Location
Start Dates
- August 30 2018
- January 07 2019
Duration
2Terms
Course Delivery
- In Class
- Any-time Online
- Blended
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD $4,614
International: CAD $13,009
In-class course registration is not available for spring term (online only).
A full course load is 5 courses per term. Students may elect to take fewer courses each term; however, it will take longer to complete the program.
Program Description
The role of the administrative assistant is changing and growing. Get the practical skills and knowledge to take on many responsibilities in an office. Learn software applications, keyboarding, administrative procedures, and communications. As well, build interpersonal skills to be a more effective and skilled member in any office environment
Time commitment
This is a one-year (two terms/30 weeks total) certificate program. A full course load is five courses per term. Students may elect to take fewer courses each term; however, it will take longer to complete the program.
Online option
The Administrative Professional Certificate program is also available online. This gives you the flexibility to study at home. Your online instructor is available to provide support and feedback through email.
Course Schedule
Plan the sequence of your courses!
Related Links
Course Listings Request More Information
Prospective Student Centre
Room S1111, South Campus
345 - 6 Avenue SE
403-410-1402
Toll-free: 1-866-428-2669
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- Credit in English 30-1 or minimum 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent
- Credit in a Grade 10 Math (excluding Math 10-4 and Math 16 levels)
Or
Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test that consists of five tests with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Interpreting Literature and Art: 520 minimum standard score
- Writing Skills: 520 minimum standard score
- Math Test: 450 minimum score
Or
Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions test
NOTE: a minimum keyboarding speed of 25 words per minute is strongly recommended
English language proficiency requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Related Links
Course Listings Request More Information
Prospective Student Centre
Room S1111, South Campus
345 - 6 Avenue SE
403-410-1402
Toll-free: 1-866-428-2669
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
"You learn better when you love going to class. Bow Valley College has a great atmosphere and the instructors are heroes. They are the reason for my accomplishment. It's a perfect place to build your skills for your desired job."
Gagandeep Batth
Administrative Professional Certificate, Graduating June 2018
Course Listing
Curriculum subject to change.
Administrative Professional
Required CoursesCredit
In this course, learners focus on the mastery of the alphabetic and numeric keyboard, keying by touch-typing and correct technique. Learners with previous keyboarding experience have the opportunity to improve their technique to achieve higher speed and better accuracy.
Course Delivery:
This course focuses on records management and organizational structure in the Canadian office setting. Learners explore strategies for adapting to the office culture with emphasis on professional work relationships, understanding employer expectations and managing time effectively in the workplace.
Course Delivery:
This course provides the student with a broad overview of skills and procedures necessary to provide administrative services in a professional office. Building on the skills developed in ADMN1201 Office Procedures I, topics include front line reception, managing incoming and outgoing mail, travel arrangements, and meeting and conference planning.
Prerequisite: ADMN1201
Course Delivery:
The use of business technology is essential to effectively manage information required in today's businesses and networked environments. In this course, learners gain hands-on experience in managing and customizing Microsoft Outlook as well as using cloud-computing web applications and social media sites.
This course is only available online.
Prerequisites: ADMN1301 and MGMT1201 (note: LEGL1401 may be used in place of ADMN1301; ADMN1701 may be used in place of MGMT1201)
Course Delivery:
Learners apply word processing features to produce accurate and professional business documents. By formatting memos, letters, tables and reports, learners explore proper and consistent document layout and text placement.
Course Delivery:
This course builds on the skills developed in ADMN1301 Document Processing and MGMT1303 Office Finances and Spreadsheets with the addition of electronic presentation skills. Learners apply advanced features in Microsoft Word and Excel while also developing new skills in Microsoft PowerPoint.
Prerequisites: ADMN1301, MGMT1303
Course Delivery:
In this course, learners assume the role of an Administrative Assistant and carry out daily office administrative functions. By applying skills developed in previous administrative professional courses, learners are given an opportunity to make decisions, show initiative, manage time, create documents, use research skills, and follow office guidelines and procedures. It is recommended that ADMN1303 Advanced Office Applications is taken prior to or concurrently when enrolling in this course.
Prerequisites: ADMN1201, ADMN1301, ADMN1701, MGMT1303
Course Delivery:
Confident business communication requires learners to explore the changing landscape of digital media, while developing writing skills and techniques to compose competent, professional communications. In this course, learners explore research tools to aid in effective oral presentations and strengthen interpersonal skills to be an effective communicator in the Canadian workplace.
Course Delivery:
Many businesses use spreadsheets to organize, analyze, and evaluate data. The role of the office administrator often involves creating and maintaining spreadsheets for use in business. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Excel and illustrates how to utilize Microsoft Excel to complete administrative functions. Learners are also introduced to the role of an administrative professional in maintaining office finances and how to use Microsoft Excel to perform these tasks.
Course Delivery:
Required Course ElectiveChoose one from the following courses
In this course, learners focus on the mastery of the alphabetic and numeric keyboard, keying by touch-typing and correct technique. Learners with previous keyboarding experience have the opportunity to improve their technique to achieve higher speed and better accuracy.
Prerequisite: ADMN1101
Course Delivery:
The central theme of the course focuses on the relationship between thinking, human behaviour, and organizational effectiveness. Opportunity is provided for learners to experience incidental learning as they evaluate their own behaviour. Learners explore how concepts and ideas pertaining to human behaviour can transform self, relationships, and the workplace.
Course Delivery:
This course focusses on the importance of aligning human resource practices with organizational strategies and employment legislative acts. Through an exploration of workforce planning, recruitment, selection, orientation, learning and development, performance management, total rewards and recognition, learners reflect on the process of recruiting and retaining employees to achieve an engaged workforce. Trend analysis includes discussion on workplace health and safety.
