Office Administration Certificates

Graduates of Office Administration programs have excellent communication skills, are proficient in a variety of software programs and possess a good knowledge of the business environment. Office Administration graduates are key members of business organizations, have up-to-date skills, are able to solve problems and exercise good judgment.

Choose from entry-level programs to specialty programs. Office Administration programs ladder from one certificate to another as well as to other programs within Okanagan College and other institutions. Taking an Office Administration program will be your first step towards a new career with exciting options.

Students enrolling in Office Administration programs include recent high school graduates and career changers as well as mature students wishing to add technical skills to their resumes. Program lengths vary from 18 to 38 weeks. Office Administration programs are eligible for student funding and are offered in the classroom in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.

All Office Administration programs and courses are also available online. For information on online options, contact our Online Coordinator by email at oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone at (877) 755-2266.

Some of the Office Administration courses are recognized for transfer credits by other programs such as Business Administration at Okanagan College as well as associations such as the Canadian Payroll Association and the Certified Bookkeepers’ Association.

Online Office Administration Courses

Choose from a wide variety of online courses in business related subject areas such as business office software applications, accounting, office processes and technology. You may take courses individually for personal or professional development or you may work towards one of our sevenOffice Administration certificates.

All Okanagan College Office Administration Certificates, including Legal and Medical Administrative Assistant, may be completed by taking courses online.

Online courses offer a very flexible alternative to attending school fulltime. You may complete your course work on your own schedule - evenings, weekends or holidays - whenever and where ever it is convenient for you. Our online classrooms use the sophisticated class management software. Your online classes are instructor-led by fully qualified, experienced, post secondary instructors, and are interactive and engaging.

Online students may work from any location they choose as all course materials, activities and assignments are online. You are required to come to the College only to write supervised final exams. Online courses do have specific start and end dates, but there are multiple start dates for all courses (see registration form links below for specifics). You may register for and complete courses one by one as long as you have the course prerequisites. We accept major credit cards. Online courses are not eligible for student loans.

Follow the links below to see registration forms containing course costs and start dates, planning calendars and course equivalents. Registration instructions are located on the last page of each certificate registration form.

For further information about Okanagan College Office Administration Online courses, please email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or phone 1-877-755-2266.

Links:

BC Campus General Information
BC Campus Desire2Learn Login Screen

Certificate Programs:

Administrative Assistant Certificate Program

The Administrative Assistant (ADAC) program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of business settings. Graduates of the ADAC program are employed as administrative assistants in private, school and government offices, real estate offices, service businesses, forestry companies, insurance agencies, banks, investment, radio and television offices, plus many others.  

Students in the ADAC program learn essential business skills such as verbal and written communication, administrative office procedures, computer software applications, manual and computerized accounting, payroll, Web page maintenance, transcription, business correspondence.

ADAC courses can lead to further education in:

• Legal Administrative Assistant - Corporate/Conveyancing
• Legal Administrative Assistant - Litigation
• Payroll Management Certification www.payroll.ca
• Professional Bookkeeping Certificate www.cibcb.com
• International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) certification www.iaap-hq.org/
• Business Administration Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees

Receiving credit for previous training is possible by writing a challenge assessment for the following courses: 

• OADM 100 Word Processing I
• OADM 110 Communications 1
• OADM 120 Office Procedures and Records Management
• OADM 130 Business Math and Calculators
• OADM 140 Accounting I
• OADM 167 Computer Essentials and the Internet
• OADM 168 Database
• OADM 169 Spreadsheets

Secondary school students may receive credit for the following:

• OADM 100 with knowledge of word processing and keyboarding of 40 net wpm
• OADM 140 with 70% in Accounting 11 and Accounting 12

Please email the Office Administration Department at OADM@okanagan.bc.ca if you require specific information on Prior Learning Assessment.

