Administrative Assistant Jobs

Administrative assistants are office professionals charged with coordinating and overseeing the daily administrative tasks of a business. Industries of all kinds are hire administrative assistants to keep their offices running efficiently and on-schedule, which makes the profession uniquely flexible for job searchers. Based on their background, education and interest, administrative assistants can find employment in a number of different work places, ranging from hospitals to law firms and schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade, especially in the health care field.

Job Description

The most basic duty of an administrative assistant is to oversee the running of an office. Core tasks are collecting and disseminating information, scheduling meetings, answering phones. Clerical duties such as typing, dictation, and mail supervision are also fulfilled by administrative assistants. The advent of technology in the office has somewhat altered the basic duties of an administrative assistant by making it easier for administrative assistants to perform tasks once reserved for management such as generating spreadsheets, creating reports, working with vendors, ordering and inspecting equipment, and speaking with directly with clients.

The specific duties of an administrative assistant depends greatly on their place of employment and direct supervisor. A medical administrative assistant will perform duties directly related to the needs of a physicians’ office or hospital. Job-specific tasks include updating patient records, filling out insurance forms, and coordinating billing. Legal administrative assistants, like medical administrative assistants, perform duties dirtily related to the legal industry. Duties include drafting memos, writing motions, subpoenas, and other technical documents. Executive administrative assistants report directly to a high-level executive and have greater responsibilities, such as preparing statistical reports. These occupations require special training and a solid background in their respective fields in order to perform.

Training

The training necessary to launch a career as an administrative assistant depends entirely on the capacity in which you wish to work.

In the past it was possible to gain employment as an administrative assistant with only basic office skills. It is still possible to gain an entry-level secretarial position with no prior experience, however, with the widespread use of technology in the office, modern employers prefer to hire administrative assistants who possess solid computer skills along with general administrative knowledge. It is possible to complete a 1 or 2 year program in a vocational school that will prepare you for a career as an administrative assistant. Common courses are typing, bookkeeping, project management, computer technology, and other subjects commonly utilized by administrative assistants.

Medical and legal administrative assistants must undergo specialized training related to their field. Central courses cover medical and legal terminology, ethics, and procedures. Executive administrative assistants usually have a 4-year degree, as they work closely with high level executives and CEOs.

In general, employers look for organized individuals with good communication skills (such as typing and grammar). good judgement, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills. Successful administrative assistants have a versatile skill set that can translate into several work settings.

Employment

Employment prospects are universally positive for administrative assistants. Job openings are projected to increase by 11% over the next 10 years, with demand for medical administrative assistants growing the fastest. Developing industries such as construction and educational services will also contribute to job growth. Administrative assistants at the top of their field have earning potential of $50,000 or more.
 
 

Top Administrative Assistant Schools

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  Bay State College

  Bay State History & Mission
  For more than 60 years, Bay State College has been guided an enduring set of core values—Quality, Respect and Support. Over time, these values have brought us growth and success, and continue to do so today for our students.

  Mission Statement
  Bay State College is a private college whose mission is to provide students with a quality education that prepares them for professional careers and increasing levels of higher education. Bay State College accomplishes this mission by providing a learning environment where teaching excellence and student services are blended to support the uniqueness of individual students, preparing them to achieve their full potential as ethically and socially aware citizens.

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  Globe University

  At Globe University, we prepare students for exciting careers in high-value fields. Imagine getting paid for what you love doing. It all starts with career-based training at Globe University. We offer master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Our graduates are prepared for careers in business, health science, technology, legal science and creative media.

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  Heald College

  Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, legal and technology. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Heald provides career services assistance for life. We help locate employment opportunities anytime throughout our graduates’ careers. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. High school diploma or GED required.

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  Laurus College Online

  Welcome to Laurus College! Our mission is to provide every student with a quality education and a quality experience that prepares you for success in the global marketplace of the modern world. To do this we provide focused instruction and personalized caring to every student. Our emphasis on career opportunities in all of our program offerings helps open up avenues of opportunity that previously may have gone unrealized.

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  Everest Institute

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

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  Wright Career College

  Wright is organized to provide students with an opportunity to receive specialized instruction in those subjects which are best suited to each student’s aptitude, interest, motivation and personality. In addition, the institution’s programs are designed to develop the fundamental skills and professionalism necessary to achieve the students’ employment objective. To implement this philosophy, the Institution utilizes flex-paced, individualized programs of study as well as more traditional lecture-laboratory learning systems.

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  Newbridge College

  Newbridge College, established in 1976, provides high-quality, career specific training and an emphasis on practical skills required by today’s employers.

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  National College

  National College is dedicated to the training and educating of men and women for a full life and a successful career in a number of general and particular fields. The College seeks to give students a broad competency in a field of specialization and an understanding of and respect for their own and others’ ideas and thoughts. Graduates of National College should understand and practice their responsibilities to their families, their fellow men and their communities by becoming effective and contributing citizens.

  As a collegiate institution offering educational credentials from diplomas to master degrees, National College strives to develop each student intellectually, culturally and socially. The College is interested in each individual becoming proficient in the disciplines necessary for his or her success, with the training necessary to be self-sufficient and enterprising and with the background necessary to be constantly expanding his or her intellectual and cultural horizons.

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  Interactive College of Technology

  As the marketplace continues its shift towards technology-based careers, Interactive College of Technology is ideally positioned to give you the skills you need to compete in several emerging industries. With an individualized, market-centered learning process that focuses on hands-on training and flexible schedules, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of:

  • Refresher/Up Grade Privileges
  • Career Placement Assistance Available
  • Financial Aid Available for Those Who Qualify
  • Industry-Recognized Certifications

  Because of the flexibility we offer to take classes at your own pace, you can receive your diploma in as little as 11 months.