Administrative Assistant Training

Administrative assistants are invaluable members of the office team. They are charged with overseeing and coordinating the day to day operations of a business. Their tasks include everything from clerical duties to management responsibilities. The specific duties of an administrative assistant depend on their place of employment, but are alway centered around keeping the office running smoothly and on-schedule.

In the past it was possible to gain an entry-level administrative assistant position without any prior experience. However, current offices prefer to hire administrative assistants that have some type of formal training due to the expanded role of the secretary in the office. The skills required of an administrative assistant have diversified thanks to the advent of communication technology. Modern administrative assistants often complete tasks once reserved for upper management, such as preparing reports and generating spreadsheets. These tasks require a solid education in all aspects of the secretarial profession.

Required Skills

Launching a successful career as an administrative assistant isn’t difficult. Individuals most likely to succeed in the field must possess a few particular qualities. Excellent organizational skills are probably the most important asset an administrative assistant can have. The ability to multitask and juggle several different instructions at one time is also essential. Other qualities include great communication skills, a polished appearance, and good interpersonal instincts.

Training Programs

There are several avenues available to individuals interested in completing training in administrative assisting. The most common route is attending a community college or vocational school with a program resulting in an administrative assisting certificate. These programs can take as little as one semester to complete. Seminars and online programs of varying duration are also available. These programs will cover a variety of subjects related to the profession. Typical courses include oral communication, word processing, typing, dictation, transcription, grammar, and other clerical skills. It is important that administrative assistants have a good grasp on phone decorum and business communication, such as letter-writing and interviewing techniques.

Communication technology plays a large part in the modern office. Many administrative assisting programs include classes aimed at increasing computer capability. Keyboarding, e-mail, Internet research, PowerPoint presentation creation, database management, data storage, and data retrieval are common subjects. Certain programs may include classes centered around software used in offices, such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Individuals interested in pursuing medical administrative assisting or legal assisting will have to attend programs aimed specifically at those fields. Required classes include medical and legal terminology, ethics, and proceedings. Executive administrative assistants usually have a 4-year degree in addition to administrative training.

Certification

Administrative assistants can choose to become certified by the International Association of Administrative Professionals. There are several different levels of certification available for administrative assistants of all experience levels. The most prominent certifications are the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credentials. These certifications can be earned by meeting educational requirements and passing an examination. Although certification is not mandatory, earning a credential demonstrates commitment to the profession, a high standard of work, and excellent experience.
 
 

Top Administrative Assistant Schools

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Newbridge College

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

  • 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.

  • 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.