Virtual Administrative Assistants

A virtual administrative assistant is a highly-skilled office professional who provides administrative and other specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and any other individual in need of administrative support. Unlike office administrative assistants, who work in the office environment, virtual administrative assistants work as independent contractors from a home office.

There are many reasons a business may choose to hire a virtual administrative assistant rather than take on a full-time employee. One factor may be cost. Another factor might be that the amount of work does not necessitate full-time attention. However, simply because virtual administrative assistants do not work under the watchful eye of the boss doesn’t mean their workload is less strenuous. Virtual administrative assistants must often be more disciplined, more skilled, and more adept at self-marketing than traditional administrative assistants in order to launch a successful career.

Duties

Virtual administrative assistants must be proficient in using communication technology, as their entire job depends on it. They seek out and complete assignments using the Internet and e-mail as their primary forms of communication.

The responsibilities of a virtual administrative assistant are based on their skill-set and the needs of their clients. VA’s usually have several clients for whom they are providing administrative support. They may also specialize in a certain service, such as website maintenance or bookkeeping, although. Services typically offered are word processing, transcription, database management and updating, research, email management, and information management. Virtual administrative assistants are also usually responsible for providing website development and design, desktop publishing, event planning, generating spreadsheets, bookkeeping, payroll, and business consultation.

Equipment

In order to work efficiently from home, virtual administrative assistants must furnish their home office in such a way that replicates the office environment. The most invaluable tool a virtual administrative assistant can own is a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. The computer should be able to run any programs and software used for administrative support. A list of other essential equipment includes a copier, fax machine, scanner, business phone line, and a photo-copier. The home office should be set up in a way that is conducive to working without distractions.

Training & Certification

Starting a career as a virtual administrative assistant doesn’t require extensive schooling. Most VA’s get their start after years of experience working as administrative assistants in offices. Basic clerical, communication, and organizational skills can be learned on the job or through a 1-2 vocational program. Virtual administrative assistants must be knowledgeable about computers and modern technology employed in offices. Therefore some budding VAs choose to take courses covering communication technology.

Virtual administrative assistants can choose to become a CPVA – Certified Professional Virtual Assistant. The certification is awarded to virtual administrative assistants who have shown mastery of skills, as well as a. A second level of certification, CMVA – Certified Master Virtual Assistant, is also available, but cannot be earned until 1,500 hours of billable hours have been completed. Certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a high standard of achievement.

Employment

As independent contractors, virtual administrative assistants set their own pay rate. The determining factors are usually the difficulty of the work, the level of skill needed to complete the work, the cost of living, and other financial needs. Virtual administrative assistants with years of experience can charge up to $100 for their services. When just starting out, virtual administrative assistants usually charge an average of $25.
 
 

Top Administrative Assistant Schools

  • Career Point College Online

    Imagine an exciting new career in the medical, business, legal or computer fields. Career Point College is a great place to learn all of the skills you will need to succeed in these industries and get the future you want! In as few as eight months for a diploma, 15 months for an Associate’s, and 18 months for a Bachelor’s (with an Associate’s first), you could be prepared to enter the job marketplace. Whether it is because of our accelerated programs, hands-on training, personal attention, flexible schedules, lifetime placement assistance or lifetime refresher training, you will see Career Point College is the right school for you!

  • Potomac College

    Potomac College offers students the opportunity to take advantage of all of the same courses, programs, and specializations online that are offered at either of their two physical campuses. This allows students the convenience of flexibility and makes it an ideal institution for fulltime working adults, military persons, or anyone with a busy, demanding schedule seeking to pursue a college degree. In fact, many of our students residing in a close proximity to either our Washington, DC or Herndon, VA campuses have chosen to take both online and on-campus courses for an accommodating blended program.

    Imagine being able to pursue your degree at a pace and time that works with your busy schedule. Potomac College offers practical and tailored curricula to a diverse community of working adults and students. It is our goal to make education obtainable regardless of a student’s schedule and finances. Our academic advisors are trained to assess your educational needs and tailor a curriculum that matches your career goals and expected time of completion.

  • Harrison College

    Harrison College is a nationally accredited college with more than 75,000 graduates. We offer a unique learning environment for students who want to pursue a career-focused, quality education and complete their degree in a student-centered atmosphere. In order to achieve your goals, we believe it’s important for us to take the time to get to know you. In fact, our students are often surprised at the one-on-one attention they receive here as compared to other institutions. You’ll experience it throughout every stage of your Harrison experience, from our Admissions Representatives to our Career Services staff and financial aid analysts to our course instructors. Each of us believes it is our goal to help you achieve yours.

  • TCI - Technical Career Institute

    TCI College is a New York City based technical school that offers continuing technical education to students who want on-site specialized training in competitive fields. Technical Career Institutes provides students with technical training such as web site design, health information technology, electronic engineering technology, and heating ventilation and air conditioning. TCI also offers career placement assistance upon graduation. Visit TCI College in New York City located in lower Manhattan.

  • Career Point College

    Imagine an exciting new career in the medical, business, legal or computer fields. Career Point College is a great place to learn all of the skills you will need to succeed in these industries and get the future you want! In as little as 8-11 months for a Diploma or 18 months for an Associate’s Degree, you can graduate and join the workforce. Whether it is because of our accelerated programs, hands-on training, personal attention, flexible schedules, on-site daycare, lifetime placement assistance or lifetime refresher training, you will see Career Point College is the right school for you!

  • ASA The College For Excellence

    ASA The College For Excellence specializes in offering a superior value in higher education, with programs that balance traditional academic preparation with professional training and hands-on experience. 80% of Graduating Students get into the career field of their choice and many go on to advanced degrees!

  • Milan Institute

    We believe that each student at Milan Institute holds the key to his or her own success. Our staff and instructors strive to help each student develop the professionalism that will open a world of creativity and knowledge. Milan Institute offers a college atmosphere conducive to learning and individual growth. Excellent training and job placement assistance enable our students to become enterprising professionals.

  • Salter College

    Salter College, a private two-year college, offers an enriching balance of liberal arts and professional career education. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our students through quality education and support services while fostering an environment that inspires academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and an interest in life-long learning and continued higher education.

  • West Virginia Junior College

    Our programs are designed for you to be job-ready in months with career-focused, hands-on training in a friendly, small-school environment where you receive individual attention.

    As a WVJC student, you will have access to modern classrooms and laboratory equipment, individualized attention in a small class setting, and job placement assistance.

    Along with academic credentials and certifications, our faculty brings industry knowledge to the classroom, helping students understand both theory and real-world experiences.

  • 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.