Career Opportunities with the Administrative Assistant Certificate

• Administrative Assistant
• Account Payable/Receivable Clerk
• Accounting Clerk
• Receptionist
• Financial Services Clerk
• Payroll Clerk
• General Clerk
• Government Clerk

Admission Requirements for the Administrative Assistant Certificate

Students are admitted to the Administrative Assistant Certificate program when they have the following:

• Graduation from Grade 12 (or equivalent); or mature student status (age 19 and out of full-time high school for at least one year prior to commencement of the program).
• Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: A minimum grade of 67% in Applications of Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course; or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
  Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: A minimum of 60% in one of Pre-calculus Grade 11, Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11, or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11, or the equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education mathematics course or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
• A minimum of 67% in English 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education English course or a minimum score of at least 70% on a basic English comprehension assessment.
• Mature students are encouraged to contact the department for a review of prior learning.
• Keyboarding speed (20 wpm) is desirable.

You may write the basic reading comprehension and basic math assessment at any Okanagan College campus (Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton) or in a supervised setting in your community.

Prior Learning Assessment is available for several courses which means we give you credit for your previous learning and/or experience.

Please contact the Office Administration department at OADM@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone toll free (877) 755-2266 for further information.

Administrative Assistant Program Costs

Total Cost for the Adminstrative Assistant Certificate (2009) is approximately $5,171 *

Costs include:

• Tuition $3,566 *
• Texts approximately $950 * if purchased new – used texts are available
• Dental/Extended Health $225 * (may be waived)
• Student activity and other ancillary fees $430 **

Eligible for BCSAP student loans (on-campus program)
Eligible for sponsorship through government and private agencies

  * Note:  estimated costs based on 2010 rates and are subject to change
** Note:  Student fees vary between campuses and include education technology, activity, student association and other fees.  For exact figures, check with the campus office of the centre that you wish to attend.

Accounting Assistant Certificate Program

The Accounting Assistant Certificate (AAC) program is designed for students who have some prior business education or experience, and who wish to specialize as accounting assistants.  Upon graduation, you will be ready to begin immediate employment with a small, medium or large company performing accounts payable, receivable, payroll or general accounting assistant duties.  Graduates of this program may also choose to begin their own home-based bookkeeping business. 

Credits for Accounting Assistant courses are possible towards Okanagan College's Applied Business Technology and Business Administration programs.  Courses are also recognized by the Canadian Institute of Bookkeepers and the Canadian Payroll Administration Association.

Courses in this program include: business math and calculators, manual accounting, spreadsheets, databases, and payroll, as well as two different accounting software programs.  You will also participate in a 3-week practicum in a business office.

The full daytime Accounting Assistant program is offered at all four Okanagan College campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.  Daytime students attend classes for six hours a day, Monday through Friday for 20 weeks, usually from January to June each year.

For further information about the on-campus Accounting Assistant program, email OADM@okanagan.bc.ca or phone (877) 755-2266

Online Attendance Option

The entire Accounting Assistant program is available online.  Online courses are available from July to June each year.

Click this link to access the brochure and registration form for ONLINE Accounting Assistant Courses

For further information about online courses, email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or phone (877) 755-2266.

Career Opportunities with the Accounting Assistant Certificate

• Account Payable/Receivable Clerk
• Accounting Clerk
• Payroll Clerk
• Home-based employment
• Financial Services Clerk
• Real Estate Assistant
• Government Clerk

Admission Requirements for the Accounting Assistant Certificate

• Graduation from Grade 12 (or equivalent); or mature student status (age 19 and out of full-time high school for at least one year prior to commencement of the program). 
• Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: A minimum grade of 67% in Applications of Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course; or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
  Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: A minimum of 60% in one of Pre-calculus Grade 11, Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11, or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11, or the equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education mathematics course or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
• A minimum of 67% in English 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education English course or a minimum score of at least 70% on a basic English comprehension assessment.
• Proof of completion of a computer fundamentals course such as OADM 167 and an introductory word processing course such as OADM 100 or equivalent. Challenge assessments for these two courses are available by pre-arranged appointment.
• Mature students are encouraged to contact the department for a review of prior learning.
• Keyboarding speed (20 wpm) is desirable.

You may write the basic reading comprehension and basic math assessment at any Okanagan college campus (Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton) or in a supervised setting in your community.

Prior Learning Assessment is available for several courses which means we give you credit for your previous learning and/or experience.

Please contact the Office Administration department at OADM@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone at toll free (877) 755-2266  for further information.

