Academic Calendar

Administrative - Office Assistant Certificate

Overview

The administrative major provides students with a wide range of skills covering all aspects of the office environment, from word processing and accounting to office procedures and customer service. Technology is an integral part of this program — students are trained with the latest software programs as they learn how to process and manage information efficiently.

Career Potential

Students can expect to work as office assistants, receptionists, administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants in private companies, business and government offices, and non-profit associations. This program prepares graduates to work in many diverse areas and there are excellent career opportunities.

Office Assistant Certificate

School of Continuing Education
MacEwan.ca/OfficeAssist

Today’s office assistants have strong technical skills to support other staff in a digital office. In addition, office assistants are involved in managing the organizational affairs of their areas that include handling public enquiries, managing computer and paper files, organizing schedules, arranging meetings of senior staff, as well as providing strong customer service and problem-solving skills.

The Office Assistant program is ideal as a foundation for other careers or as a complement to prior training and experience. It runs for 12 months, ending with a field placement. It is a comprehensive program that offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of the following three majors:

  • Administrative
  • Legal 
  • Medical

The program is well suited for individuals with strong organizational skills, familiarity with computers and software, a professional manner, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Graduates are often required to work independently and in a team environment, so students who are positive and self-motivated do exceptionally well. The program has built a solid reputation with employers, resulting in a high job placement rate.

Contact Information

T: 780-497-4400
E: office@macewan.ca

Program Requirements

Core Courses:
OADM 110Office Procedures3
OADM 114Office Technology I3
OADM 115Business Communication I3
OADM 116Business Math3
OADM 117Bookkeeping & Accounting3
OADM 125Business Communication II3
OADM 128Office Technology II3
OADM 131Office Assistant Field Placement 13
OADM 135Business Communication III3
WRIT 101First Year Writing3
Required Courses for Administrative Major:
OAAS 116Customer Service I3
OAAS 122Human Resource Basics3
OAAS 124Customer Service II3
OAAS 133Advanced Office Documents3
OAAS 134Office Technology III3
Total Credits45
1

Students can register for the field placement (OADM 131) in their final term of study.

The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.

Course Substitutions

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent).

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 with a minimum grade of 65% (or equivalent).

Applicants with nine or more post-secondary credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.