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.
The program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Quarters.
These requirements are for the Certificate.
AENGL 100 | Applied English | 5 CR |
OR |
BUS 188 | Business English | 5 CR |
OR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
BIT 100 | Survey of Business and Information Technology | 2 CR |
CAP 101 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 5 CR |
AENGL 100 | Applied English | 5 CR |
OR |
BUS 188 | Business English | 5 CR |
OR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
BIT 100 | Survey of Business and Information Technology | 2 CR |
BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business | 5 CR |
BUS 150 | Math for Business | 5 CR |
CAP 101 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communications | 5 CR |
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. | 18 CR |
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
Marcia Pedersen has Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Central Washington University and has taught a variety of courses over 27 years including computers, finance, law, entrepreneurship, office procedures and English. She is certified in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access. Her professional networks are with the National Business Education Association, Washington Association of Career and Technical Education, and Washington State Business Education Association. In addition, she has worked as a receptionist, legal secretary, athletic program manager, clerical testing administrator, lifeguard, and juvenile detention officer. She enjoys traveling, scuba diving, reading, volunteering with search and rescue, and spending time with her family—two and four-legged!