Location
Start Dates
- September 05, 2023
Duration
3Terms
Program Delivery
- Blended
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD
$6,334
International: CAD
$16,627
Estimated Book Costs:
CAD
$1,290
Applicants to the Regional Campuses must live outside Calgary in the Bow Valley College regional service area.
Start Dates
- September 05, 2023
Duration
3Terms
Program Delivery
- Any-time Online
- Blended
- In Class
- Real-time Online
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD
$6,334
International: CAD
$16,627
Estimated Book Costs:
CAD
$1,290
Not all courses may be offered in each delivery modality each semester.
The maximum course load for Fall or Winter semester is five (5) courses. Taking less than five courses for Fall or Winter term will take longer to complete the program. If taking condensed courses in the Spring/Summer term, the recommended maximum course load is two (2) condensed courses plus one (1) full-term (Spring/Summer) course. Students may elect to register in any combination as long as no more than two (2) condensed spring or summer courses are taken at the same time.
Note: Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses.
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 member of any office environment.
Time commitment
This is a one-year (two-term) certificate program. A standard course load is five courses per term. Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses. Taking less than five courses per term will take longer to complete the program.
Learning options
Courses are available both in class and online. Please note that not all courses may be available online each semester. Consult with Academic Advising Team to assist with your program planning.
For courses with scheduled final exams, they are required to be completed in person or at an approved invigilation site.
Regional learners
Learners living in the area surrounding Calgary can take the two-term program starting in Fall (September) through Regional campuses. Contact Regional or view our locations. Program delivery is blended which includes a combination of online and in-person learning.
Field Placement (Mandatory)
If you started your program Fall 2022 and onwards, a mandatory field placement is a requirement of the program. Mandatory field placement is a for-credit, unpaid 4-week field placement that occurs at the end of your program. To be eligible for mandatory field placement, you need to finish your coursework and complete all pre-placement requirements.
Find out more!
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
Regional Applicants
Airdrie Campus
bvcairdrie@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-355-1910
Cochrane Campus
bvccochrane@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-851-0463
Okotoks Campus
bvcokotoks@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233
Strathmore Region
bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-983-1221
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. See our most current transfer agreements here.
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
Regional Applicants
Airdrie Campus
bvcairdrie@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-355-1910
Cochrane Campus
bvccochrane@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-851-0463
Okotoks Campus
bvcokotoks@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233
Strathmore Region
bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-983-1221
Employment Rate
89%
Training Related Employment Rate
76%
Based on 2019-2020 domestic and international students who self-reported finding employment or training-related employment within 6-12 months after graduating.
"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."
Term 1
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.
Learners apply word processing features to produce accurate and professional business documents. Through formatting and applying desktop publishing features, learners explore proper and consistent document layout, text placement, and design.
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.
The administrative professional plays an important role in an office environment both through the tasks they complete and their contribution to the office culture. In this course, 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. Learners are also introduced to using PowerPoint in business and the role of an administrative professional in maintaining office records and finances.
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.
Term 2
Required CoursesCredit
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.
The administrative professional must be adaptable to the many roles they have in an office. In this course, the human skills developed in ADMN1204 are built upon to prepare learners for professional, frontline interactions with clients or customers. Focus is placed on the organizational skills required of an administrative professional in coordinating travel, meetings, and events. The role that administrative tasks have in a project management scenario is also explored.
In this course, learners assume the role of an Administrative Professional and carry out daily office administrative functions. By applying skills developed in previous administrative professional courses, learners make decisions, show initiative, manage time, create documents, use research skills, and follow office guidelines and procedures.
Many business professionals use computerized accounting software to provide accurate and timely financial data required for effective decision-making and managing business transactions. Through a practical approach, learners apply features, functions, and capabilities of QuickBooks.
Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:Credit
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.
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.
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.
Learners examine interdisciplinary roles and responsibilities needed to be successful in an administrative support role within healthcare. Through an exploration of wellness, resilience, communication, teamwork, diversity, and reconciliation, learners apply strategies to enhance self-awareness and workplace relationships.
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.
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
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.
Term 3
Required CourseCredit
In this Field Placement course, learners in the administrative professional program can transition from the academic to the professional world by applying skills learned in previous courses to real-world projects and activities. Learners have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of being a professional and learn about current workplace expectations while connecting with community and industry partners.
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.
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.