Accounting Assistant Program Costs

Total Cost for the Accounting Assistant Certificate (2010) is $2,650*

Costs include:

• Tuition $1,783*
• Texts approximately $450 * if purchased new – used texts are available
• Dental/Extended Health $117 * (may be waived)
• Student activity and other ancillary fees $300 *
• Eligible for sponsorship through government agencies

* Note: estimated costs based on 2010 rates and are subject to change
** Note: Student fees vary between campuses and include education technology, activity, student association and other fees. For exact figures, check with the campus office of the centre that you wish to attend.

Office Assistant Certificate Program

Students in the OAC program learn essential business skills such as business English, business correspondence, computer essentials, Internet, office procedures, word processing, business math, and spreadsheets.

Graduates of the OAC program will be employed as receptionists and office assistants in business of all types and sizes.

The full daytime Office Assistant program is offered at all four Okanagan College Campuses: Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.  Daytime students attend classes for six hours a day, Monday through Friday for 22 weeks, beginning in September each year.

Online Office Assistant Courses

The entire Office Assistant certificate program is also available  to distance students through the Online program. 

Online Office Assistant Courses Information Brochure and Registration

If you would like more information on the online options, please contact our OADM Online Coordinator by email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or phone (877) 755-2266.

Career Opportunities with the Office Assistant Certificate

• Administrative Assistant
• Receptionist
• Real Estate Assistant
• General Clerk
• Government Clerk

Admission Requirements for the Office Assistant Certificate

Students are admitted to the Office Assistant Certificate program when they have the following:

• Graduation from Grade 12 (or equivalent); or mature student status (age 19 and out of full-time high school for at least one year prior to commencement of the program).
• Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: A minimum grade of 67% in Applications of Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course; or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
  Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: A minimum of 60% in one of Pre-calculus Grade 11, Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11, or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11, or the equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education mathematics course or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
• A minimum of 67% in English 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education English course or a minimum score of at least 70% on a basic English comprehension assessment.
• Mature students are encouraged to contact the department for a review of prior learning.
• Keyboarding speed of 20 wpm is desirable

You may write the basic reading comprehension and basic math assessment at any Okanagan college campus (Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton) or in a supervised setting in your community. 

Prior Learning Assessment is available for several courses which means we give you credit for your previous learning and/or experience. 

Please contact the department at OADM@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone at (877) 755-2266 for further information. 

Office Assistant Program Costs

Total Cost for the Office Assistant Certificate (2010) is $2,935 *

Costs include:

• Tuition $2,065 *
• Texts approximately $475 * if purchased new – used texts are available.
• Dental/Extended Health $117 * (may be waived)
• Student activity and other ancillary fees $278 **

Eligible for BCSAP student loans (on-campus program)
Eligible for sponsorship through government and private agencies

* Note:  Estimated costs are based on 2010 rates and are subject to change.  Online course tuition costs are slightly higher; however, online students pay fewer ancilliary fees.  Contact the online course coordinator at oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for detailed online course costs.

** Note:  Student fees vary between campuses and include education technology, activity, student association and other fees.  For exact figures, check with the campus office at the College campus that you wish to attend.

Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (formerly Legal Access) Certificate Program

The Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (Legal Access) (AAF) is specifically designed for students who wish to enrol in the Okanagan College Legal Administrative Assistant programs. Graduates of the Administrative Assistant Fundamentals program will have all the prerequisites necessary to enrol in the Legal Administrative Assistant Litigation and/or Corporate/Conveyancing certificate programs. The Legal Access program may be completed on-campus or online.

The complete day-time Administrative Assistant Fundamentals program is offered at all four Okanagan College Campuses: Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.  Daytime students typically attend classes for six hours a day, Monday through Friday for 18 weeks, usually from September to January each year. Click the following link to find information about online courses.

For more information on the online options contact the Online Coordinator by email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or phone (877) 755-2266.

Admission Requirements for the Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (Legal Access) Certificate Program

Students are admitted to the Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (Legal Access) Certificate program when they have the following:

• Graduation from Grade 12 (or equivalent); or mature student status (age 19 and out of full-time high school for at least one year prior to commencement of the program).
• Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: A minimum grade of 67% in Applications of Mathematics 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course; or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
  Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: A minimum of 60% in one of Pre-calculus Grade 11, Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11, or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11, or the equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education mathematics course or a minimum score of 70% on a basic business mathematics assessment.
• A minimum of 67% in English 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education English course or a minimum score of at least 70% on a basic English comprehension assessment.
• Mature students are encouraged to contact the department for a review of prior learning.
• Keyboarding speed of 20 wpm is desirable

You may write the basic reading comprehension and math assessment at any Okanagan college campus (Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton) or in a supervised setting in your community. 

