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Veterinary receptionist vs front desk receptionist

The differences between veterinary receptionists and front desk receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a veterinary receptionist and a front desk receptionist. Additionally, a front desk receptionist has an average salary of $31,050, which is higher than the $30,620 average annual salary of a veterinary receptionist.

The top three skills for a veterinary receptionist include PET, customer service and client service. The most important skills for a front desk receptionist are patients, check-in, and phone calls.

Veterinary receptionist vs front desk receptionist overview

Veterinary ReceptionistFront Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary$30,620$31,050
Hourly rate$14.72$14.93
Growth rate--
Number of jobs43,03382,593
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a veterinary receptionist do?

The veterinary receptionist caters to clients and their pets in a veterinary clinic. The veterinary receptionist's job is to communicate with clients, answer inquiries, and schedule appointments with a veterinarian. The veterinary receptionist also handles all the records of the clinic, information about all pets and clients. This person also needs to have good communication skills, be highly organized, and has a pleasing disposition and personality. Additional tasks of a veterinary receptionist are maintenance of the reception area, and if needed, process payments and other financial transactions such as insurance.

What does a front desk receptionist do?

Front desk receptionists are usually the first contact of clients or visitors in an office or building. They are responsible for welcoming and receiving guests, documenting guests' arrival and updating the visitor logbook, informing hosts and other involved employees that the guests have arrived, and directing the guests to where they should go next. They also man telephone lines, schedule appointments, receive packages or mails, and answer office visitors' questions. Front desk receptionists are expected to be personable, knowledgeable on office-related activities, and familiar with everyone.

Veterinary receptionist vs front desk receptionist salary

Veterinary receptionists and front desk receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Veterinary ReceptionistFront Desk Receptionist
Average salary$30,620$31,050
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $37,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-SightMD
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between veterinary receptionist and front desk receptionist education

There are a few differences between a veterinary receptionist and a front desk receptionist in terms of educational background:

Veterinary ReceptionistFront Desk Receptionist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Veterinary receptionist vs front desk receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between veterinary receptionists' and front desk receptionists' demographics:

Veterinary ReceptionistFront Desk Receptionist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 5.8% Female, 94.2%Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.6% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between veterinary receptionist and front desk receptionist duties and responsibilities

Veterinary receptionist example responsibilities.

  • Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
  • Interact with other veterinary offices regarding mutual clients in regard pet medical history.
  • Coordinate room rentals and reservations.
  • Certify CPR instructor-provide in-house training for all staff and physicians.
  • Schedule tee times, take reservations, answer calls and assist customers
  • Organize files and keep them up to date while closely following HIPAA regulations.
  • Show more

Front desk receptionist example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish computer work using a PMS system; OperaXpress.
  • Collect and distribute mail and packages, prepare FedEx shipments and manage online postage machine.
  • Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic
  • Acquire knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT codes and achieve up-to-date knowledge of medical record practices, standards, and regulations.
  • Manage patients records by keeping all medical history, insurance and personal information update and verify abiding by HIPAA protocols.
  • Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
  • Show more

Veterinary receptionist vs front desk receptionist skills

Common veterinary receptionist skills
  • PET, 29%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Client Service, 8%
  • Patients, 7%
  • Processing Payments, 5%
  • Exam Rooms, 4%
Common front desk receptionist skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Check-In, 12%
  • Phone Calls, 10%
  • Reservations, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 5%

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