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 two 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 that are vital for success in today’s workplace. Not all courses are offered each semester on each campus.
Note
Students must declare the specialty program upon initial application and confirm their choice upon acceptance. Specialty options are available in the following:
Administrative Assistant - prepares students for a wide variety of office careers in all types of public and private sector businesses.
Legal Administrative Assistant - prepares students to assist lawyers in legal offices and government agencies.
The general admission requirements apply, including the English Proficiency Requirement. Basic keyboarding skill is recommended. Upon application to the program, the student is required to choose one of the specialized program options.
Administrative Assistant Option
The Administrative Assistant 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 practical business applications.
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.
The five required core courses offered in the Fall semester are:
Required courses offered in the Spring semester:
Legal Administrative Assistant 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, notary public offices, government offices, or legal departments of large corporations. With additional education some graduates go on to become paralegals.
The five courses offered in the Fall semester are:
Required courses offered in the spring semester:
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of Semesters One and Two of a chosen specialty, students are awarded a Certificate in Applied Business Technology.