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Program prerequisites—Keyboarding skill of 26 net words per minute. Students who need to reach this skill level should enroll in OSA-100, Keyboarding I. Students with little or no knowledge of microcomputers should also enroll in IMS-100, Personal Computer Basics. Nature
of Work—Microsoft Office specialists are prepared for a variety of
entry-level positions working with PC applications. Microsoft Office specialists
develop computer applications skills to advance their current positions or to
open doors to new opportunities in the workplace. Courses in this certificate
prepare students for Microsoft Certified Application Specialist
certification. For more information, Related Job Title—Office assistant software support. Employment Outlook—Overall employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to grow more slowly than average for all occupations. In addition to those resulting from growth, numerous job openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave this very large occupation for other reasons each year. Opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of software applications, particularly experienced secretaries and administrative assistants. Projected employment of secretaries and administrative assistants varies by occupational specialty. Employment growth in the health care and social assistance and legal services industries should lead to average growth for medical and legal secretaries. Employment of executive secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to grow average for all occupations. Growing industries—such as administrative and support services, health care and social assistance, educational services (private), and professional, scientific, and technical services will continue to generate most new job opportunities. A decline in employment is expected for secretaries, except legal, medical, or executive; they account for about 47 percent of all secretaries and administrative assistants. Earnings—The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual earnings of executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $40,030 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,410 and $50,280. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $62,070. Salaries vary a great deal, however, reflecting differences in skill, experience, and level of responsibility. Certification in this field usually is rewarded by a higher salary. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, Student Services Center, S202, at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jrc. |
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This
program is appropriate for any individual who wishes to become proficient in
computer applications to further advance his or her current position or to open
doors to new opportunities in the workplace. This certificate may be applied to
the Administrative Assistant certificate, the PC Help Desk Specialist
certificate, and the A.A.S. degree in Office Systems and Applications. Students
pursuing certificates and degrees in business should consider this certificate
as well. Courses in this certificate prepare students for Microsoft Certified
Application Specialist certification. For more information, visit