Course Delivery:
Learners examine interdisciplinary roles and responsibilities needed to be successful in an administrative support role within healthcare. Through an exploration of wellness, time management, communication, and diversity, learners apply strategies to enhance personal attributes and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.
Course Delivery:
This course provides a summary of the fundamental aspects of the Canadian legal system, and the role of legal assistants in that system. Principles of tort, contract, and employment law are also introduced.
Course Delivery:
This course introduces learners to the multifaceted roles of managers within an organization through theory and practical application. While analyzing and critically reflecting on the functions of management, learners have the opportunity to connect key concepts with their own professional practice. Topics such as strategic planning, organizational structure and design, leadership, motivation, controls, and team dynamics are examined.
Prerequisite: None
Course Delivery:
Interpersonal communication impacts our personal and professional lives, and therefore is an essential skill to learn and practice. The foundation of this course focuses on understanding and being understood by others. Topics that have a profound impact on communication are examined, including the role of listening skills and perceptions, managing emotions, and the power of non-verbal communication. The learner is encouraged to integrate effective strategies to improve the communication process, the climate in which it happens and the relational dynamics that are critical for successful communication.
Course Delivery:
Learners are introduced to concepts aimed at providing a solid foundation of marketing principles and the role marketing plays in business. Emphasizing a holistic approach, learners have the opportunity to analyze and apply the marketing mix. Key concepts include product, price, placement, and promotion (4Ps), the Integrated Marketing Communications Mix (IMC), market research, and consumer behaviour.
Course Delivery:
Work Experience Courses
Optional Coursesnon-credit
This course prepares learners for employment opportunities by developing marketing tools and skills for interviews.
Prerequisite: Completion of 15 program credits
Course Delivery:
Through experiential learning, this course bridges classroom study with the Calgary workplace. Representing Bow Valley College, learners will have opportunity to use their new technical skills; observe and integrate into office culture; work on soft skills/communication skills; network with industry colleagues; gain reference(s); add experience to their resume; possibly gain extended employment or referral; and receive evaluation from Employer. Open communication is maintained throughout the work term between Learners, Hosts and Student Engagement Officers.
Prerequisites:
- Completion and passing grades in all required program courses
- Completion of ADMN9998 Employment Preparation (non-credit)
- Completion of TOWES
- Minimum B- in Communication Fundamentals, Business Communications or Legal Office Communications
- Minimum program GPA of 2.60
- Commitment (attendance, punctuality, professionalism), as determined jointly by Program Coordinator, Instructors and Student Engagement Officer
Course Delivery:
Program FAQs
In today's workplace, administrative professionals play an increasingly important role in coordinating and maintaining an efficient office. As a graduate of the Administrative Professional Certificate program, you will have the skills needed to manage the administrative activities within an office setting including preparing various types of correspondence, reports, and spreadsheets; maintaining files and inventories; handling inquires; scheduling appointments and meetings; and compiling and recording data. You will also be expected to have extensive knowledge of computers and electronic equipment.
Graduates have found work in private, public, and non-profit organizations including:
- Banking and other financial institutions
- Engineering firms
- Government agencies – municipal, provincial, and federal
- Legal agencies
- Land development companies
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Oil and gas companies
- Sales and marketing companies
- Transportation and logistic companies
You will often be dealing directly with the public as part of your responsibilities. As a result, you will be required to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should also have an eye for detail, be a problem solver, and have strong critical thinking skills.
The Alberta Government provides up-to-date information on Alberta’s occupational profiles including wage and salary information. Click on the link to find out more.
The four-week work experience at the end of the program is optional. This work experience provides you with the opportunity to practice your new skills in an industry of special interest to you.
Work Experience gives you the chance to use your new skills in the workplace. You'll receive strong mentorship, gain valuable experience, and enjoy networking opportunities.
Work experience is an unpaid, non-credit job placement within Calgary. It's scheduled right after you've completed your required courses and lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on your program. Work Experience is competitive and final acceptance for placement is subject to departmental approval.
- You must apply in the first semester of your program. You'll get approval once you meet all prerequisites.
- You'll have to write the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) during your first term. The TOWES credential is one prerequisite for Work Experience eligibility.
- You also have to pay for and successfully complete the Employment Preparation course ADMN9998 beforehand. The course fee is $150, and is not covered by student loans.
- Once you have a Work Experience placement (ADMN9999) in Calgary, you'll complete the full-time work over 4 to 6 weeks. Work experience is scheduled immediately after the completion of all the required program courses. You cannot register for ADMN9999 after graduation. Course fee is $200 and is not covered by student loans.
Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.
Plan the sequence of your courses with this Fall 2018/19 schedule.
Once you are a registered student in a program at the Chiu School of Business, our student engagement officers can also assist you with planning.
Graduates of the certificate program may be granted transfer credits with the following institutions:
- Grande Prairie Regional College
- Keyano College
- Lethbridge College
- Medicine Hat College
- Athabasca University
- SAIT
Note: Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution you are applying to.
Please visit the full-time course credits pages for details for each program.
If you are taking an online course, you should make sure your computer has the following applications:
- Reliable internet access – DSL or cable connections are highly recommended.
- We recommend Windows 7 or 10 (preferred) or Mac OS software; Microsoft Office 2013 (minimum); Adobe Acrobat Reader; and a media player such as Adobe Flash Player, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player.
- Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.
- We recommend Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari as browsers. D2L does not work well with Internet Explorer.
The approximate cost of textbooks and other supplies is estimated at $750 per term.