Prior Learning Assessment is available for several courses which means we give you credit for your previous learning and/or experience. 

Please contact the department at OADM@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone at (877) 755-2266 for further information. 

Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (Legal Access) Program Costs

Approximate Costs for the Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (Legal Access) Certificate (2009) are $2,372 *

Costs include:

• Tuition $1,595 *
• Texts approximately $430 * if purchased new – used texts are available.
• Dental/Extended Health $117 * (may be waived)
• Student activity and other ancillary fees $230 **

Eligible for BCSAP student loans (on-campus program)
Eligible for sponsorship through government and private agencies

* Note:  estimated costs based on 2010 rates and are subject to change.  Online tuition is slightly higher, but ancilliary fees are lower.  Contact the online course coodinator at oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for more detailed information on online course fees.

** Note:  Student fees vary between campuses and include education technology, activity, student association and other fees.  For exact figures, check with the administration office of the campus that you wish to attend.

Legal Administrative Assistant

Legal Administrative Assistant – Litigation specialist

The Litigation Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) certificate program is designed for students with prior office administration experience or training and who wish to work in a legal office environment. Graduates of the Litigation Certificate Program work in legal and goverment offices assisting lawyers who are involved with a variety of legal cases.

The Litigation Legal Administrative Assistant certificate program consists of six courses including:

• LSEC 100 Introduction to Law and Litigation
• LSEC 101 Advanced Litigation
• LSEC 112 Family Law
• LSEC 116 Litigation Office Procedures
• LSEC 120 Personal Injury
• LSEC 130 Litigation Law Office Practicum

Prior learning assessment and challenge testing is available for the legal courses, email OADM@okanagan.bc.ca to find out more.

The Litigation Certificate program is offered in daytime classes at the Kelowna Campus of Okanagan College from September to January each year. The length of the program is 19 weeks. Prior learning assessment and challenge testing is available for entrance into the Legal programs.

Online Courses:

Online students must meet the same admission requirements for this program in order to be accepted into the Okanagan College Online Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate program.  However, individual courses may be taken separately if course prerequisites are met.

Visit the following websites to learn more about ONLINE Legal Administrative Assistant courses:

• Office Administration Online courses
• Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Secretary) ONLINE program (ELAA)
• Legal Online Administrative Assistant Online Course Outlines 
• If you have further questions about ONLINE ELAA, please contact the Online Course Coordinator, email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca or by phone (877) 755-2266

Legal Administrative Assistant – Corporate/Conveyancing specialist

The Corporate/Conveyancing Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) program is made up of six courses. Graduates of the Corporate/Conveyancing program typically work for lawyers and other professionals who deal with property transfers and registrations.  Government offices, property managers, notaries public, large public companies and real estate firms may also employ graduates of this program.

The six courses of the Corporate/Conveyancing Legal Administration Assistant program include:

• LSEC 140 Introduction to Conveyancing
• LSEC 141 Advanced Conveyancing
• LSEC 145 Solicitor Legal Office Procedures
• LSEC 152 Corporate Law
• LSEC 160 Wills and Estates
• LSEC 131 Law Office practicum

Prior learning assessment and challenge testing is available for the legal courses, email OADM@okanagan.bc.ca to find out more.

The program is offered in daytime classes at the Kelowna Downtown Campus of Okanagan College from January to June each year. The length of the program is 20 weeks. All Legal Administration Assistant Corporate/Conveyancing Certificate courses are also offered online.

Visit the following websites to learn more about ONLINE Legal Administrative Assistant courses

• Office Administration Online Courses
• Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Secretary) ONLINE program (ELAA)
• BC Campus ELAA

If you have further questions about ONLINE ELAA, please contact the Online Course Coordinator, email oadm@okanagan.bc.ca phone (877) 755-2266.

