Essential Information
Certificate programs in administrative office technology provide basic office training, as well as an opportunity to specialize in a particular area, such as accounting, human relations, business communication, and medical or legal administration. An administrative office technology certificate program typically lasts 6-12 months. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certificate in Administrative Office Technology
In a certificate program, students can study keyboarding, word processing software, desktop publishing software, and methods of supervising clerical staff. Students can learn the fundamentals of business communication and concepts of human interaction within a professional setting. Coursework typically covers the fundamental concepts and technological tools involved in contemporary office work and administration. Common courses in these programs include:
- Computer systems
- Spreadsheets and databases
- Human relations in business
- Accounting
- Business communication
- Business organization
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants was $63,110 in May 2020. Legal secretaries earned a median annual salary of $48,980 per year, and the median annual salary for medical secretaries was $37,350 (www.bls.gov). As reported by the BLS, job growth for secretaries and administrative assistants overall is expected to decline by 9% between 2019 and 2029.
Continuing Education
There are a variety of related short-term programs available in this field that can increase an office assistant's professional skills, such as medical billing, accounting, and business management certificate and diploma programs. Students may also choose to pursue associate's or bachelor's degrees in administrative office technology. Further education and work experience could lead to management or supervisory positions in office administration settings.
If you want to work in an office, a certificate in Administrative Office Technology can help you gain the essential skills needed for the job. Afterward, you can pursue similar certificates in related subjects or enroll in an undergraduate degree program.
