8 minute read
My CVPM Journey
By Bethany Mihalik, CVPM, MHRM, CVT, CCFP
To claim that challenging times are upon us would seem like an understatement to many of us soldiering through these past two years. The steady increase in demand exacerbated by a rapidly shifting workforce, combined with efforts to mitigate the spread of a potentially deadly virus, has changed our profession in unprecedented ways. This environment confronts the most seasoned of industry veterans, pushing many past their breaking points. One word I’ve repeatedly heard to describe our current reality is relentless.
During this whirlwind rollercoaster of a pandemic-spurred voyage, I’ve found myself leaning into my professional certification heavily. I’ve rummaged through dusty employment law textbooks, read countless articles by trusted peers, and spent hours scrolling through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) forum and other professional social media pages. I hunted, rabidly, for refreshers, new concepts, encouragement, camaraderie, and sometimes just simple acknowledgment from others who understood the pain and frustration of trying to manage during unmanageable times. Yet, I’ve never been so grateful to be a CVPM and have such trusted resources at my fingertips.
As a certified veterinary practice manager (CVPM), the two questions I am asked most often are:
1. How do I become a CVPM?
2. Is it worth it?
How to Become a CVPM
Earning one’s CVPM credential is a journey requiring self-discipline, motivation, and a sincere desire to learn best practices from the most reputable industry experts. Most candidates begin this process after successfully managing in the field for several years and have a solid understanding of how a veterinary practice operates. For example, I worked in varying capacities within the field for nearly seven years before earning my CVPM credentials.
To apply for the two-year testing window, a qualified applicant will need:
To be actively employed as a practice manager for a minimum of three years within the last seven. To be (or have been) responsible for 26 of the 30 duties enumerated in the application for a minimum of three years.
The 30 duties enumerated in the application include staff (development, maintenance, computer training, communication, interaction, records, safety, benefits, payroll); accounts receivable; income reconciliation; credit policies; accounts payable; inventory; financial reporting; budgeting; purchasing; fee setting; patient medical records; medical knowledge; hospital medical logs; client service; client communication; client interaction; client grief protocol; client education; client education programs; client/patient/staff comfort; professional liaison; and community involvement.
• 18 college semester hours in management-related courses such as accounting, economics/finance, computer science, marketing, management, labor relations/human resources, and law/taxation.
• 48 hours of continuing education courses, seminars, and so on, specifically devoted to management.
• Four letters of recommendation.
Once all of the above criteria are met, a candidate can begin the application. The application is a three-step process that documents a candidate’s educational and professional background, achievements, and veterinary management leadership knowledge. Once an application is approved, candidates have two years to take and pass the CVPM examination before their application expires. Those who do not earn certification prior to their application’s expiration must reapply to qualify to take the examination. Test fees are due at the time of application submission.
Studying for the exam is self-guided and primarily consists of reading and comprehending the themes presented in the 13 texts included in the CVPM Study Guide and Recommended Reading List and CVPM Task Analysis outline. A test preparation workbook (print or digital) is available for purchase. Additionally, some candidates benefit from enrolling in an online preparation course. The one that I completed was through VetMedTeam, which was approximately eight weeks, and consisted of written weekly assignments directly from the Recommended Reading List. VHMA also offers a virtual test preparation program.
The examination itself is composed of true-false and multiple-choice questions pertaining to relevant management knowledge in the areas of human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance. Most of the questions are traditional knowledge-based multiple-choice questions, and some are scenariobased. The total number of questions on each test administration varies, but the maximum number of points is 200. Candidates have three and one-half hours to complete the examination.
Worth the Effort
For me, passing the CVPM exam in 2015 and earning my credentials instantly instilled a sense of confidence, which was especially important as a young leader. So many of us suffer from “imposter syndrome” as a result of our often haphazard appointment into veterinary
management. While some of us possess some college education in broader-based subject areas such as business management, human resources, marketing, or communications, most of us become managers with little to no industryspecific training and have to rely solely on background, instinct, and a lot of trial and error. With the exception of a weeklong crash course in practice management basics back in 2011 and a three-month office management class in tech school, studying for my CVPM examination over a two-year period served as my formal industry-specific education.
I didn’t know it at the time, but earning my CVPM was the catalyst for intense professional career growth and a deeper understanding of the entire veterinary management field. I was embraced by this amazing community of industry experts who were eager to share their knowledge and experience with the upcoming generation and challenged us to be better leaders. During some of the darkest days of the pandemic, far removed from my baby-manager years, it was this community that provided me with unconditional support and guidance. It was this community from which I pulled my strength.
So, getting back to that second question of “Is it worth it?” Is it worth it to gain a thorough understanding of the vast scope of responsibilities involved with successfully managing a veterinary practice? Is it worth it to possess proof of that knowledge for career advancement and greater income potential? Is it worth it to be inducted into an elite group of 800+ professionals possessing a designation that is recognized as the highest level of credential for veterinary managers? Is it worth it to be part of a community of progressive, innovative leaders who are shaping the future of our industry? Is it worth building friendships with people who genuinely understand what it means to be a veterinary practice manager?
Undoubtedly!
About the Author: Bethany Mihalik, CVPM, MHRM, CVT, CCFP, currently serves as the Hospital Administrator of Neffsville Veterinary Clinic, a 10-doctor, AAHA accredited small animal practice in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She has been managing practices in the veterinary industry since 2008, and briefly worked for the “dark side,” as an Account Training Manager for Vetstreet in 2011. She is a 19-time NCAA All-American and college record holder (Clarion University of Pennsylvania - 200 butterfly), and attributes her success in the veterinary industry to decades of “resilience” training in the pool. She is the co-author and presenter of the “Leadership Through Partnership” workshop, a VHMA and AVMA continuing education program for practice owners and managers, offered at the Veterinary Leadership Conference. She earned her B.S. in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2004, M.H.R.M./M.B.A. from Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania in 2006, A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2010 from the BelRea Institute in Denver, CO, and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credentials in March of 2015. She recently earned her Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP) credentials in 2019. In addition to her duties at Neffsville, she serves as the President of the Lehigh County Humane Society in Allentown, PA. She is an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, a content contributor for Veterinary Team Brief and a Podium Speaker for Zoetis Animal Health. She resides in the remote Pennsylvania wilderness with her husband, Mike, lovable rescued mutt, Tickers McSnickers, and feisty feline, Tuna Badfish Loafnoodle.
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For future owners: here are our current listings in Pennsylvania…
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