Office Assistant
Office Assistant Certificate
Choose this program to train for a career as a receptionist or office assistant. Employers such as physician’s offices, law firms, temporary help agencies, and consulting firms are in need of skilled office staff. You could also work for manufacturing and industrial firms, telecommunications companies, and retail and wholesale organizations, plus many other businesses that need office clerical support.
Employment Information
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
58% BTC graduate placement rate1
$41,225 starting annual wage2
$49,816 average annual wage2
$61,817 potential annual wage2
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
The program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Quarters.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 42
General Education Core Courses
BUS 150 Math for Business 5 CR AENGL 100 Applied English 5 CR OR BUS 188 Business English 5 CR OR ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 CR CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications 5 CR Core Courses for Program
BIT 100 Survey of Business and Information Technology 2 CR BUS& 101 Introduction to Business 5 CR CAP 101 Introduction to Computer Applications 5 CR Electives
Office Assistant students may choose elective credits from any 100 level or higher courses with the following prefixes: ACCT, ACCT&, BUS, BUS&, CAP, HT, and IT. 15 CR
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate proper keyboarding technique with a minimum speed and accuracy.
- Perform math calculations for business scenarios and analyze business financial documents.
- Communicate verbally and in writing using standard English.
- Prepare business documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Analyze business organizational structure and the role of an administrative assistant in the office environment.
- Apply techniques for managing time, organizing records, and running meetings in an office environment.
Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities for receptionists are expected to grow because so many receptionists work for firms in services industries – including physician’s offices, law firms, temporary help agencies, and consulting firms – that are expected to experience significant growth. Job openings should be plentiful due to the large size and high rate of turnover associated with this occupation.
The average annual wage in this field is $37,211, with an earning potential of about $46,426 per year.
Administrative assistants are needed in a variety of industries. Employment for administrative assistants is projected to grow 19 percent in Washington State and decline by 9 percent across the United States according to O*Net OnLine
Faculty & Support
Contacts
If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.
Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email BusinessITNav@btc.edu