Friday 18 May 2012

Online Administrative Assistant Certification and Certificate Info

Associate degree program for aspiring administrative assistants are available to be taken online at multiple colleges nationwide. Information on the coursework and curriculum of such a program is summarized in this article.

Overview of Online Administrative Assistant Associate Degree Programs

Graduates of an online administrative assisting associate degree become proficient in word processing, editing documents, answering phones, keeping track of schedules, working with customers and keeping records of transactions. Some programs incorporate a Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, wherein the student becomes proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Word.
There are many training courses available online for aspiring administrative assistants. The majority are associate degree programs, but there are a small amount of diploma and certificate programs available. This article focuses on general administrative assistants, such as business and office associates.

Program Information and Requirements

Online administrative assistant associate degree programs are most often between approximately 65 and 115 credit-hours and usually take 1-2 years to complete. Some programs combine online coursework with on-campus work, where students need to spend a specific amount of hours per week attending classes at the respective college. Other programs are offered entirely online and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Some schools work with libraries and other institutions to make supervised testing available to online students. If the prospective students have previous secretarial or other related experience, some programs offer an accelerated pathway.
Students participating in online administrative assistant studies must have adequate connection to the internet. Some programs require the student to purchase books, while others provide all the necessary information online.

Course List for Online Administrative Assistant Programs

The programs combine general education courses with the core curriculum of administrative subjects, such as keyboarding and business law. Students learn about using the Internet, creating word documents and specific office procedures, all designed to increase production and efficiency.

Presenting Business Data Course

This program trains the student to use Microsoft Powerpoint, a presentation software program. Students create presentations using graphics, images and sound. Slideshows are created and submitted for evaluation. Some schools have this course on campus, wherein the students presents the slideshow to the class.

Skills in Keyboarding Course

The goal of the program is designed to give the student speed and accuracy when typing. Students also learn how to format documents to make things like envelopes and labels for mailing. The course also requires the student to proofread the typed documents.

Processing Word Documents Course

This program focuses on formatting documents, often in Microsoft Word. Students will learn how to enter text, spellcheck and edit text. In addition, students gain skills using the terminology and seeking help online.

Career Outlook Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), between 2008 and 2018 the number of administrative assistants nationwide is expected to increase by 11%. The same source states that the average salary for a basic administrative assistant is approximately $29,000 per year. Candidates for the position of administrative assistant are more likely to gain employment with a working knowledge of software and good computer and communication skills. Industries employing graduates of this type of degree include education, construction, technical and professional business fields.

Continuing Education Information

Students wishing to advance their working knowledge and prospective career outlook can enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Programs are available on campus as well as online at various schools.

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