veterinary Receptionist will vary depending on each clinic and its own set rules. Generally, it is ideal for a candidate to have some experience in customer service, experience handling some sort of sales, and a positive attitude that makes for a cheerful work environment.
While a college degree is not necessary in most countries, there is an option to complete a Veterinary Receptionist Certificate course offered by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.)
This course can be completed in three semesters, and offers an in depth training course that helps to prepare you for a career as a skilled Veterinary Receptionist. This course also offers career guidance and internships for qualified applicants.
Which skills do Veterinary Receptionists Need?
When it comes to being a Veterinary Receptionist, there are a few skills that you must require in order to excel in the position.
- Organizational skills: As a receptionist, you will have several tasks to juggle on a daily basis. Organizational skills are required to help these tasks run smoothly. Ability to manage incoming calls, patients, and any other office operations at once is essential.
- Interpersonal skills: As a receptionist, you will be working closely with clients, in person and over the phone. You should require the skills to feel comfortable in each of these scenarios.
- Stamina: Physical and mental stamina is essential in this career. You will have long and tiring days, and encounter many mentally challenging scenarios.
- Customer service skills: When working with clients, you will need some general customer service skills. The ability to keep clients calm, and meet their needs is essential in an operating animal clinic.
- Compassion: In this field, you will be faced with emotional clients. Our pets are our loved ones, and you will need to be sensitive to this fact when working with clients and their ill pets.
- Understanding of technology: A general understanding of new technology will help to maneuver daily tasks in the animal clinic setting.
Veterinary Receptionist Salary
A Veterinary Receptionist salary will vary depending on location, type of practice, and seniority.
On average, a veterinary receptionist can expect to make anywhere from $20,000-$30,000 a year in the US. Skilled receptionists could make up to $45,000 a year when working in a specialty facility or gaining on the job experience.
In Europe, Veterinary Receptionists will make on average 15,000-21,000 Euros, while reaching up to 26,000 Euros for skilled Veterinary Receptionists.
Veterinary Receptionists in New Zealand can expect to make an average of 40,000 NZD per year.
Appreciate your Vet Receptionists!
Summary
Did you know that Vet Receptionists have an appreciation day? Every October 1st is Vet Receptionist Appreciation day! Also, Vet Receptionist Week is every last week of April. The next appreciation week is April 23 – 29, 2023. Find the best gifts to treat your Vet Receptionists for these special occasions in our article: 7 Gift ideas for Veterinary Receptionists or 8 Best Gifts for Vet Receptionist Week.
A career as a Veterinary Receptionist can be challenging, rewarding, and offer you the ability to grow in the veterinary field if you are interested. Veterinary Receptionists are essential in the smooth operation of any animal clinic, and offer a compassionate service like no other!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Everything you need to know about being a Vet Tech, and learn about another exciting career in the veterinary field.