Career Opportunities with the Legal Administration Assistant – Corporate/Conveyancing and/or Litigation Certificate

• Conveyancing Administrative Assistants in law, government or private business offices.
• Litigation Administrative Assistants in law offices specializing in family law, personal injury or civil law
• Government Office Clerks
• Real Estate Office conveyancers or assistants
• Legal Administrative Assistants in law offices specializing in wills, estates or corporate law
• Assistants to Notaries Public 

Admission Requirements for the Legal Administration Assistant– Corporate/Conveyancing and/or Litigation Certificate Programs

Students wishing to enroll in the Legal Administrative Assistant certificate programs must have the following prerequisites:

• Grade 12 or equivalent (ABE Advanced Level); as well as
• A minimum keyboarding speed of 50 net wpm
• Plus one of the following:
• One full year of secretarial experience within the past three years; or
• Successful completion (within the past two years) of an office administrative training program at the post-secondary level, equivalent to Okanagan College’s Administrative Assistant Fundamentals, Office Assistant, or Administrative Assistant certificate program with a 75% average; or
• A score of at least 70% on an English, mathematics and computer challenge examination.

Challenge Exam

Students wishing to write the challenge examination must contact Madelaine Befus, Chair, of the Office Administration Department to make testing arrangements.  

If you do not currently meet the admission requirements for this program, you can acquire these requirements by completing the Okanagan College's Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (AAF) program.  The AAF program is designed specifically for students wishing to enter into the Legal Administrative Assistant certificate programs.  The AAF program is available in the classroom as well as year-round online.

Email:  OADM@okanagan.bc.ca
Phone:  (877) 755-2266  Mail:  1000 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC  V1Y 4X8

Legal Administration Assistant – Corporate/Conveyancing and Litigation Costs

There is a different fee structure for online Legal Administrative Assistant courses.  Please contact the online coordinator at oadm@okanagan.bc.ca. (877) 755-2266 for full online course details.

Eligible for student loans (on-campus program)
Eligible for sponsorship through government and employment agencies

Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate Program

Career Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Program Costs
Quick Facts 2011-2012 (printer friendly version)

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) is a 480-hour online specialty certificate program designed for students with prior office administration experience or training who wish to attain the skills required to work in a medical or allied health office as a medical administrative assistant. Graduates of the Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate program may work as assistants in hospital departments including admitting, diagnostic imaging and outpatient clinics or in medical general practitioner and specialist offices and in medical clinics. Graduates work for allied health professionals in facilities such as physiotherapy offices and clinics, chiropractic offices and clinics and massage therapy and naturopathy offices and clinics. Graduates may also be employed by long-term care facilities and insurance companies.

Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements for the MAA certificate program may take the Office Assistant Certificate or a similar program to obtain the requirements for entry into the MAA Certificate.

Applicants with prior experience and training but no official transcript may meet the MAA Certificate entrance requirements by completing challenge exams in English, math, keyboarding, computer and word processing to prove competence in these areas. 

Career Opportunites with the Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate

• Hospital departments including admitting, diagnostic imaging and various outpatient clinics
• General Practitioner and specialist offices 
• Medical clinics 
• Allied health professionals such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy and naturopathy clinics
• Long-term care facilities 
• Insurance companies

Admission Requirements for the Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate

• B.C. secondary school graduation or an equivalent or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.
• A minimum keyboarding speed of 50 net wpm.
• One of the following:
• One full year of administrative experience within the past three years, or
• successful completion (within the past two years) of an office administration program at the postsecondary level, equivalent to Okanagan College's Administrative Assistant Fundamentals (formerly Legal Access), Office Assistant or Administrative Assistant certificate programs or
• a score of at least 70% on the department's challenge exams in English, mathematics, keyboarding, computer and word processing.

Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate Costs

Total Cost for the Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate (2010) is $3,000 *

Costs include:

• Tuition $2,100
• Texts & Materials (new costs) $900 - if purchased new – used texts are available

*estimated costs based on 2010 figures and are subject to change 

Careers in Office Administration

• Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals 
• Accounting Assistant Certificate
• Legal Administration Assistant (Litigation and Corporate/conveyancing)
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Office Assistant Certificate

Admission Requirements

• Administrative Assistant
• Accounting Assistant Certificate
• Office Assistant Certificate
• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals Certificate
• Legal Administration Assistant

Program Costs

• Administrative Assistant
• Accounting Assistant Certificate
• Office Assistant Certificate
• Administrative Assistant Fundamentals Certificate
• Legal Administration Assistant