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Offered In person, or via distance learning, this hands-on program prepares you for an entry-level position as an administrative professional in the private sector or in government.

The program focuses on office procedures, office productivity software, written and oral communications, professionalism, interpersonal communications, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and customer service.

The practical learning activities include computerized accounting, working with and developing spreadsheets, document preparation, and organizing meetings and events, all of which are part of an administrative assistant's duties.

  • September 2026

    West Prince Campus

    Program Length

    1 Year

    Credential

    Certificate, Administrative Assistant

    Canadian Tuition

    View full breakdown

    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

    Accepting Applications

    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

    Accepting Applications

    Other International Applicants

    Accepting Applications

  • September 2026

    Distance Learning

    Program Length

    1 Year

    Credential

    Certificate, Administrative Assistant

    Canadian Tuition

    View full breakdown

    International Tuition

    View full breakdown

    Canadian Applicants

    Accepting Applications

    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

    Accepting Applications

    Other International Applicants

    Accepting Applications

  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
    • Résumé, including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

     

    Notes:

    • Preference will be given to applicants with academic English.
    • Previous training or experience in the use of computers such as keyboarding, desktop application software and operating system(s) is considered an asset.
    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
    • This program accepts Mature Student applications.
       
  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values


    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:ADMI-1000

    Office Procedures I

    This course is designed to enable students to learn the skills required to perform basic office procedures for the efficient operation of an office environment. Students learn how to operate telephone systems, provide front line reception and perform duties such as organize meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and scheduling procedures.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ADMI-1010

    Office Procedures II

    This course is designed to introduce students to the policies, procedures and practices involved with the operation of a safe, efficient, and organized work area. Students learn to operate equipment used in the office environment. Students are introduced to various organizations governing worker's health and safety. This course also provides students with the skills necessary to develop competency in basic math for general office finances, bank transactions and management of petty cash.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ADMI-1110

    Keyboarding I

    In this course students are introduced to the fundamentals of correct keyboarding technique and develop touch-typing skills to a minimum word standard. Through individualized practices and drills, students improve their accuracy and speed of text keying to achieve a speed of 30 words per minute (wpm) in a five-minute timing with five or less errors.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ADMI-1115

    Keyboarding II

    This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop correct keyboarding and touch typing skills from Keyboarding I course. Through individualized practices and drills, students improve their accuracy and speed of text keying to achieve a speed of 50 words per minute (wpm) in five-minute timings with five or less errors.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ADMI-1120

    Office Finance

    In this course, students learn the basic terminolgy and develop basic manual bookkeeping skills sufficient for a business record-keeping environment. Students are also introduced to basic features of computerized accounting software, focusing on recording and data entry processes.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMM-1095

    Interpersonal Communications

    In this course, students gain opportunities to promote personal growth and engage in behaviour intended to enhance their interpersonal communication skills in personal and professional settings. Students experience opportunities to practice verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and effective feedback techniques. Students also practice team building and leadership strategies and explore diversity and cultural issues in interpersonal communications.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMM-1310

    Business Communications

    In this course, students acquire competency in writing professional office correspondence including memos, emails and letters, using standardized proofreading and editing techniques. Students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate verbal communication skills by presenting presentations to inform, educate, and entertain. Students also prepare for employment pursuits by creating a personal resume, cover letter and professional career portfolio. Students further prepare for employment by conducting effective job searches and participating in mock job interviews.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-1000

    Computer Essentials

    Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ENGL-1000

    English

    Learn, review and practice English grammar, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and spelling skills to demonstrate language usage competency. Develop the ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely building both written and oral communication skills.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:PRAC-1125

    Administrative Assistant On-The-Job Training

    On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. An OJT placement provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their competencies, gain confidence, build on professional skills acquired from formal instruction and gain first hand experiences in their profession. Through OJT placements, students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of the profession.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:PROF-1000

    Professionalism

    In this course, students gain a knowledge and understanding of the administrative assistant profession and its affiliated associations. Students explore and demonstrate competencies in a number of professional areas including; ethical decision making, projecting a positive image, personal management skills, problem-solving, workplace harrassment and bullying, and conflict management skills.

    Credit Value:3


The program includes a four-week on-the-job training component that allows you to apply the skills you learned in an office environment.

This program is offered in-person on a full time or part time basis as well as online. Students take the same courses as they would in the classroom in a combination of scheduled online sessions and independent online learning. Please note - Participants may be required to have a web-enabled camera and microphone and access to a strong internet connection to participate in this program.

Please note: This program accepts Mature Student applications. 

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professionalism and ethical principles in all interactions.
  • Support the needs of internal and external stakeholders through the use of accurate terminology and professional communication strategies, both orally and in writing.
  • Prepare, key, and proofread standard business documents and correspondence.
  • Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities and procedures.
  • Manage files and records using a records management system to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized records.
  • Operate and provide support to others related to the use of common office equipment and technologies.
  • Utilize a variety of computerized software applications such as those used for word processing, creating spreadsheets and developing presentations.
  • Apply fundamental accounting/bookkeeping principles and use accounting software to manage accounts.
  • Identify strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Federal, provincial and municipal government
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Private sector businesses.
Did you know?

When you graduate, you may decide to continue your training by transferring select credits from the Administrative Assistant program to the Medical Support Services program.

Related Programs

Medical Support Services

The Medical Support Services program trains you to work as a medical secretary, health unit coordinator, or administrative professional in private health care facilities.