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As a graduate of the Administrative Assistant certificate, you will understand best office practices using the latest technology and you will be qualified to provide administrative support in the areas of government, service organizations, hospitality, tourism, insurance, finance, real estate, transportation and education.
The Administrative Assistant certificate program is comprised of 10 online courses. You will complete tasks and assignments to meet specific deadlines, but may choose to complete them at times that best fit your schedule.
During the program, you will explore the diverse uses of spreadsheets in the office environment and learn to use the fundamental and advanced features of Microsoft Excel with ease. You will use advanced formulas and functions to perform calculations, link to Excel data for mail merge and develop a custom Excel application.
You will also learn to use PowerPoint presentation software and will receive an introduction to the Microsoft Access data management system. You will receive hands-on training in the use of email for online communication through an introduction to Outlook.
You will learn to use desktop publishing functions by producing publications such as letterheads, flyers and brochures. You will then use all of your new skills to complete a variety of practical projects.
In addition to these technical skills, you will learn the basics of accounting. The program teaches fundamental concepts, principles and procedures to those with no previous knowledge of bookkeeping. You will also develop skills in effective job searching in today’s competitive and changing employment market. You will have opportunities to explore self-assessment, networking, resumes, interviews, portfolios and career planning.
About Online Learning
Online learning is the most rapidly expanding mode of teaching and learning on the planet. Online is ideal for students who wish to learn in their own environment using the Internet. Online learning allows you to learn, while also connecting with others. Office Administration (OAD) course materials are available through the BC Campus portal and the technology is used to communicate with peers and instructors, and to submit assignments. The courses are delivered by a collaborative of North Island College and other post-secondary OAD instructors to students around the province.
Working in an online class in the Office Administration online program is much the same as working in a face-to- face class. Interacting with peers in class discussions, and completing coursework are accomplished in your time and place. Online learning provides access to the best course content and to qualified online instructors. Flexibility in the time taken to complete online courses is important to learners. You can attend your virtual classes when and where it is most convenient for you.
Planning and managing your time are keys to success in online learning. It is important to decide how much time you want to spend online and on which days. You must dedicate the required hours per week, but you choose the time (anytime during the day or night - 24 hours a day, seven days a week) to participate in your online course and meet deadlines. If you are a self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized person - online learning will offer many benefits.
Your online instructor is available to assist you with guiding your learning, reviewing course content and assisting with any learning difficulties. You have the course materials, online instructor resource, online course progress, online web tools and your online class peers available to you for learner-centred activities. Your online instructors are available to answer questions and assist you with assignments through the pager, LiveRoom Chat, discussion, and email components of every course. The OAD online courses may include chat sessions, messaging, course mail, a public bulletin board for class discussions, calendars, study tips, and online assistance, as well as web-based course materials, quizzes, glossaries and links to other websites and resources. Online learning and research enables you to expand your educational experience to advance your career.
Transfer Credit & Credit For Prior Learning
If you are transferring from other colleges or institutions, you may be given transfer credit for course work upon presentation of transcripts, provided the course credit was awarded no more than three years prior to the application for transfer credit to a maximum of 50 per cent of the certificate’s required courses. If you are a recent high school graduate, it is recommended that you meet with an educational advisor to determine if any of your high school credits are eligible for transfer credit. If you have prior office work experience and wish to enter a certificate program, contact the department chair to determine your eligibility and program planning needs.
To Be Successful
- Contact an educational advisor to help to create an education plan that meets your goals within the available time needed to complete the program.
- You will need access to a personal computer (as software in a number of Office Administration courses is Windows only - making a Mac computer is not recommended/not supported, nor is a mobile phone or tablet suitable for this program. Additionally, Chromebook (from Google) and Surface Go (from Microsoft with “S” mode) are laptops that both come with a ‘stripped down’ operating system are also not recommended/not supported), the Internet and access to email. Office Administration programs require a minimum operating system of Windows 10 and Office 365, Office 2016 or Office 2019 (Note: Office 365 is available to NIC students through the Library Learning Commons. Additional software, supplies or equipment may be required for some courses).
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