Why Choose North Island College?

• Skills you can use. If you’re interested in re-entering the workforce as a supervisor or manager, the Office Management certificate offers advanced skills to achieve your goal.
• Unique opportunities. The Office Management certificate is not offered at any other post-secondary institution on Vancouver Island. Students can study from home or their local campus, and enjoy access to a local online instructor.
• 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. Whether you’re looking to advance your skills or change careers, you can tailor coursework 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.

Program Highlights

The Office Management certificate is a part-time program that prepares students for positions as supervisors, office managers, and administrative or executive assistants. Students complete three courses during the Fall term (September) and three courses in the Winter term (January), totalling 30 weeks.

Classes are team oriented and highly interactive. Students participate in online discussion groups, projects, and Internet research. They are encouraged to draw on their own experiences to help relate theory to practical work situations.

During the program’s six courses, students learn a range of invaluable skills. They develop confidence in organizational management, leadership and supervision. They practice written and oral business communication, and learn how to prepare and deliver a variety of creative, powerful presentations. They also learn how to effectively plan a business event.

Students are introduced to human resource management, and cover topics such as human rights legislation, recruitment, training, and performance appraisals. They also learn interpersonal communication, negotiating skills, and conflict resolution.

Students are provided with an introduction to office systems and essential computer skills. Topics such as designing office systems, social and ethical issues involving computers, privacy and security, and maintaining effective records management are explored. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates will qualify for positions as supervisor, office manager, administrative or executive assistant in the following types of organizations: accounting, education, financial, insurance, government, logging, and small, medium, and large businesses.

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 five years prior to the application for transfer credit to a maximum of 50% of the certificate’s required courses. Students with office work experience wishing to enter the certificate program must contact the department chair to determine their eligibility and program planning needs.

Admission Requirements

1. Office or business work experience with a minimum two years, or approval of the department
2. Minimum of C grade in Provincial English 12 or one of ENG 060, ENG 098, ESL 090 or English assessment (Note: ENG 060 will not be accepted as an English requirement as of Fall 2013)
3. Letter of reference from a supervisor including the NIC Office Management skills checklist

or

Graduate with Applied Business Technology Office Assistant I Certificate and one of the following certificates:  Administrative Assistant, Computing Accounting Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant; plus, letter of reference from a supervisor including the NIC Office Management skills checklist.

Program Requirements

• ABT 200 Organizational Management
• ABT 210 Written Business Communications and Presentations
• ABT 220 Leadership and Supervision
• ABT 230 Human Resource Management
• ABT 240 Interpersonal Relations
• ABT 250 Office Systems & Computer Essentials

Elective Option:

One of the following courses may be substituted for any Office Management course:

• Any university transferable Business Administration course

or

• ENG 115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis
• PSY 130 Introductory Psychology I
• PSY 131 Introductory Psychology II

Completion Requirements

• Students must achieve a minimum of 70% (B-) in each course listed for the Office Management certificate.