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VHMA: Education, Certification and Inspiration for Veterinarians

Posted by Jessica Beaudry | Thu, Mar 22, 2018 @ 01:00 PM

VeterinariansFormed in 1981, the Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) operates with a mission to support and enhance U.S. and Canadian veterinary management professionals. VHMA welcomes hospital administrators, practice managers, office managers, veterinarians, consultants, and students currently enrolled in veterinary medicine or business management courses at a recognized university.

Excluding students, all members must “spend at least 75 percent of their time either in the direct conduct of veterinary medicine or who have direct responsibility for the management and day-to-day operation of one or more veterinary hospitals.” Founded on the four core values of integrity, professionalism, innovation and collaboration, VHMA provides relevant educational content, certification programs and professional networking opportunities to members representing over 400 practices.

Education Opportunities

VHMA offers comprehensive tools to enhance professional skills and knowledge. Through individual and group learning formats, professionals can continue their education in the office, at home and at events.

Monthly educational webinars, free with membership, explore various management topics presented by Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM) and other experts. The March 2018 webinar reviews current trends in veterinary medicine and presents solutions on how veterinarians can remain successful. Members will receive one continuing education (CE) credit for participation that may be applied toward the CVPM application and or CVMP renewal. Additional free content assessable on the association website includes:

  • VeterinariansVHMA Legal Matters —legal advice relating to common cases and situations that practice managers encounter daily.
  • On Demand — a catalog of pre-recorded educational sessions from webinars and live events.
  • Benchmark Reports — the Compensation and Benefits Survey examines the “level of compensation and benefits provided to Non-DVM Staff, Associate DVMs and Veterinary Managers in North America.” The bi-annual report considers characteristics such as credentials, years at current location and split shifts. The Insiders’ Monthly Report tracks revenue, patient growth, patient visits, and new client growth among VHMA member practices.
  • Newsletter — alongside association news and updates, the VHMA monthly newsletter contains experiences and tips from members. 

The Annual Meeting & Conference operates as the association’s largest event. The multi-day conference presents sessions with multiple tracks, roundtable discussions and networking breaks. The 2018 conference is scheduled for October 18 – 20 in Baltimore, MD. Veterinary professionals can also attend the Management Exchange conference, regional workshops and mastermind groups (local groups with regularly scheduled meetings to discuss relevant topics).

CVPM Certification

The CVPM certification program is known as “the highest level of credential for professional veterinary managers” practicing within the U.S. and Canada. Veterinarians actively involved in veterinary practice management must meet the following four qualifications to apply to the Certification Board for approval to take the exam:                    

  • “Active employment as a practice manager for a minimum of three years within the last seven”
  • “18 college semester hours in management related courses”
  • “48 hours of continuing education courses, seminars, etc., specifically devoted to management”
  • “Four letters of recommendation”

veterinarians

Professionals must complete a three-part certification process. First, individuals must submit an application based on the four qualifications mentioned above. Second, the 200 question examination will test a professional’s knowledge on human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice and finance. Participants have three and a half hours to complete the exam. The pass point is determined by individual difficulty ratings of each question. Lastly, to maintain certification, professionals must “accumulate 48 continuing education hours and submit documentation along with the $210 re-certification fee every two years.” The CVPM designation provides professionals with extensive insight into veterinary practice management and a continued dialogue with fellow CVPM certified professionals. 

Visit the VHMA website for additional details on association education and resources.

VET-RDC: CrossCheck’s Remote Deposit Capture Solution for Veterinarians

At CrossCheck, our check processing services help U.S. merchants save time and increase sales while reducing risk. VET-RDC provides veterinary businesses with fast electronic check processing (remote deposit capture) and alternative payment options for clients who require additional time to fund care for pawed patients. This service is ideal for larger payments. Businesses process client checks in seconds by running each check through a check imager connected to a PC. Following a successful image upload, funding will be provided in 2 – 3 days. With VET-RDC, Veterinarians can continue critical care for pawed patients while increasing client satisfaction rates and revenue. Download our free guide to learn more. 

remote deposit capture, veterinarians, RDC

Topics: Veterinarians, Events / Conferences

Written by Jessica Beaudry

Inbound Marketer at CrossCheck.