Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Course Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Administrative Assistant, Diploma


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Today’s business offices have a need for highly-skilled employees who possess the know-how and confidence necessary to handle a wide variety of office tasks. The Administrative Assistant diploma provides a strong foundation in office skills that includes both technological aspects and hands‑on computer experience.  The curriculum includes comprehensive work skills necessary for the administrative assistant to work in business, professional offices, and other employing agencies.  This program develops essential workplace soft skills such as teamwork, project development, problem‑solving, ethics, attitude, and professional work habits.

Students will be prepared to demonstrate good communication skills, effective human relations skills, and skilled use of computer applications and office procedures.

Please be aware that some classes in this program are offered only once per year.  Contact the program chair or the program advisor for more information.  

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Students may start any semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements


To earn an Administrative Assistant diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point.

Semester 2


Option 1 - Select Course


Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3-4

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 37*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$156.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate) 850 775 250

Approximate total for program: $7,647**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments, and support other staff.
  • Manage and distribute information within an office.
  • Answer phones, send and receive correspondence.
  • Greet clients and customers.
  • Provide support to managers and employees, assisting in daily office needs, and managing the company’s general administrative activities.
  • Prepare office documents, meeting minutes, reports, and travel documents.
  • Organize staff schedules and appointments.
  • Manage company projects and events.
  • Front desk customer relations:  schedule appointments, handle incoming and outgoing calls, and assist office visitors.
  • Use excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Input and process information using business equipment and computer software.
  • Prepare and deliver office presentations.
  • Perform mathematical and basic bookkeeping tasks.
  • Complete paper and electronic filing tasks.
  • Use the internet to conduct research and to monitor/maintain company-related social networking sites.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Work well under pressure.
  • Read and follow directions.
  • Work well with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Make decisions and solve problems.
  • Collaborate and fulfill team responsibilities.
  • Proofread and create error-free office documents.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Be resourceful and take the initiative.
  • Prioritize and plan ahead.
  • Use technological skills: word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic presentation, and calendar programs.
  • Manage time wisely.

Aptitudes


  • Adaptable
  • Good judgment and common sense
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Dependable and responsible
  • Good business work ethics
  • Methodical, organized, and able to concentrate
  • Work independently as well as in a group
  • Willingness to assist others to facilitate their jobs
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Positive attitude
  • Professional approach to the job

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Consider the variety of job possibilities.
  • Advancement opportunities available are available.
  • All students may participate in professional organizations.
  • Depending on the number of classes you complete each semester, it may take more than three semesters to complete the diploma.
  • Computer and internet access at home is helpful for completing homework assignments.
  • Students may take the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exam (MOS) at no cost to the student.
  • Salary per Iowa Workforce Development Iowa Wage Report 2017. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-wage-report
    • Entry wage: $25,313/year
    • Average wage:  $37,980/year

    • With experience:  $44,304/year

Nondiscrimination Statement


DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).(2018)

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