Office Assistant I 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 Office Assistant I certificate, you’ll possess the credentials and the applied skills for a variety of entry-level opportunities in all industries.
• Virtual classrooms. As part of the BC Campus initiative, courses are available online, giving you the opportunity to study whenever or 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. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a current office worker wanting to upgrade your business technology skills, or looking to change careers, you can tailor the Office Assistant I certificate 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 transfer credit for prior course work. Prior office work experience may also be eligible for credit. Check with a Student Advisor for details.
• Want to go further? With an Office Assistant I certificate, you can enhance your knowledge by continuing into the Computing Accounting Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, or Medical Office Assistant certificate programs at NIC.

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 11 online courses in the Office Assistant I certificate are offered throughout the year and provide students with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform effectively in entry-level office support positions.

Students begin by taking an Online Learner Success course, which provides an essential introduction to the unique challenges of learning online. This course helps students maximize their online learning experience.

Students learn keyboarding skills by participating in skill-building activities which promote effective touch typing. A basic introduction to the Internet provides students with the essential terms, concepts, and file management skills required in an office environment. Courses in word processing assist students in the fundamental skills of formatting business documents, plus advanced functions such as merging, applying graphics, and creating tables, charts, and reports.

Students learn essential skills in human relations, interpersonal skills, effective communication, and client relations. They learn administrative procedures and develop efficient office practices, such as time management, safety and ergonomics, appointment scheduling, and banking procedures. Records management is also explored.

The Business Calculators and Mathematics course provides students with the knowledge to complete computational skills. During Business English, students receive a comprehensive review of grammar, punctuation, style, business spelling, and vocabulary development, and in Business Communication, students learn how to best express themselves in a professional environment. All coursework is applied to current and best Canadian business practices and standards.

Career Opportunities

The Office Assistant I certificate prepares students with core computer skills in orientation to the online learning environment, basic keyboarding and speed development, word processing, English usage in a business environment, how to write business correspondence and communication, computational skills using the desktop calculator, solving basic business mathematics problems, records management, organizational skills, teamwork, and interpersonal communication skills. Employment opportunities may include, but would not be limited to, receptionists, office worker, office assistant, computer assistant, and general office worker. 

Graduates of the Office Assistant I certificate may choose to continue their education by enrolling in the Administrative Assistant, Computing Accounting, Legal Administrative Assistant, or Medical Office Assistant certificate programs.

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 encouraged to contact a Student Advisor to help you to create a course timetable that meets both your goals and the available time needed to complete the program.
• Students will need access to a computer, the internet, have a personal email account for correspondence. Additional supplies or equipment may be required for other courses.
   

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. A minimum of C grade in Provincial English 12, or TPC 12, or NIC upgrading ENG 098, ENG 060 or ESL 090, or equivalent, or successful English placement testing; and,
2. A minimum of C grade in Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10, or Essentials Math 10, or Foundations of Math 10, or NIC upgrading MAT 024 (Note:  MAT 034 will be required for the 2011FA intake), or equivalent, or successful math placement testing.

Program Requirements

• ABT-020 Online Learner Success
• ABT-100 Introductory Keyboarding
• ABT-101 Introduction to Computers & the Internet 
• ABT-109 Human Relations for Career Success
• ABT-110 Records Management
• ABT-111 Administrative Procedures
• ABT-116 Word Processing I
• ABT-117 Word Processing II
• ABT-147 Business Calculators & Mathematics
• ABT-148 Business English
• ABT-149 Business Communications

Completion Requirements

• The keyboarding speed requirement for the Office Assistant I certificate is 40 words per minute with a maximum error rate of three errors in at least three two-minute timings.
• To be eligible to receive a certificate, students must achieve a minimum of 70% (B-) in each course listed for the certificate.