Administrative Assistant Programs

Administrative assistants provide clerical support to offices. Some higher-level jobs in this profession may include advanced responsibilities as well. These professionals organize files, schedule meetings, arrange travel accommodations and do a number of related tasks. They may also operate office equipment like fax machines, photocopiers etc.

Featured Schools

A number of programs are available for students who want to pursue a career as an administrative assistant. Administrative assistant programs are offered by various campus-based as well as online schools. Some of these programs are suitable for students who want to pursue entry-level jobs within this field while others are meant for learners who want to find senior-level positions as administrative assistants.

Types of Programs

To become eligible for enrollment into an administrative assistant program, you need to at least have a high school diploma. This is the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs in this field. Associate degrees as well as certificate programs are also available. An associate's degree may take two years to complete while certificate programs for administrative assistants may span over six months to one year. However, these programs can also be completed in a less or longer period of time. Programs are available for those who want to specialize as medical or legal administrative assistants as well.

Students who want to get into the field of administrative assisting can also enroll in certificate programs such as certified professional secretary or a certified administrative professional. It is also vital to pass a certifying exam to increase your chances of building a career in this area.

Coursework

Some of the courses you will study in administrative assistant programs include keyboarding, office administration and databases management. Students may also cover topics such as legal or medical procedures and medical terminology. The exact coursework depends on the type of program one enrolls in.

Career Prospects

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for administrative assistants are to increase by 12% from 2012 to 2022. This is why getting into this field can be a wise career move for those who want to find suitable jobs. Students who complete administrative assistant programs can possibly find work in various office settings. They can also improve their chances of employment in legal firms, hospitals, schools or clinics. On average, administrative assistants can earn about $30,000 to $40,000 on an annual basis.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:What are some of the administrative assistant duties?

A:There a number of duties administrative assistants are required to perform. Some of these duties are documentation, planning, scheduling, bookkeeping and carrying out basic administrative tasks. Administrative professionals might also be required to help out with answering phones and taking messages. The duties of an administrative assistant may vary according to the industry he/she is working for.

Q:What are the contents of the administrative assistant courses such as Introduction to Computers?

A:The Administrative Assistant Courses such as Introduction to Computers is a 2 credits worth course that is designed to provide students with substantial levels of understanding of the basic computing concepts. Students are also highlighted on the terminologies of computer software and hardware and the ways in which the computers have had a strong impact on all of us.

Q:What are the contents of the course on World Civilizations in the administrative assistant training?

A:The Administrative Assistant Training programs in United States have dedicated course on World Civilizations. This course is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the economic, political, cultural, artistic and social structures that the world has had over the centuries. Students are also provided with hands on experience.

Q:If I enroll in Administrative assistant programs, what will I learn about?

A:These programs are geared towards providing students with all the essential knowledge and skills needed to become an administrative assistant. The program typically has the following topics that are to be studied: word processing, database management, presentation development and software, internet searching, practical business applications, business communication skills, report writing, internet searching, spreadsheets, managing files, etc.

Q:How long can administrative assistant certification programs take to be completed?

A:Administrative assistant certification programs are generally a year long. Some programs come with internships. The program aims to train you to handle administrative duties in an office environment. Many organizations demand such professional who have formal training for business management as it helps to run the business operations effectively and productively.

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