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What is An Administrative Assistant?
An administrative assistant is defined as a trained professional hired by an individual or organization to help manage the day-to-day functions of an office. Administrative assistants work in every conceivable industry from pharmaceuticals to telecommunications. While some may work out of their home office virtual assistant, most administrative assistants work in an office.
The title administrative assistant is often used interchangeably with the titles of office manager, receptionist, secretary, executive assistant, office clerk, and administrative specialist. However, job duties between administrative assistants can vary widely from one organization to another.
Generally, an admin assistant will support the operations and daily administrative duties to help make an office run smoothly. Assistants perform a number of key business tasks across every industry. Administrative work can be general office or specialized in fields such as the medical or legal fields.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
3,675,140Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Administrative Assistant Training
Los Angeles ORT College - Los Angeles Campus is a two-year career school dedicated to offering a solid education for students in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Students may select from many areas of study, including:
- Business and Marketing Studies
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Engineering Technology
Over 490 students have completed their education in the last few years according to annual released graduation information with more than 83% of those who start the program continue it to completion. Los Angeles ORT College - Los Angeles Campus offers several programs to choose from. Below is a list of the more popular programs being offered:
- Accounting and Business and Management
- Pharmacy Technician
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Medical Laboratory Assistance
To support students and graduates, Los Angeles ORT College - Los Angeles Campus may offer student services like those listed below:
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
Los Angeles ORT College - Los Angeles Campus has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training since 1988. Please visit laort.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$23,700 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Baptist Bible College and Seminar offers one of the top ranked degrees for administrative assistants in the United States. They have been a Baptist College since the day they first opened their doors in 1893. The college has a two-year administrative assistant program. The program is designed to help students gain employment in many fields including Corporate Offices, Doctor/Medical, Offices, Local Churches and Educational Settings.
Acceptance Rate
40.58
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Baruch, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in New York, New York, the campus offers an urban setting for students to study in. Enrollment at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College exceeds seventeen thousand yearly.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Psychology
- English Language And Literature
- Computer And Information Sciences
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school records, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Most students at Baruch scored in a range of 1110 to 1310 on the SAT exam. Competition for admissions among applicants is high, given that only 20% of students who applied are accepted to the school.
The tuition at Baruch varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $6,100 per year and out-of-state residents are charged $13,000 for the year. The price of on-campus housing is estimated to be $12,000 annually. Students attending Baruch may be eligible for aid which is typically grants and loans.
Athletic programs are available at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Available sports offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, financial aid information, programs offered, and more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu.
Acceptance Rate
43.47
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Central Coast College, located in Salinas, California, offers career training to its students. The school believes in providing a high quality education that result in qualified professional. The school values its students, and strives to create an atmosphere that is enjoyable as well as conducive to success. In addition to the education provided in classrooms, the school helps students develop proper work habits, a mature attitude, and a positive self image. Central Coast College was founded in 1983, with one program and 20 students. Today the school has 200 students and offers six programs of study.
Academics
Central Coast College offers programs in high demand careers. Courses are taught by professionals with experience in their respective fields. Graduates of the programs will receive diplomas demonstrating they have learned the skills and obtained the knowledge necessary to enter the work force in their field of study. All programs take less than a year to complete, though their overall length will vary based on the complexity of the program.
Programs offered at Central Coast College:
- Medical Assisting
- Computer Specialist Accounting
- Health Information Patient Services
- Computer Office Administration
- Psychiatric Technician
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrolling at Central Coast College are asked to contact the school and speak with an admissions advisor. During the phone discussion advisors will assist students in determining which program they wish to enroll in and identify goals for the future. Once completed, student may submit an online application and will be contacted after the application is received. Students in need of financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and work study programs.
Central Coast has a single campus location in Salinas, California and is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and approved to operate in California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Disclosure information: http://www.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$15,550 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Dordt College has approximately one thousand four hundred students enrolled each year. Dordt is ranked as one of the top Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Their tuition and fees are very affordable as they typically give a generous amount of financial aid to students who qualify. Dordt has many programs available like their administrative assistant program. The administrative assistant programs teach many skills like: Reporting skills, Administrative writing skills, Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Analysis, Professionalism, Problem solving, Supply management and Inventory control.
