Administrative Assistant Training

The administrative assistant program at Columbia Basin College prepares students for careers as an administrative assistant, executive assistant, marketing assistant, office manager, or sales assistant. The program focuses on performing the duties of administrative assistants, secretaries, and stenographers. Program courses include: business communications, principles of business law, word processing and data entry, office machines operation and maintenance, office procedures, public relations, secretarial accounting, filing systems and records management, and report preparation. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer administrative assistant training.

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Columbia Basin College (CBC)

4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA

Columbia Basin College is a 2 year college located in Pasco, Washington. The college was founded in 1965 to serve the Benton and Franklin counties. The college services over 13,000 students a year and has grown over the decade, expanding its offerings and building new facilities. CBC provides a safe learning environment and believes in equality in its dealings with students, providing the skills necessary for residents of its service area to succeed. The school is continually reviewing and revising its offerings, ensuring that the programs remain relevant and provide the best possible education. Class sizes are relatively small, typically having between 22-50 students.

Academics

Columbia Basin College offers a diverse number of programs to help prepare its students for transfer into four year institutions or to prepare them for a career of their choosing. Students wishing to transfer will complete the first two year of a four year education at CBC. Students may transfer to four year institutions upon completion assuming certain general education courses are taken and an acceptable GPA is maintained. Career and technical programs provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce immediately as professions once the program is completed. CBC also offers a single Baccalaureate program in applied management.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice and Forensics
• Early Childhood Education
• Medical Assistant
• Phlebotomy

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Columbia Basin College must complete and submit the application along with the application fee and take the COMPASS placement exam. As a two year institution the school maintains an open enrollment program, allowing those individuals who demonstrate that they may benefit from the education offered to enroll. Some programs may have limited admittance, and as such it is wise to apply early. Students applying for financial aid should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and visit the financial aid office to discuss options. Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants, the resulting Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA will be used to determine eligibility and awards.

Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics are available at Columbia Basin College. The CBC Hawks participate in a number of sports through the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWACC). Intercollegiate athletics allow students to participate in structure competition which fosters an atmosphere of school pride. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop important skills that are useful for their academic and professional careers. These include teamwork, discipline, and good health. Students who participate in athletics often find the experience rewarding, as it allows for travel, bonding with peers, and the possibility of success.

Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Career Options for Graduates

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Description

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -5.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 5
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.76
  • Average Annual Salary: $59820
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 590
  • Average Hourly Rate: $26.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $56010

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

Description

Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 16
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.26
  • Average Annual Salary: $42140
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.18
  • Average Annual Salary: $39880

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).