Executive and Admin. Assistant

• Executive Assistant — A.A.S. Degree 64 credits
• Administrative Assistant — Diploma 38 credits
• Receptionist — Certificate 25 credits

Major Description

Executive Assistant: In the changing business environment, Executive Assistants are experienced and organized office professionals. They will provide the expertise needed for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, databases and electronic presentations. In addition, the Executive Assistant should be experienced in using the Internet, working with local area networks and designing web pages. This is the perfect major for people who are presently in the work force but need a new challenge or a way to advance their careers.

Administrative Assistant: The Administrative Assistant major prepares students for employment in administrative support. Students will use computer systems for document processing and file management tasks. In addition, the administrative assistant may perform duties such as handling mail, filing and retrieving records, and handling telephone calls. The Receptionist Certificate major offers the student an opportunity to work with some of these skills in a more condensed version of the program.

Nature of Work

The Executive Assistant and Administrative Assistant uses a variety of application software to generate, edit and store correspondence, reports and statistical tables and forms, and maintain spreadsheets and databases. They also conduct electronic research, schedule meetings, take minutes, manage calendars, make travel arrangements and work independently on special assignments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find employment in administrative support in a wide variety of businesses, including corporate headquarters, insurance companies, banks, manufacturing firms and government agencies.

Program Delivery

Students can begin this program Fall or Spring semester. Courses are offered primarily during the day; however, there are some evening and Flextime Lab classes available. Full- or part-time starts are available.

Advanced Standing

Previous college courses, certification, licensure and training may be considered for credit in the major. The responsibility for seeking credit rests with the student and can be initiated by completing the course SMGT2950 Prior Experiential Learning Portfolio Development (1 elective credit).

MOS Certification

DCTC offers courses to prepare students for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exam. MOS is the globally recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity software. For more information call 651-423-8428.

Flextime Lab

Students unable to commit to a schedule every day can complete some Executive Assistant courses in the Flextime Lab. Courses are taught on an independent, self-paced basis under the guidance of a qualified instructor. For more information, call 651-423-8251.

Program Prerequisite

A two-minute typing test will be given before students can take OFFC1005 Keyboarding/Formatting. Students must achieve a speed of 35 words per minute with five or fewer errors to be admitted to the course. If students do not type at this level, they must successfully complete OFFC1000 Basic Keyboarding prior to registering for OFFC1005 Keyboarding/Formatting.

After DCTC

DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with Southwest Minnesota State University and Saint Mary's University.See Career Services for more information.

Student Outcomes

1. Graduates will be prepared for immediate employment in their respective fields.
2. Graduates will have successfully completed coursework in a simulated office environment.
3. Graduates will be able to utilize software applications to produce mailable documents.
4. See General Education outcome statement.
   

Faculty

Related Programs:

• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Medical Administrative Asstistant
• General Education