Professional Development/Business Careers

Administrative Assistant Certificate Program

Administrative Assistant Certificate Program equips students with the essential skills needed for administrative support roles such as Office Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, Medical Receptionist, and Patient Coordinator. Participants will gain proficiency in office technology, document creation, scheduling, and organizational strategies, preparing them for a dynamic and professional office environment. You will also receive resume writing guidance, interviewing skill building, and job search assistance as part of your post-program support. This is optional, but highly encouraged. Tuition includes all textbooks. Classes include: Computer Basics, Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and fundamental Project Management principles.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:
Begins August 12th, Hiawatha

Click here to view a full list of upcoming offerings.

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
None. This program does not award any nationally recognized certification upon completion.

Careers:
Source: Career Coach 2018, Kirkwood Community College region.
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Average hourly earnings: $23.88
Starting hourly earnings: $16.88
Projected job openings (2018 – 2023): 834

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Average hourly earnings: $17.73
Starting hourly earnings: $12.03
Projected job openings (2018 – 2023): 2,071

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
None.

Delivery Method:
Classroom

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
72 hours, 8.64 CEUs

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail certificate. Students must receive 70 percent comprehensive score, or higher, on the exam to receive the certificate.  The Microsoft exams are computer-based tests at the completion of each course. Attendance is also a part of the requirement for obtaining the certificate. Students may have one excused absence throughout the course. 

Course Objectives:
• Efficiently type on a keyboard by touch.
• Navigate the Windows Operating System, including managing windows and folders, sorting and filing files, running programs, managing security settings, and utilizing Window’s multimedia features.
• Multitask effectively using the task bar and minimize, maximize, resize, and move program windows; cut, copy, and paste text and pictures; and use various file storage devices.
• Navigate a Word document using the ribbon; enter and edit text; use numbered and bulleted lists; create envelopes; work with tables, borders, shading, styles, shapes, WordArt, and SmartArt; set custom tabs; insert headers and footers; track changes; and save your work in different file formats.
• Using Excel, enter and edit data, format cells, work with numbers and dates, use AutoFill, and perform worksheet calculations. Rearrange data on a worksheet, manage multiple worksheets, and use functions in formulas. Create charts to compare data and utilize special features to make organizing large amounts of data easier.
• Using PowerPoint, create a presentation by choosing a theme, adding slides, choosing slide layouts, and navigating through the slides. Design and learn how to print the presentation through creating outlines and special formatting. Add graphics, animation, and multimedia to the presentation, including working with pictures, slide transitions, audio, and video.
• Use easy, step-by-step proven techniques to plan projects, work the plan, and close out the project all while managing your time and leveraging technology to your advantage. Discover ways to be both effective and efficient at managing projects in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program you should be able to type on a keyboard by touch, navigate the Windows Operating System, perform basic office tasks in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, communicate effectively both in written and verbal formats, problem solve with others, and make supported decisions.

Other Items to Know About this Course:
All classroom materials are included in the tuition fee and will be provided in class.

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: 
NA