Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant Program prepares students for technical and administrative support positions. Graduates of this program will be highly proficient in computer applications and will demonstrate abilities in communication and interpersonal skills, business research, teamwork, supervisory skills, administrative procedures, presentation skills, problem-solving and independent decision-making. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students are eligible to apply for an Office Administration Certificate - Administrative Assistant Option.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

Graduates of the Administrative Assistant program will be prepared to move into such positions as secretary, executive secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant, professional assistant, sales assistant, marketing assistant and research assistant. These positions involve a wide variety of tasks and assume varying degrees of responsibility depending on market needs, the needs of the firm, experience, skills, education level and personal initiative. Graduates will also be prepared to market their services on a contract basis. With experience and ongoing learning, graduates may obtain work of a supervisory or managerial nature.

Opportunities exist for graduates of the Administrative Assistant Program to continue their education in the Office Administration Diploma Program. The Office Administration Diploma Program transfers to Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Program (BBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership.) With experience, graduates may attain the designation, QAA (Qualified Administrative Assistant) offered through the Association of Administrative Assistants.

Location

Available at the New Westminster Campus.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines

**Application deadlines may be extended.

The program commences in September for full-time students, and in September and January each year for part-time students.

Full-time Applicants: April 1 for Fall.

Part-time Applicants: August 1 for Fall. December 1 for Winter. Part-time students are eligible to take as many courses as full-time students (up to 15 credits per semester); however, there is no guarantee that they will be able to register in all the courses that they require. Therefore, early application is important.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.

Admission Requirements

1. General Admission Requirements
2. Strong English skills are required. Students who are weak in English skills should consider upgrading through the Developmental Studies or English as a Second Language Program.
3. English 11 with a grade of "C" or better or the following exemptions:
   • EN 12 "P"
   • EN LIT 12 "P"
   • TPC 12 "P"
   • COMM 12 "C+"

For more information on Minimum Language Competency Standard, please visit the Admissions section of the calendar.

4. Keyboarding speeds: Full-time students require 25 net words per minute. Part-time students do not require a specific keyboarding speed for entry; however, students must provide proof of keyboarding speed before registration in any course which has a keyboarding prerequisite (see the Course Descriptions section of this Calendar). Students with no previous keyboarding experience may take beginning keyboarding (OADM 1103) during their first semester at the College.

Note: One course in this program has a pre-requisite of any Math course.

Program Duration

Full-time students should be able to complete this program in two four-month semesters plus a three-week practicum. Part-time students will need at least three semesters to complete but may take longer if they wish to take a lighter course load.

Credentials

Administrative Assistant Certificate

Program Content

Semester I

OADM 1238	Accounting Procedures I	3
OADM 1240	Business Communications and Procedures	3
OADM 1222	Spreadsheets and Business Calculations	3
OADM 1256	Microcomputer Applications I	3
OADM 1303	Keyboarding Skill Development	3
		15

Semester II

OADM 1239	Computer Bookkeeping I	3
OADM 1345	Administrative Procedures	3
OADM 1245	Employability Skills for Office Personnel	3
OADM 1356	Microcomputer Applications II	3
OADM 1400	Job Search*	2
		14

*Job Search should only be taken during your final semester in the program.

Semester III

OADM 1401	Office Practicum	1
Total credits		30

Successful completion of all courses is required with a "C-" or better for graduation.