Location
Start Dates
- September 01, 2021
- January 10, 2022
Program Delivery
- In Class
- Any-time Online
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.
Work Experience (Optional)
Work Experience (practicum) offers you the opportunity to use your new skills in the workplace, receive strong mentorship, gain valuable experience, and enjoy networking opportunities. Work Experience is offered as an unpaid, non-credit work placement scheduled immediately following the successful completion of all required courses (Calgary placement only).
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and follow the application process to be accepted into Work Experience. The application process aligns with the competitive nature of a job search and candidates are responsible for demonstrating a high level of professional and program expectations. Not all applicants are guaranteed a Work Experience placement.
Find out more! Work Experience
Related Links
Course Listings Request More Information Apply Now
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 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.
Transferability
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions.Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply. Here are the most current transfer agreements:
- Athabasca University: Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies Major
Related Links
Course Listings Request More Information Apply Now
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
"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."
Course Listing
Curriculum subject to change.
Administrative Professional
Required CoursesCredit
Effective keyboarding is an integral part of being successful in an office environment. Focus is placed on ergonomic touch-typing technique to master the alphabetic and numeric keyboard. Learners with keyboarding experience have the opportunity to improve their technique to achieve higher level of speed and 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.
Prerequisites: (ADMN1301 or LEGL1401) and (ADMN1701 or 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, MGMT1201, 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
A successful legal assistant demonstrates efficient keyboarding skills and attention to detail. Building on the skills developed in ADMN1101, learners have the opportunity to improve their touch-typing technique to achieve higher levels of speed and accuracy to meet industry standards. Through continued development of proofreading strategies, along with a focus on the keying of legal and general terminology, learners have the opportunity to develop the attention to detail expected in the legal assistant profession.
Prerequisites: 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
The focus of this course is on the importance of aligning human resources practices with organizational strategies and employment acts. Learners identify and discuss trends in workplace health and safety. Additionally, the role that the human resources functional processes, practices and programs have in creating an engaged workforce is developed and reflected on.
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
With today's dynamic business climate and diverse workforce, there is increasing demand on managers to engage employees, think critically, and be adaptive. 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.
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
This course will bridge classroom study with the Calgary workplace through experiential learning. Representing Bow Valley College, students will have opportunity to use their new technical skills; observe/integrate into office culture; work on soft skills/communication skills; network with industry colleagues; gain reference(s); add experience to their resumes; possibly gain employment or referral; and receive evaluation from Host. Regular attendance in placement is key to success. Open communication is maintained throughout placement among Students, Hosts and Student Engagement Officers. Students are required to complete and submit a Student's Evaluation at the conclusion of placement.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of the work experience application process
- Completion and passing grades in all required program courses
- Completion of ADMN9998 Employment Preparation (non-credit)
- Completion of TOWES
- Minimum B- in MGMT1201, ADMN1701, HUCL1701
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.60
- Commitment (attendance, punctuality, professionalism), as determined jointly by Program Coordinator, Instructors, and Student Engagement Officer
- Student has been successfully placed with an approved host
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
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.
Though optional and not a requirement to graduate, learners are encouraged to apply for Work Experience (practicum), as Work Experience directly bridges classroom study with the skills needed in the workplace. Learners have an opportunity to use their new technical skills; observe and integrate into the workplace culture; work on soft skills/communication skills; network with industry colleagues; gain reference(s); add experience to your resume; possibly gain extended employment or referral; and receive evaluation from the host.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and follow the application process to be accepted into Work Experience. The application process aligns with the competitive nature of a job search. Candidates are responsible and demonstrate a high level of professional and program expectations. Not all applicants are guaranteed a Work Experience position.
Applications for Work Experience (4 to 6 week unpaid practicum) are accepted by the Academic Advising team with Work Experience scheduled to commence immediately following the successful completion of all required courses in the final term. Interviews and placements are arranged during final term through an Academic Advisor (Calgary placement only).
It is important to note that both ADMN9999 ($200) and prerequisite ADMN9998 ($150) are non-credit courses and therefore not covered by student loans; students are encouraged to budget accordingly.
Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.
Once you are a registered student in a program at the Chiu School of Business, our Academic Advising team can also assist you with planning.
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.