Acceptance Rate
75.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Plaza College operates as a 4-year career school dedicated to providing a sound education for college kids located in and around Jackson Heights. Over 810 students have received a degree with a graduation rate of around sixty-sever percent. Plaza College offers several programs to choose from. Their Business Administration program seems polished professionals armed with a highly marketable set of administrative skills. Plaza’s experienced professors help students develop and tune their abilities, enabling them to achieve success during a sort of office support position. Business Administration may be a 60 credit Associate of engineering course of study consisting of accounting, management and computer courses like business law, human resources, professional development, and data processing. Plaza college is a student-centered institution. Plaza offers a various range of programs and services to support student success.
Acceptance Rate
29.94
Student to Faculty Ratio
28:1
Rochester Institute of Technology may be a nonprofit private institution located in Rochester, NY and provides an outsized number of degree programs for college students. Rochester Institute of Technology has around sixteen thousand students enrolled each year. The administrative support technology program gives students the opportunities to learn skills that will be needed in processing information and integrating office software applications. Graduates will input, manipulate, and retrieve data as a proxy to the job requirements after graduation. They will use interactive office software and e-mail, learn information processing skills for applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database and perform other office duties.
Acceptance Rate
70.73
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Laurel Business Institute has a total enrollment of 232. They have degrees and certificates in 7 different fields. The student-faculty ratio is 10-to-1. The administrative assistant program takes 6 weeks to complete and is very affordable when compared to other certificate programs. At Laurel Business Institute you will learn about time management, accounting, business law, organizational behavior, and management. administrative assistants have many responsibilities such as: basics of accounting, reading financial statements and a basic understanding of business law, and contracts.
Acceptance Rate
91.45
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
As a family-owned institution, Arlington Career Institute is deeply dedicated to the success of our students. Since 1982, this success has been achieved through comprehensive training and education. We believe that everyone should be able to obtain the education they seek, and we're committed to providing the tools you need to succeed every step of the way. Have a job? Kids? No problem. Arlington Career Institute offers both day and evening classes to fit any lifestyle. Legal and Healthcare jobs will continue to be in demand and some of our programs can be completed in as little as 10 months! Many of our programs offer an externship class which pairs students with working professionals to provide valuable hands-on industry training. Plus, when it comes time to search for a job, we will help guide you through the process with our Career Placement Assistance program. From enrollment to graduation, Arlington Career Institute is dedicated to your success. Accreditations and Recognitions
- Accrediting Commission Of Career Schools And Colleges
- Texas Workforce Commission Regulation And Approval
- Texas Department Of Aging And Disability Services (DADS)
- Career Colleges And Schools Of Texas
- National Association For Health Professionals
- Veterans Approval
- National Court Reporters Association
- National Health Career Association
- WIA Approved
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$12,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center helps prepare adults with the skills they need to be successful in life. The center is located in Sacramento, California. Adult Education has been part of the Sacramento City Unified School District’s public education program since 1872. Attending classes is convenient since they are offered any times. GED classes are offered through the adult education center.
Instruction is free and open to individuals 18 and older who qualify. Check out the school’s website to learn more.
The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center offers classes for individuals wanting to learn English. The program teaches reading, listening, and speaking.
Career technical training is offered at the Adult Education Center. Courses are offered in the following areas: Administrative Assistant, Automotive Body Repair, Nursing Assistant, Court Reporting, GED Preparation & Testing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Medical Assisting, Optometric Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Vocational Nursing (VN).
Programs are also offered through the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center for people with disabilities. The goal is to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by increase the individual’s sense of independence. Part of the aim is to help individual achieve their potential. The goal of the program is to work on life skills and improve independency. Classes are offered on independent living, employment exploration, leisure time, and socialization.
