Administrative Assistant Certificate

Why Choose North Island College?

• Skills you can use. Today’s businesses prefer to hire entry-level employees who are comfortable with a range of office skills. With an Administrative Assistant certificate, you’ll qualify for positions such as office worker, office clerk, administrative assistant, professional assistant, and more.
• Virtual classrooms. As part of the BC Campus initiative, courses are available online, giving you the opportunity to study whenever, wherever you wish. You can complete your coursework on your own time while continuing to work.
• Flexible schedules. Most courses are self-paced, and qualified students are admitted on a continuous basis subject to the availability of space. That means you can tailor your program to suit your ability, availability, and lifestyle.
• Credit for what you know. If you are transferring from another college or institution, you may be given credit for prior course work. Prior office work experience may also be eligible for credit. Check with a Student Advisor for details.

Program Highlights

Due to overwhelming demand, students are encouraged to apply to NIC as soon as possible and meet with a Student Advisor now to discuss course planning. Individual course start dates vary throughout the year and depend on available space.

The Administrative Assistant certificate program is comprised of ten online courses. Students complete tasks and assignments to meet specific deadlines, but choose to complete them at times that best fit their own daily and weekly schedules.

During the program, students explore the diverse uses of spreadsheets in the office environment, and learn to use the fundamental and advanced features of Microsoft Excel with ease. They use advanced formulas and functions to perform calculations, link to Excel data for Mailmerge, and develop a custom Excel application.

Students also learn to use Powerpoint presentation software, and are introduced to the Microsoft Access data management system. Students receive hands-on training in the use of e-mail for online communication through an introduction to Outlook.

To best learn how to use desktop publishing functions, students produce publications such as letterheads, flyers, and brochures. They then use all of their new skills to complete a variety of practical projects.

In addition to these technical skills, students learn the basics of accounting, providing the fundamental concepts, principles, and procedures to those with no previous knowledge of bookkeeping. Students also develop skills in effective job searching in today’s competitive and changing employment market. Students explore self-assessment, networking, resumes, interviews, portfolios, and career planning. 

Career Opportunities

Using the latest computer technology and best office practices, graduates are qualified to provide administrative support in the areas of government, service organizations, hospitality, tourism, insurance, finance, real estate, transportation, and education.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students transferring from other colleges or institutions may be given transfer credit for course work upon presentation of transcripts provided the course credit was awarded no more than two years prior to the application for transfer credit to a maximum of 50% of the certificate's required courses. Recent graduates from high school should ensure that they meet with an advisor to determine if any of their high school credits are eligible for transfer credit. Students with office work experience wishing to enter a certificate program must contact the department chair to determine their eligibility and program planning needs.

Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of the Office Assistant I certificate.
2. Keyboarding speed requirement is 40 w.p.m. The timing speed is based on the average of three two-minute timings with three errors or less.

To Be Successful

• Starting the program in September, January, or April offers online students the best opportunity to access courses that they require. Students are required to contact a Student Advisor to help them create an education plan that meets both their goals and the available time needed to complete the program.
• Students will need access to a computer, the internet, and have a personal email account for correspondence. Additional supplies or equipment may be required for other courses.

Program Requirements

First 30 Weeks

• Complete Office Assistant I certificate

Next 30 Weeks

• ABT-102 Keyboarding II
• ABT-145 Electronic Spreadsheets
• ABT-146 Advanced Electronic Spreadsheets
• ABT-126 Presentation Software
• ABT-135 Electronic Database
• ABT-150 GroupWare Using Outlook
• ABT-151 Desktop Publishing
• ABT-152 Integrated Project - Administrative
• ABT-161 Accounting I
• ABT-120 Job Search

Completion Requirements

• To be eligible to receive a certificate, the student must achieve a minimum of 70% (B-) in each course listed for the certificate; except ABT 102 requires exit speed of 50 w.p.m.