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Office Assistant

Office Assistant

Students in lecture

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

$43,680 starting annual wage2
$52,000 average annual wage2
$62,400 potential annual wage2

  • Estimated Program Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

The program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Quarters.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

A completed college admissions application and placement in English and math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first.

To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 42

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • General Education Core Courses

  • BUS 150Math for Business5 CR
  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR
  • OR
  • BUS 188Business English5 CR
  • OR
  • ENGL& 101English Composition I5 CR
  • CMST& 210Interpersonal Communications5 CR

  • Core Courses for Program

  • BIT 100Survey of Business and Information Technology2 CR
  • BUS& 101Introduction to Business5 CR
  • CAP 101Introduction to Computer Applications5 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