Online administrative assistant certificate
and associate degree programs are fairly common. These 1- and 2-year
programs offer options to students who want to learn from home or
complete a course or two. Programs are even available to students who
want careers in the medical or legal fields.
How to Select an Online Administrative Assistant School or College
Field of Study
Students interested in administrative assistant school or college
programs might want to first consider whether they would rather work in
the business, medical or legal field. Some programs prepare graduates
for administrative assistant positions in accounting departments,
government agencies or insurance firms. Other programs are geared toward
students who want to work in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals,
nursing homes or public health agencies. Programs are also available to
those interested in working in law offices as legal administrative
assistants.
Level of Award
Generally, both certificate and associate degree programs prepare
graduates for entry-level positions. However, an associate degree
program usually contains additional general education course
requirements that take an extra semester or two to complete. According
to some schools, graduates of these programs may need less on-the-job
training upon employment. The additional curriculum can also prepare
students to transfer their credits to a 4-year program, if they're so
inclined. Students might want to consider their career goals before
enrolling.
Program Type
Another consideration when choosing a school is whether the program
is available in an online or hybrid format. Students interested in
business administrative assistant programs may find that both
certificate and associate degree programs can be completed entirely
online. Medical and legal administrative assistant certificate programs
are also available entirely online. However, associate degree programs
in these fields are more commonly available as hybrid programs.
List of Common Online Administrative Assistant Programs
Online Administrative Assistant Certificate of Completion
Certificate programs generally include coursework in the areas of
computer technology and basic office procedures. Students can learn to
use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software. They may also gain
skills in the areas of document design, records management, keyboarding
and customer service. Students can download materials for these programs
via course management systems, such as Blackboard. This software also
allows them to participate in online chats.
Online Medical Office Assistant Certificate of Completion
Students in medical office assistant programs learn keyboarding and
word processing skills. In administrative and records management
courses, they focus on procedures for filing medical records, coding
diagnostic procedures and submitting insurance claims. Additional topics
include medical law and ethics, medical terminology, anatomy and
physiology. Online delivery systems used by these programs allow
students to conduct research, send e-mails and take part in online
discussions.
Online Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate of Completion
These programs include coursework in legal research, legal
terminology and legal documentation in addition to keyboarding and
computer software courses. Some programs also include introductory
courses in business, civil or criminal law. Students may access online
materials for these courses through instructional software, such as
Desire2Learn.
Online Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Science
Associate degree programs can include topics in accounting, human
relations, computer transcription technology, information management and
proofreading. General education courses in math, composition,
communications, social science and the humanities are also included.
These programs also use course management systems, such as Blackboard.
Online Medical Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Science
In addition to medical law and records management courses, these
programs may offer students the opportunity to select concentration
areas in front office, medical transcription or third party
reimbursement procedures. Students may also study computer software
applications, such as Excel and Access. Before participating in a
program's discussion groups or message boards, students may have to
undergo online orientations to become familiar with a course management
system.
Online Legal Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Science
This associate degree program is a 2-year program that delves into
advanced topics in legal proofreading and legal transcription. Students
may also enroll in project management or office accounting electives.
Online course materials, such as lecture notes or exams, are generally
available through course management programs.
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