Online School for Clerical Training: How to Choose

Clerical training programs are designed for those who wish to serve as secretaries or office administrators. Effective training may come from a number of degree programs, and students should choose a program that focuses on the area in which they are most interested.

How to Choose an Online School for Clerical Training

Degree Focus and Career Objectives

Students who choose to train for a clerical position have a large number of education programs to choose from. It may be that no available programs are focused specifically on clerical duties, however. Normally, prospective clerks must choose from a number of subject areas that fall under the general header of office administration. Prospective clerks should review the classes that are offered in a particular degree program to ensure a good fit with a given career path before enrolling.

Time Requirements

Some online degree programs offer classes that require students to attend regularly via streaming video or voice conference. Others allow for a more flexible schedule, with no set assignment due dates or class times, instead only requiring students to turn in all assignments and tests by a single class end date. In this type of program, students usually communicate with instructors via e-mail and other students through message boards, providing a fully-asynchronous degree program. Students should choose a program that fits well with their schedule and learning style.

Online Program Options for Clerical Training

Office Administration Certificate

Students in an office administration certificate program take classes in word processing, spreadsheet use, dictation and transcription, office procedures and even in more advanced subjects such as desktop publishing and web page design. Other related subjects, such as legal terminology, legal transcription, medical billing and coding, and medical legal issues may also be available to students who wish to find employment in those industries.

Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration Technology

An associate's degree program in office administration covers many of the same subjects as a certificate program, but often goes beyond these focuses and provides students with instruction in management subjects, business skills, and specialized computer applications. Often, online associate's degree programs in office administration provide flexible scheduling options for working adults who wish to enhance their career prospects.