Parenting classes are also offered. The program teaches how to handle children. One subject that the course deals with is the power struggle between siblings. The program also covers family literacy.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$7,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Ball State University is a public school and offers about 120 majors and 100 graduate degrees. BSU has some of the best and top rated programs in the state. The degree in administration assistant program blends the University Core Curriculum with courses in business foundations and specialized business administration. Once you graduate from BSU you will be able to understand many topics like managing financial resources, understanding the marketplace, and organizational processes.
Acceptance Rate
76.71
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Madison Adult Career Center (MACC), located in Mansfield, OH, is a vocational training school geared toward helping adults further their career training in preparation for employment. MACC strives to raise expectations, increase achievement, prepare for tomorrow and make it happen. MACC offers ten different programs for certification training. These ten programs have different tuitions based on their length and required materials. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Many of the programs can also be taken on multiple levels, giving a beginner, intermediate or advanced skill set. These ten programs include:
- Administrative Office Technology
- Cosmetology
- Automotive Technology
- Welding Technology
- Industrial Electrical Maintenance
- Clinical Care Specialist
- State Tested Nurse Aid
- Dental Assisting
- Phlebotomy
- Precision machining CNC Technology
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,300 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
InterCoast Colleges offers vocational programs for individuals to get a head start on their careers. The programs offered cover fields that have high employment rates. InterCoast also provides flexible scheduling to help you work around your obligations while pursuing the education you deserve. Upon completion of a program students will receive a diploma certifying that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to begin working in their chosen field. InterCoast has schools in New Hampshire, California and Maine.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in attending InterCoast Colleges should contact a representative online to begin the enrollment process. Financial aid is available to students, and it is recommended that students follow the step by step instructions on the website to see what financial aid may be available to them.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$22,550 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Ohio University is a public research university and has been ranked within the top 60 public national universities. The school is highly ranked by Forbes and other media publications ranking for its return on investment in research dollars. Ohio University offers quite 250 undergraduate majors, and a variety of majors at the master's and doctoral levels. Top ranking academic programs at Ohio University include ceramics, printmaking, speech and language pathology, audiology, physiotherapy, fine arts, psychotherapy, welfare work , physics, English, and biological sciences. They even have a top business course of study that has the executive Assistant program.
Acceptance Rate
82.07
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Fox college was opened in 1932 by Earl B. Fox, an educator and former high school principal. Earl wanted a different structure base for his high school students. The College has a yearly enrollment of 433 students. Fox College has many programs to choose from like their administrative assistant program. Some of the things that you will learn about are clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Acceptance Rate
61.84
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Jamestown Business is a small college that is based in the state of New York. It is an independent college with an enrollment of 291 students. Jamestown has around 65% of students graduating each year. Jamestown College has many programs to choose from that span from the sciences to humanities. They have an exceptional administrative assistant program. As part of the administrative assistant program you will learn Effective Oral Communications, Writing and Research, communications. scheduling, and customer service.
Acceptance Rate
90
Student to Faculty Ratio
29:1
With the goal to serve the citizens of the Marion County, Community Technical and Adult Education offers high quality academic and social opportunities for students. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with a campus located at 1014 SW 7th road, Ocala, FL 34471. Since its inception in 1974, this school has been providing diverse educational opportunities and services to the students. It offers customized training under the Community Technical and Education programs designed in line with constantly changing technology and global market. These programs are the only provider of GED and high school diploma across the Marion County. This school’s Career and Technical Programs include Allied health, Business Management and Administration, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Education and Training, Grooming and Salon Services, Industrial, Public Service and Veterinary Assisting while the Business and Office Technology, Firefighting/EMT and Special Interest Courses are under the Continuing Workforce/ Recreational Classes. CTAE also offers Young Parent Program, English as a Second Language Classes, Employment Solutions and Custom Corporate Training. CTAE is proud to achieve 90% and above certification passing rates and high job placement rate in many of its programs. This school guides students to the right direction whether they are bound to start or upgrade a career or pursue higher education. It fosters an environment that encourages lifelong learning and creates a strong foundation for success. Registration and Fees http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs/pdfs/Registration_Fees.pdf Course Catalog http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs//pdfs/CourseCatalog.pdf
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,055 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Empire College School of Business operates as a two-year career school, which offers career oriented education for its students. Students can choose from several areas of study, including:
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Legal Professions and Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Mechanic and Repair Technology
Over a thousand students have completed their education in the last few years with more than 73% of students who start the program continuing on to complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Empire College School of Business, with an Associates degree being the highest degree offered. Below is a list of the more popular programs offered are:
- Medical Assistant
- Paralegal
- Medical Office Assistant
- Information Technology
- Computer Installation and Repair Technology
- Accounting
To help students and alumni succeed, Empire College School of Business may provide some services to students including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about admissions information, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$21,355 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).
Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Chipley, Florida is a small town of only 3,592 people. An interesting fact about the town is that it was once known as “Orange”, but it was renamed in the late 1880s for a railroad magnate who lived in the northern Florida area. As a small town in Florida, residents are used to very little distractions and the less than bustling life in their rural home.
The Washington - Holmes Technical Center has an enrollment of 506, and of 2012, the tuition was $3,310. It’s small size plays to its advantage, and many of its students laud the small town atmosphere and the ability to work one on one with instructors and get the kind of first hand advice that they wouldn’t be able to get at a bigger institution or technical center. There a number of quality programs that students who are enrolled can choose from—including the following:
- Emergency Medical Tech
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Graphic Communications
- Interior Décor Fabrication
- Automotive
- Beauty Services
- Law Enforcement
Students are admitted into Washington - Holmes Technical Center based on their own academic performance in high school in addition to an admissions interview and an entrance exam. For those living in north Florida looking for a cheap option to go to school, it’s a great choice.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,890 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Orlando Tech offers an outstanding education in sunny Florida. The campus is tech friendly and in downtown Orlando. There is a lot to do on and off the campus. At Orlando Tech, you will find outstanding instructors and affordable programs. Programs are offered in culinary arts, health sciences, and digital technology.
The school features outstanding multimedia resources. Training is available in a variety of areas. Programs are offered in audio-visual technology, arts, education and training services, Business Administrative Services, and Health Services. Eighteen technical training programs and two licensure programs are offered to residents.
Courses are available for teachers that offer industrial certification for a number of Digital Media Arts programs. Orlando Tech has been designated as an Adobe Certified Training Center, offering coursework and certification in a variety of Adobe software applications.
Orlando Tech offers adult basic education programs. The school also offers GED courses, ESOL courses, and applied academics for adult education. The purpose of the Applied Academics for Adult Education Laboratory (AAAE) is to assess, evaluate, and remediate an individual's aptitude and achievement in relation to his/her goal for technical skills training. Diagnostic tests are given which determine the individual's educational level in mathematics, language, and reading.
If you don’t have time to attend class in the downtown Orlando campus, Orlando Tech. offers online study options. Online courses allow working adults to achieve their educational goals. This allows individuals to meet working and family obligations. Courses are offered in professional development, continuing education, GED preparation. All courses are taught by experienced instructors.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,740 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Career Quest Learning Centers Inc - Lansing operates as a private career school, which offers high quality education and training for its students in Lansing and surrounding areas. Over 810 students have attended and completed their training in the last few years according to annual released graduation information. Career Quest Learning Centers Inc campus in Lansing offers several great programs to choose from. Some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- System Administration
- Medical Office Assistant
To help support students, Career Quest Learning Centers Inc - Lansing may offer some services to students like:
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Council on Occupational Education. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about classes offered, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,727 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
About
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center, located in La Puente, California, is a public institution that provides education opportunities at the pre and post secondary education levels. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is seeking further accreditation from the Council of Occupational Education for training programs.
