Hiring a Veterinary Practice Manager: What the CVPM Means

A good practice manager is often the difference between a practice that runs and a practice that runs its people into the ground. They handle the schedule, the hiring, the inventory, the money and much of the client experience, so the medical team can focus on medicine. When a practice hires one, a credential that comes up often is the CVPM.

What a veterinary practice manager does

The job varies with the size of the practice, but usually covers:

• People. Hiring, onboarding, scheduling, payroll, reviews and, when needed, difficult conversations.
• Money. Budgets, pricing, collections, controlling costs and reading the numbers each month.
• Operations. Inventory, equipment, vendors, software and the building itself.
• Clients. Complaints, policies, communication and the front desk.
• Compliance. Controlled drug records, employment law, safety and the practice's licenses and registrations.

In a multi doctor or multi location practice, the role can grow into a hospital administrator or regional director. In a small practice, the manager may also work the front desk or assist in treatment.

What the CVPM is

The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential is awarded by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). To earn it, a manager needs a combination of practice management experience and management education, and must pass the VHMA's certification exam. Certified managers keep the credential through continuing education.

A CVPM tells you that someone has committed to management as a profession and has been tested on the knowledge the role needs. It does not replace references or a good conversation about how they have handled real situations.

The CVPM is a professional certification, not a state license. No state requires a practice manager to hold one, and state veterinary boards do not keep a list of practice managers.

How to check a CVPM

Because the CVPM comes from the VHMA rather than a state, you confirm it with the VHMA, not a state board. Ask the candidate for the year they certified and confirm it through the VHMA. Note any related credentials too, such as human resources or finance certifications, which some managers add.

Questions to ask a practice manager

• "Tell me about a month when the numbers went the wrong way. What did you do?"
• "How have you reduced turnover among technicians or the front desk?"
• "Walk me through how you build a schedule for a week with two people out."
• "What reports do you read every month, and what do you do with them?"
• "Tell me about a hard conversation with a team member or a doctor."
• "How do you keep controlled drug records ready for an inspection?"

What to put in the job posting

Practice manager postings are the most open about pay of any veterinary role: 97% of the ones we see state it, according to our look at pay transparency in veterinary jobs. Yours should too. Then say:

• The size of the practice: doctors, staff, locations, annual revenue range if you are comfortable.
• What the manager owns and what stays with the owner or medical director.
• Whether a CVPM is required, preferred, or something you will support them toward.
• The software you use, since switching systems is a real cost.

How Zuse handles practice managers

Practice managers are part of every practice team, even though no state board licenses them. Zuse finds practice managers on clinics' own team pages and holds certified managers where the certification can be confirmed. On Zuse Talent, managers can say what they are looking for, just like veterinarians and technicians, and see practice manager jobs nearby with the pay shown.

FAQ

What does CVPM stand for?

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, a credential awarded by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

Is a CVPM required to manage a veterinary practice?

No. It is a professional certification, not a state license. Practices often list it as preferred rather than required.

How do I verify a CVPM?

Confirm it with the VHMA, not a state board. Ask the candidate for the year they certified.