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
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 three 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.
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 students to learn while also connecting with others. Applied Business Technology (ABT) 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 North Island College ABT instructors to students around the province.
Working in an online class in the Applied Business Technology Online program is much the same as working in a face-to-face class. You will interact with peers in class discussions and complete course work. Online learning provides access to the best course content and to qualified online instructors. Flexibility in time taken to complete online courses is important to learners. You can attend your virtual classes when and where it is convenient for you.
Planning and managing 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-centered activities. Your online instructors are available to answer questions and assist you with assignments through the pager, LiveRoom Chat, discussion, and e-mail components of every course. The ABT online courses 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 web-sites and resources. Online learning and research enables learners to enhance employability and advancement as well as providing the opportunity to expand their educational experience.