2021-2022 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 technical concepts and hands‑on computer experience. The curriculum will prepare you to work in a wide variety of businesses in the public and private sector. 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.
For more information about additional Administrative Assistant credentials, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/admin/Pages/welcome.aspx.
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.
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Students may start any semester
Graduation Requirements
To earn an Administrative Assistant diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point. Option 1 - Select 1 Course
Option 2 - Select 1 Course
Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma: 40*
*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$174.00 per credit
The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.
Varied Costs
| Costs |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
| Books (approximate) |
620 |
500 |
150 |
Approximate total for program: $8,230**
**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.
- Anticipate needs of other staff.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to read and follow directions.
- Work well with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Collaborate with others.
- Proofread and create error-free office documents.
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Be resourceful and take initiative.
- Prioritize and plan ahead.
- Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic presentation, and email software application programs.
- Manage time wisely.
Aptitudes
- Adaptable
- Good judgment and common sense
- Emotional intelligence
- Dependable and responsible
- Good business work ethic
- Organized
- 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 opportunity to work in a wide variety of businesses performing a variety of duties.
- Consider the likelihood of consistent day hours with no evening or weekend hours
- Advancement opportunities are available in this field
- 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 2019. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-wage-report
- Entry wage: $/24,160/year
- Average wage: $/37,515/year
- With experience: $/44,193/year
Program Competencies
- Explain the importance of the role of an office professional in today’s business setting.
- Demonstrate the ability to use specific hardware and software and to apply computer concepts.
- Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrate workplace basic skills: job seeking, professional appearance, problem-solving, listening, writing, interpersonal relations, and leadership.
- Demonstrate the ability to be adaptable and to utilize time-management techniques.
- Utilize business math concepts.
- Demonstrate the ability to be a team member.
- Recognize the diversity of individuals.
Nondiscrimination Statement
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, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. 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, dso@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. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.
DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics
Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx. (2021)
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