Academics
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center offers a variety of programs that allow adults to seek various education opportunities. Individuals may pursue an education that allows them to complete a high school level degree or they may pursue one of the many career oriented programs available at the center. Career training programs allow individuals to receive the skills and education necessary to begin a career in a given field or industry, and to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. In addition the school also provides english as a second language courses.
Programs offered include:
Bookkeeping
Pharmacy Technician
Nursing
Cosmetology
Welding
Admissions and Financial Aid
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center admits any individuals who wish to enroll as long as they are eighteen years of age or older. Individuals interested in enrollment should determine the program they wish to enroll in and to complete the application for admission, after which fees for the school must be paid. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, which must be applied for through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,300 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
32:1
South Hills School of Business & Technology has around 205 students enrolled each year. The student-faculty ratio is 7-to-1. When the doors to the school opened on January 4, 1971 the small school focused on specialized skills training in central Pennsylvania. The school today has a bustling campus and has many programs to choose from. The programs at South Hills School of Business will help to prepare you for the career you want and deserve. In the Administrative assistant degree program you will learn all about Microsoft word, excel, publisher, and PowerPoint. Students will learn to develop excellent communication, human relations, and event planning skills, learn basic office networking, website development, and more.
Acceptance Rate
95.61
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Metro Technology Centers (Metro Tech) is spread out over five campuses serving the greater Oklahoma City, OK metropolitan area. Metro Tech offers over 80 fulltime programs and hundreds of short term courses that can be taken online or on campus. Programs are available to high school students, adults, business, and industry personnel. Metro Tech caters to skills that demand specialized technical training. Cooperative agreements through local colleges allow Metro Tech students to take courses for college credit. Some of the benefits to attending Metro Tech include:
- Cutting edge technology
- Outstanding teaching staff and student resources
- High job placement
- Low tuition
- Convenient campuses and safe environment.
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Art
- Business
- Education
- Finances
- Health Services
- Hospitality
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law and Public Safety
- Manufacturing
- Science
- Transportation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,679 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
What Skills Do Executive Administrative Assistant Need?
A recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor of admin assistants helped to reveal their day-to-day activities. While not all-encompassing, the most popular job duties of an administrative assistant include the following items:
- Utilizing software to communicate, manage data, produce presentations, and create spreadsheets
- Managing office supplies
- Microsoft Office master
- Maintaining office records: digitally and manually
- Answering phone calls, taking messages, and managing electronic communications
- Administrative support training
- advanced career training
- Producing memos and corporate communications
- Running errands and managing events
- Filing documents and scheduling appointments
- Properly completing forms in accordance with company policy and procedures
Types of Administrative Assistants
Medical Administrative Assistant
In the medical field, healthcare administrators and hospitals both require the specialized skills of an office administrator to properly function. Medical administrative assistants perform a number of office-related tasks within a healthcare environment. Examples include filing, billing, insurance processing, medical coding, and similar tasks.
Personal Assistant
A personal assistant (PA) is an individual hired to assist a person or group of people. PA's will perform many of the same duties as an executive administrative assistant. Personal assistants will help manage both business-related duties and personal activities. It's common to have personal assistants help with dry cleaning, meals, grocery shopping, and running errands.
Data Entry Clerk
A clerk or data entry clerk is a professional that transforms data from one form to another. While the job duties may be quite similar to a traditional office assistant, a clerk will be focused on computer-based tasks. Data entry clerks typically manage data sets, input key data into CMS systems, digitize reports, and archive data for future use.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are often referred to as a VA. VA's can be focused on administrative duties similar to an office manager or bend towards technical or social duties. The common denominator that distinguishes a VA from other administrative assistants is their physical location. A virtual assistant will generally work from their home office to support the business activities required.
Executive Administrative Assistant
An executive administrative assistant is typically a highly qualified, office specialist. Executive assistants provide administrative help to a designated individual or group of executives. Assistants at this level will provide support to an executive vice president, CEO, or general manager. Given the sensitive nature of information, executive assistants focus on high-level business tasks and advanced job duties.
