Administrative Assistant Specialty
Advances in technology have changed the role of the Administrative Assistant to one which is more complex. Make sure you’re prepared for this changing work environment with the Office Administration Administrative Assistant Specialty. This program concentrates on the specific skills and concepts you need for employment as an executive administrative assistant in fast-paced and complex office environments.
Program Overview
The 15-week Administrative Assistant specialty program is delivered completely online and can be taken full-time or part-time. focuses on writing, word processing, office administration procedures, desktop publishing, and communications.
To receive an Administrative Assistant Specialty Certificate, students must complete all courses listed in the Office Administration Certificate, and the Administrative Assistant Specialty.
To complete the Administrative Assistant Specialty, you should be prepared to use Microsoft Office software extensively. Your keyboarding speed goal will be 55 words per minute.
Program Duration:
- Administrative Assistant Certificate – 15 weeks
Note: You can take up to five years to complete your Administrative Assistant certificate.
Program Start Dates:
You can start the program in September or January or on the first Monday of any month from September to April, provided spaces are available.
Classes:
Online Classes:
- Office Administration online courses are accessible from September to early June. Online instructional support is available during scheduled hours Monday through Friday. Course websites are accessible 24/7 except during scheduled breaks.
Administrative Assistant Specialty Certificate Requirements:
Course | Title | Hours | Weeks | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
OFAD 183 | MS PowerPoint 1 | 45 | 3 | 1.5 |
OFAD 220 | Desktop Publishing | 90 | 6 | 3 |
OFAD 233 | Business Communications 2 | 105 | 7 | 3 |
OFAD 234 | Office Procedures 2 | 75 | 5 | 2.5 |
OFAD 260 | Word Processing 3 | 120 | 8 | 3 |
435 | 29 | 13 | ||
14.5 Weeks | Full time |
Course Descriptions
The Administrative Assistant Specialty covers the skills and concepts needed by administrative assistant personnel. Students produce “real-world” business documents to professional standards. Students develop business correspondence writing skills for creating routine business letters, reports, presentations, newsletters and other documents requiring extensive use of graphics.
The use of MS Office software is extensive in all courses. Students’ keyboarding speed goal is 55 wpm.
To receive an Administrative Assistant Specialty Certificate, students must complete all courses listed in the Office Administration Certificate, and the Administrative Assistant Specialty as follows:
Administrative Assistant Specialty Courses
OFAD-183 – MS PowerPoint 1
This course introduces the use of MS PowerPoint software to create presentation media to accompany verbal presentations. The student applies features of slide transition, animation, various views, and design templates.
- Minimum Credits: 1.5
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: OFAD 158 OFAD 155 or current typing speed of 25 gwam.
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $182.64
- Course Outline
OFAD-220 – Desktop Publishing
This course introduces basic design concepts and provides practice in the desktop publishing features of MS Publisher and MS Word software. Students produce newsletters, flyers, brochures, business cards, letterhead, and certificates.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: OFAD 155 or current typing speed of 25 gwam, OFAD 158, OFAD 160, OFAD 165
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
OFAD-233 – Business Communications
OFAD 233 Business Communications applies language and writing skills acquired in Business English Essentials to the planning, organizing, compositing, and revising of a variety of business messages. Topics include applying writing strategies to compose letters, formal and informal reports, memos, and other brief messages with an emphasis on clear, concise communications. Interpersonal skills for successful customer relations and office interactions are also included.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 105 hours
- Prerequisites: OFAD 155 or current typing speed of 25 gwam, OFAD 158, OFAD 130 with a minimum B+ grade, OFAD 160
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
OFAD-234 – Office Procedures 2
Office Procedures 2 builds on the skills developed in Office Procedures 1 related to the functions of entry-level administrative assistants to the role of executive assistant. Students focus on administrative functions including travel arrangements, written communications, organizing meetings and conferences, referencing, and Internet research using a variety of research techniques and office communication skills.
- Minimum Credits: 2.5
- Length: 75 hours
- Prerequisites: OFAD 155 or current typing speed of 25 gwam, OFAD 134, OFAD 158, OFAD 160
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $243.52
- Course Outline
OFAD-260 – Word Processing 3
Word Processing 3 advances a student’s ability to access and manage knowledge and to communicate effectively in a business environment. Students are introduced to design features to enhance report formats with elements that add structure, provide a consistent image, and increase readability of business documents. Students improve productivity and creativity by applying advanced MS Word software features including mail merge. The speed objective is 55 gwam with 5 or fewer errors on a minimum of three 5-minute timings.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 120 hours
- Prerequisites: OFAD 155 or a current typing speed of 25 gwam, OFAD 158, OFAD 160, OFAD 165
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Office Administration certificate within the last 5 years.
- Transfer credit for an Office Administration certificate program taken at other institutions may be available.
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
Tuition: | $3,713.68 |
Application Fee: | $30.00 |
Student Association Fee: | $103.50 |
Total | $3,847.18 |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Textbooks and Supplies
Textbooks and supplies are available at the College Bookstore.
Online students must have a PC with Microsoft Office 2016 or Office 365 and Windows 10 for all OFAD courses. Registered students are eligible to acquire MS Office 365 for free. Details are provided after registration.
Note: Mac computers are not supported in the OFAD program.
Career Info and Pathways
With an Office Administration Administrative Assistant specialty, you will be prepared for a variety of careers. Just a few examples are:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Officer *
- Supervisors, General Office, and Administrative Support Worker
- Executive Assistants
With additional education/experience, you could be eligible for the following careers, and more.
- Court Reporter, Medical Transcriptionist, and related occupations
- Legal Administrative Assistant
- Medical Administrator Assistant
* High Opportunity Occupation
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Online
Credential:
Certificate
Categories:
Administrative & Accounting, Business, Finance & Accounting
Interests:
Office, Start or Run Your Own Business
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca