Office Administration - Certificate 2025-2026
Overview
Administrative assistants are the backbone of modern office environments. A valued administrative assistant has good interpersonal and communication skills, is organized and can organize others, pays attention to detail and accuracy, is proficient in many types of business software, has excellent verbal and written skills, can solve problems and is a critical thinker. If this appeals to you, the Office Administration program, brokered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is a great choice!
Working in an office environment is fast paced and requires employees who can multi-task, make decisions and take on more challenging projects to assist their managers.
Students are given many opportunities during the Office Administration program to practice these skills in a warm and friendly learning environment.
Whether you want the excitement of working for a large multinational corporation or the family feel of a small business, this program provides practical training in everything from accounting to word processing, with an emphasis on computer applications.
This program provides knowledge and skill development related to the business office environment, with an emphasis on computer applications. Instruction is augmented by projects that will give you a hands-on understanding of the demands and rewards of work in an office setting.
You’ll learn how to:
- Use leading business software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentations;
- Use e-mail and computer-based scheduling/calendars;
- Participate in meetings and record minutes;
- Operate office equipment;
- Effectively perform office procedures such as reception, filing, mail and telephone communication; and
- Do basic business accounting and use automated accounting software.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, especially when it comes to computer and software programs. You’ll learn to use leading office software, from word processing to accounting to email. You’ll gain practical experience through simulated office situations. You’ll practice standard office procedures, from directing telephone communications to preparing for meetings to maintaining office equipment and managing office supplies.
Every business needs administrative assistants. This gives graduates a broad job market: government, education, law, medicine, engineering, manufacturing, travel, insurance, banking and business. You could work in a large organization and become a specialist or in small business and perform a wide variety of duties. Entry-level positions include administrative assistant, administrative support staff, receptionist, bookkeeper, customer service representative and more.
NEW - this program now includes Medical Terminology
Program: 36 Weeks
For more information, or to apply, please contact the Meadow Lake Campus: 306.234.5100
North West College in Meadow Lake has a student residence with one, two, three or four bedroom units accommodating singles and families. Various units are open for student attending North West College.
North West College reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary
Program dates: September 3, 2024 - May 16, 2025
Admission Requirements
*Grade 12
Special Admissions:
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
Courses
-
ACCT 105 - Accounting
You will journalize and post transactions, prepare worksheets, prepare adjusting and closing entries, prepare unaudited financial statements, perform banking and petty cash functions, and prepare employee and employer payroll records.
-
BCOM 100 - Business Communications 1
You will apply grammatical rules and principles in preparation for writing routine business correspondence.
-
Interpersonal Communications
You will be given opportunities to develop important skills used to facilitate effective interpersonal communication in the workplace. Your studies will focus on the development of active listening skills, conflict resolution strategies, verbal skills, and an increased understanding of non-verbal messages, and some problem-solving skills.
-
CKEY 101 - Keyboarding 1
You will develop ergonomic keyboarding techniques to attain a touch-typing speed of 35 netWPM with a minimum of 98% accuracy.
-
COAP - Word Processing 1
The course introduces word processing concepts. You will be introduced to common features of Microsoft Word and develop skills in producing and formatting a variety of business documents. You will use a hands-on practical approach to learn the skills required to create letters, tables, and enhancing documents with graphics and diagrams.
-
OPRO 105 - Office Procedures
You will learn time management, customer service, reception, problem solving, and team building skills. You will also learn how to effectively perform office procedures skills related to telephones, incoming and outgoing mail, and business meetings. As well, you will learn how to use information sources including the internet and how to manage office supplies and business forms.
-
OPRO 133 - Records and Information Management
You will learn about records and information management procedures and equipment as well as various types of filing systems including electronic filing.
-
BCOM 102 - Business Communications 2
You will continue to develop effective business writing skills. You will write routine business correspondence and apply proofreading and editing skills.
-
CKEY 102 - Keyboarding 2
YYou will demonstrate ergonomic and proper keyboarding techniques to attain a speed of 45 netWPM on two separate (different) unrehearsed five-minute timed writings with a minimum of 98% accuracy.
Prerequisite(s): CKEY 101
-
COAP 116 - Word Processing 2
You will continue to develop your skills using advanced word processing functions in form building, mail merge and creating columns. You will focus on developing the skills required to work with multiple page documents such as letters, reports, tables, brochures, and newsletters.
-
COAP 117 - Spreadsheet Applications
You will learn how to design spreadsheets and apply numeracy skills. You will focus on formatting, applying formulas and functions, preparing charts, and analyzing and organizing spreadsheet data.
-
COAP 138 - Computer Suite Applications
In the course, you will learn to create documents that feature the integration of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
-
PROF 103 - Professional Development
You will focus on your role as an administrative professional. This includes reflecting on professional goal setting and lifelong learning. You will prepare for professional employment by learning interview strategies, developing a resume, cover letter and portfolio. You will review workplace topics such as employee rights and responsibilities, professionalism, and ethics.
-
MTER 200 - Medical Terminology
You will learn the construction of medical words, including root words, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes as they relate to body organization and systems. You will also learn medical abbreviations, anatomical terms, and general imaging, laboratory, pharmacology, and surgical terminology.
-
COMP 115 - Introduction to Organizational Office Technologies
You will learn organizational technologies used to create efficiencies within the operations of an office. You will use a hands-on practical approach to learn and develop skills to build electronic file structures, compose business emails, use email features, prepare calendar events, review virtual communication systems, and examine current office technologies.