This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2003-2004 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version. In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this program calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2003 to Aug. 31, 2004.
Applied Business Technology
Offered at Langley, Richmond and Surrey Campus
Full and part time (days) at Langley and Surrey Campus
Part time (evenings) at Richmond and Surrey Campus
Description
The Applied Business Technology (ABT) program is a diploma program, students can exit at either the citation, certificate or diploma level.
The two-year diploma program prepares students for advancement in office careers, and/or for direct transfer into the third year of the Kwantlen Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership.
The first year of the diploma program is the Applied Business Technology certificate, which provides students with excellent workplace skills of an intensive, practical nature. The curriculum provides background in Business Communications, Bookkeeping Basics, Computer Competency, Office Dynamics, and Word Processing, as well as courses specific to the specialty option selected by each student. These options are Administrative Assistant, Accounting Assistant, Legal Secretarial, or Medical Office Assistant. Students may exit the program at the certificate level with skills appropriate to the office workplace.
Student Profile
Students in are recent high school graduates or are mature students with or without higher education. Students have a large variety of previous work experiences. Some students are seeking entry to the workforce, some are upgrading office skills, some wish for a change in career path, and others have completed higher education and are seeking a hands-on, learning environment with a practical focus.
Admission Requirements
A minimum “C” grade in English 12, or Communications 12 or TPC 12, or 213 cb-TOEFL with Writing Band 4, or Kwantlen Placement test into ENGL 1099 or (ABEE 0081 or PSPE 1081) or (ABEE 0091 or PSPE 1091) or EASL 0085. Some keyboarding skill is recommended. Upon acceptance into the program, the student is required to choose one of the specialized programs.
Citation
Completion of the five core courses the ABT Certificate program will qualify a student for the ABT Citation. These courses are available both during the day and in the evening on a part-time basis at selected campuses. Not all courses are available each semester during the evening, day classes are only available at the Surrey and Langley campuses. Priority registration in the day courses is given to full-time certificate students.
The Applied Business Technology program prepares students for general and specialized administrative support positions in business and institutional offices. All graduates will have up-to-date skills in current office software and procedures, business communications (written and oral), and bookkeeping. Graduates of the four specialty options will have skills specifically required for success in their chosen field. The program promotes development of skills used in teamwork, problem solving, and decision making which are vital for success in today’s workplace.
Note: Students must declare the specialty program upon initial application; however, changes may be permitted after completing one semester based upon space availability.
The first semester courses are common to all specialty options. In the second semester students follow the course work of their designated program. Not all options or all courses are available at every campus each year. Speciality Options are available in the following:
Administrative Assistant – prepares students for a wide variety of office careers.
Accounting Assistant – prepares students to carry out all the daily and monthly activities of the business accounting cycle.
Legal Secretarial – prepares students to assist lawyers in legal offices and government agencies.
Medical Office Assistant – prepares students to assist a physician in medical office functions.
Content
All specialty certificates require the same five core courses during which students develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for success in any business office. Upon completion of specific prerequisites, students may enroll in the courses specific to the option that they have chosen.
The Administrative Office Systems Program prepares students for exciting and varied office positions. Graduates of this program will demonstrate proficiency in computer applications and will be able to assume administrative positions within a variety of companies and institutions. Up-to-date software is used, and the emphasis is on transferability of skills and understanding of concepts and processes. Advanced word processing, electronic spreadsheets, databases, accounting software, and desktop publishing will be studied with emphasis on their business application.
The program places emphasis on skills in communication, interpersonal relations, teamwork, administrative procedures, oral and written presentations, meeting management, problem-solving and decision making; these skills are identified as vital for success in today’s workplace.
Today, office support workers are assuming greater responsibilities, and they are expected to have greater and more varied skills. The job outlook is very good for well-prepared graduates. Careers are available in many different businesses; graduates may assume positions as administrative assistants, sales assistants, marketing assistants, research assistants, secretaries, receptionists, or office clerks. The responsibilities vary greatly depending on market needs, the needs of the firm, and the education, skills and initiative of the graduate. Some graduates may prefer to establish their own office support contracting service.
Opportunities exist for graduates to continue their education through the Applied Business Technology Diploma.
Accounting Assistant option
(Under review)
The modern business office offers a wide variety of rewarding opportunities for accounting assistants. The courses in Term 1 and the accounting assistant option provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to access excellent careers. All program graduates will be able to operate business software and will have a practical knowledge of the impact of new technology on the business sector.
Content
Required courses offered in the spring semester (This option is currently under review)
* May be used as a prerequisite for 3300 level Accounting courses
Employment Opportunities
Accounting assistant majors will find employment in large and small firms, as well as government or corporate organizations. Positions in which graduates may be employed are accounts payable/ receivable clerk, payroll assistant, general bookkeeping clerk, inventory control assistant, purchasing assistant, or general office support.
Graduates may choose further education through the ABT diploma program or other programs in the School of Business.
Legal Secretarial option
This option provides students with education in basic legal secretarial procedures required in today’s legal offices. Subjects covered will include general office procedures, wills and estates, corporate records, civil litigation, family law, and conveyancing. In addition, students will become knowledgeable in word processing skills.
Upon graduation, most students will obtain employment in legal offices, notaries public offices, government offices, or legal departments of large corporations.
With additional education some graduates go on to become paralegals.
Medical Office Assistant option
The Medical Office Assistant program prepares students for employment in a variety of health care settings that are more challenging than ever. Graduates are able to demonstrate the necessary skills for efficient office management. Students learn medical terminology and hands-on clinical procedures and skills. Up-to-date computerized medical billing software and current Medical Services Plan Schedules are used to simulate actual billing experiences for today’s office.
The program places emphasis on interpersonal skills, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written communications; these skills are vital for success in today’s workplace.
The health care industry is one of the largest industries in Canada and the Medical Office Assistant is valued as an Allied Health Professional. The Medical Office Assistant program prepares students to perform administrative and/or clinical functions in a variety of health care settings that are now more challenging and rewarding than ever before. They may conduct limited laboratory procedures, assist physicians in the examination and treatment of patients, and perform tasks necessary for efficient office operation. They are invaluable members of the health care team in ensuring a smooth-running clinical environment.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of Semester 1, students are awarded an Applied Business Technology Citation. An Applied Business Technology Certificate indicating the specific option is awarded to students who have successfully completed Semesters one and two. A diploma in Applied Business Technology is awarded after completion of an additional 30 credits as described below.
Diploma
The ten additional courses required for the diploma will provide students with enhanced knowledge, skills, and attitudes for the various office workplaces they have chosen. They will be better prepared for advancement and for supervisory positions with enhanced communication skills and knowledge of management, organizational behaviour, marketing, microeconomics, human resource management, project management, and administrative management. Students also have the opportunity to select from a group of optional courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates find employment in a wide variety of business, medical and legal offices and departments. They may be considered for entry-level supervisory and office management positions in both the public and private sector.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the ABT Certificate/equivalent
Content
To be eligible for transfer to the Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership Degree, the prescribed bridging courses must be taken within the optional course choices.
