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Administrative Assistant


Start Date: September


Location: West Prince Campus


Length: 1 Year


Credential: Certificate, Administrative Assistant


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Closed

Other International Applicants: Closed



Program Availability: Fall 2025 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open


Get your administrative assistant certificate


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.

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

When you graduate, you can continue your training by transferring select credits from this program to the Legal Administration or Medical Support Services program.

This program is offered face-to-face on a full time or part time basis. 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.

 

Program Learning Outcomes


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

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

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

Fees are Course Based

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition  $4,634 $10,634
Fees $748 $1,498
Other Costs $1,350 $1,350
Total $6,732 13,482
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition $ 4,634
Student Union $ 178
Health Insurance Fee $ 470
Graduation Fee $ 100
     Total payable to Holland College $5,382
   
1st installment due first day of classes in first semester $3,023
2nd installment due first day of classes in second semester $2,359
   

Other Costs

Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1 Year

Books $ 1,250
Materials/Supplies $ 100
     Total $1,350
   
Grand Total $6,732

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition* $10,634
Student Union $ 178
Health Insurance Fee $ 1,220
Graduation Fee $ 100
     Total payable to Holland College $12,132
   
1st installment due first day of classes in first semester $9,773
2nd installment due first day of classes in second semester $2,359
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1 Year

Books $ 1,250
Materials/Supplies $ 100
     Total $1,350
   
Grand Total $13,482

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Federal, provincial and municipal government
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Private sector businesses.

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


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The program prepared me for the daily tasks I complete at my job, such as typing, properly addressing letters, emails, memos, telephone etiquette, scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and how to communicate professionally with clients. I knew when I was hired that the Administrative Assistant program had prepared me to be able to complete the required job duties.

Paige, Class of 2020

Related
Programs


Legal Administration

Learn the administrative tasks and legal terminology you'll need to become a Legal Assistant in this accelerated one-year diploma program. Learn basic administrative duties and establish a solid foundation in civil litigation, family law, corporate law, real estate law, and estate law.

Medical Support Services

The 2-year Medical Support Services diploma program trains you to work as a medical secretary, health unit coordinator, or administrative professional in private health care facilities.

Additional
Resources