Online Schools to Become a Secretary: How to Choose

Online secretarial programs are available for beginning or experienced secretaries who desire formal training. Students interested in becoming a secretary can choose from online programs designed to prepare individuals for generalist administrative assistant or more field-specific secretarial positions.

How to Select an Online Secretary School

Program Types

The first step in selecting an online secretary school is to determine whether you want to complete a generalist program or else specialize and become a legal or medical secretary. Associate degree and certificate programs are both available online. Generalist administrative assistant associate degree programs generally run two years whereas a self-directed certificate course in the field might take only six months.

Prerequisites

Some schools require completion of tests for admission such as, for example, the ACCUPLACER test for reading, writing and mathematics. Other schools require prior knowledge of word processing and a typing speed minimum of 45-50 words per minute. Be aware of the requirements before you enroll. You may also want to brush up on these skills before enrolling in an online secretarial program.

Class Flexibility

Online secretarial programs vary in terms of flexibility; some are self-paced while others have specific hourly requirements over a given time period. Some require meetings with an advisor in person. Others allow the student to combine in-classroom instruction with online courses.

List of Online Secretarial Programs

Online Administrative Assistant Certificate

Classes in a generalist administrative assistant certificate program cover the technological as well as human resources aspects of the profession. Designed for those wishing to study remotely from their own home and perhaps work at the same time, the online programs provide students training through written texts and notes, audio downloads and online discussion groups. Students may have the option of undertaking coursework completely online or combining distance learning with traditional classroom-based study.

Online Legal Secretary Certificate

Legal secretary certificate courses are provided online for both novice and experienced secretaries who want to improve their skills and obtain the background to work in a law office. Courses cover legal terminology, civil procedure rules, advanced word processing and legal document preparation to better equip the secretary to work in the legal field. Tests and memos are turned in through online courseware, and online bulletin boards are utilized for class discussions.

Online Associate Degree - Administrative Assistant

Writing, time management and computer skills are developed in the course of an administrative assistant degree program. Students generally receive the course syllabus and course schedule online, as well as professor's name and e-mail address. Online orientations, advisors and technical support are often available to help the student transition to the distance learning experience.

Online Associate Degree - Medical Secretary

Medical secretary programs may be offered completely online and are designed for those who already have office skills but desire a career change. Classes cover topics such as medical terminology and pharmacology. Schools often offer free demo courses to students via their websites so that individuals may gain an understanding of how the online experience works prior to enrollment.