Office Administration - General

 

Program Highlights

Are you looking for a new career with great job prospects and opportunities for promotion?  If you enjoy working with people in fast-paced work environments, and you like working with computers, then this program may be an excellent option for you. The Office Administration – General program offers you the opportunity to develop your administrative and professional skills, to work with the latest computer technology, to network with professionals in the field, and to prepare yourself for a wide range of local and global careers.

Simulated office environments, extensive hands-on practice, and a culminating work placement in an office, ensure that when you graduate, you are job-ready.

This certificate program is designed to give you foundational office skills essential for work in the field of office administration. Specialized training covers communications, advanced word-processing, office procedures and administration, bookkeeping, and computer applications including simple web page design. Essential skills in customer service, interpersonal communication, managing diversity, problem-solving and conflict management are also emphasized in the program.

The Office Administration - General program runs over a 30-week period. If you want to fast track and get out into the workforce as quickly as possible, you should consider the Office Administration - Compressed program, which runs over a 26-week period.

 

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, your career path may lead you to employment in private businesses, government offices, not-for-profit organizations or schools. Possible entry-level positions include:

• Administrative Assistant
• Office Administrator
• Clerical Assistant
• Customer Service Representative
• Secretary
• Receptionist

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with any combination of Workplace (E), College (C) or University (U) courses or equivalent.

 Mature Students  If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Upon successful completion of this program, you may decide to continue in the Office Administration - Executive program for an additional year of study and earn an Ontario College Diploma.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Business Essentials - A Survival Course	45.00
Basic Accounting	45.00
Communications for Business	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Professional Office Administration Procedures I	60.00
Word Processing I	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 2
Computer Applications	30.00
Computerized Bookkeeping	30.00
Professional Office Administration Procedures II	45.00
Transcription Basics	30.00
Word Processing II	30.00
Work Placement	80.00
Work Placement Preparation	15.00

Semester 1

Business Essentials - A Survival Course

Course Number: BUSN002

This course will explore the nature of business and the role of the individual within the business context. The course will help to prepare the student for the world of business by developing an understanding of the major functional aspects of a successful business. The course will also focus on a number of important business trends that will continue to affect business into the future. These include the growth and influence of international business, the role of ethics and social responsibility in business decisions, the significance of small business, the growth of the service sector, and the influence of technology on business activities. This is an approved general education course.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Basic Accounting

Course Number: ACCT069

In this course, students will learn the basics of finance such as ledgers and balancing accounting books using basic mathematics.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Communications for Business

Course Number: COMM078

Successful business and administrative communication requires an understanding of both individual and organizational audiences and the ability to create effective messages for them. Communications for Business will introduce students to the critical-thinking, problem-solving and professional writing skills that are necessary to meet these communication challenges.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Professional Office Administration Procedures I

Course Number: BUSN109

This course is designed to introduce students to skills fundamental to the pursuit of a successful career in the field of office administration. Specific skills covered include time management, communications, reprographics, and reception. Professionalism, ethics, and proper communication skills in the office environment will be reinforced as part of a successful business environment. During this course, students will start their professional portfolio to demonstrate their skills and abilities for future employment and educational opportunities.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Word Processing I

Course Number: COMP377

This course will give students the opportunity to use initiative and judgment to produce professional documents of a simple nature using Word. Topics covered include: creating, printing and editing documents including formatting, tables and charts. Students, using proper keyboarding technique, will achieve a minimum speed of 30 net words per minute. Grammar, spelling and writing style will be emphasized.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Computer Applications

Course Number: COMP379

In this second course on computer applications, students will continue to expand their knowledge and skills on Internet research. Topics include search engines, developing search strategies, ethics and copyright. Students will create, edit and maintain simple web pages using an HTML text editor. Students will explore other HTML editing tools.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Computerized Bookkeeping

Course Number: ACCT070

Students will be able to keep a complete set of books using a small business accounting software package. The adjusting and closing entries and financial statements will be completed at the end of the accounting cycle. Cash control procedures will be undertaken and selected transactions recorded in a journal.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Professional Office Administration Procedures II

Course Number: BUSN110

This course builds upon the skills and knowledge gained in the first course on office administration procedures. Students learn how to prepare for meetings, arrange travel, perform scheduling, manage contacts and record meeting minutes. Business etiquette and customer service is also discussed. Students will also learn about the various professional associations and accreditations available to them. Students will continue to learn about professional portfolios and continue to add to their professional portfolio.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Transcription Basics

Course Number: BUSN111

Using transcription equipment and word processing software, students will learn how to produce general business-related documents. Emphasis will be placed on the student¿s ability to produce mailable documents within specific timelines that are accurate with regard to spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, numbers, and abbreviations.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Word Processing II

Course Number: COMP378

The more advanced functions available in MS Word will be studied for the production of more complex documents. Topics covered include: Managing multiple documents, macros, forms and advanced formatting. Students will utilize various keyboarding techniques to improve their keyboarding speed, accuracy, and proofreading skills to achieve a minimum speed of 40 net words per minute. Grammar, spelling and writing style will be emphasized.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Work Placement

Course Number: FLPL116

Work placement is a non-paid experience that provides an opportunity for students to integrate theory and practice in a business work environment. The work placement experience enables students to explore their chosen field and assess and apply individual knowledge, skill and aptitude in a professional environment.

Units: 80.00
Hours: 80.00

Work Placement Preparation

Course Number: FLPL115

This course is intended to prepare students for their work experience in a community-based office after second semester. Topics include finding potential work placement employers, preparing a cover letter and resume, and preparing for an interview.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00