Accounting Assistant
An accounting assistant is required to perform many of the same duties of an administrative assistant but in an abbreviated manner. The scope of the job is winnowed down to allow them to work on accounting tasks. Accounting assistants are a combination between a bookkeeper and administrative assistant.
Administrative Assistant Training Courses
A training course for an admin assistant will provide students with key skills and abilities. The business knowledge and communication skills acquired is necessary to adeptly operate in an office environment. Administrative career training certified by regional accreditation bodies will vary by school and advanced career training requirements. For example, training classes will fluctuate for specialized administrative assistant roles in industries such as: dental, technology, medical, legal, executive, accounting, and government entities.
Accredited administrative assistant training course curriculum will involve classes in computers, filing, organization, research, report composition and more. The primary focus of such programs is the familiarization with systems commonly in use in large offices and how to manage the flow of information while meeting set deadlines.
Such courses are available through community colleges or private career schools and result in a diploma, certificate or associate degree. The typical length for these programs is between one and two years, depending on the resulting document of completion. A curriculum in administrative assistance may include:
- English for Business
- Bookkeeping & Accounting
- Database Management
- Communications
- Scheduling & Purchasing
- Business Writing
- Logistics
Free Administrative Assistant Training Courses
Administrative assistants training courses will vary by school and industry. However, you can expect certificate programs and diploma programs to be a year or less. On the other hand, an associate's degree for administrative work can take approximately twenty-four months to complete of full-time study.
Additional administrative assistant training courses include online programs and post-baccalaureate certificates. Online administrative assistant training can be as short as a few weeks up to a few months to complete. Meanwhile, a post-baccalaureate certificate is a specialized certification offered by colleges and associations to help existing professionals upskill.
Executive Administrative Assistant Certificate Course
Training certified administrative admin assistants may be a viable choice for students and for working office managers. While not a requirement, employers prefer to hire qualified, trained administrative assistants with a recognized certificate. An administrative assistant certificate helps illustrate to employers you dedication to learning, growing, and investing in your future.
Accredited colleges offer an array of certificate programs for prospective students. Locating schools offering such certificates is an easy as searching below. Alternatively, you may consider a Certificate of Administrative Professionals (CAP). The CAP examination is administered by the IAAP. The text can be taken after meeting all education and work experience requirements. Currently the test is offered twice a year and booking a spot early is recommended.
Like other professionals, an administrative assistant may be required to complete continuing education accumulating career training records. The continuing education credits may be related to a professional certificate or employer requirement. In either case, you should anticipate investing in your education perpetually.
Employment & Administrative Assistant Jobs
A career as an administrative assistant does not necessarily require a post-secondary education, though immediate entry into such a position rather than through promotion is facilitated by such an education. Additionally, individuals who have pursued such an education are more likely to be hired due to the extra skills and knowledge reducing the need for training for a given office.
Individuals working as administrative assistants will often be responsible for the writing of reports, reviewing of documents, preparation of materials, setting meetings, managing information through physical and digital filing systems as well as meeting the needs of executives as they arise.
Individuals may find promotion over time, resulting in office management or executive administration of other assistants. Such promotions are a result of demonstrated competency combined with work experience. Individuals in this field should have strong skills in organization, writing, computers as well as be sociable and have interpersonal skills.
Administrative Assistant Salary
The average salary for an administrative assistant is approximately $35,000 a year, with increases available through annual salary bumps and promotion. Individuals working in larger companies or having a larger number of responsibilities tend to earn more as well.
Job growth for administrative assistants is expected to remain steady over the decade due to new jobs opening, others closing, and some requiring replacement due to promotion or retirement. It follows that career training executive admins such as Microsoft Office specialist classes and training records management will increase to meet the industry demand. Individuals interested in administrative assistance may also be interested in medical executive assistant, customer service support, paralegal studies, or data entry technology.
Free Resources for Administrative Assistants
National and regional associations for administrative assistants are typically great resources for current and certified administrative professional. Examples include the following three organizations: American Society of Administrative Professional (ASAP), International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP).