Information Processing Support

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The Information Processing Support certificate prepares students for an entry-level office position emphasizing information support. This curriculum includes business English and written communications. Students receive training on computers using office software applications with an emphasis on word processing along with spreadsheet and database and presentation software.

To successfully complete this program a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 20 grade point average. A grade of C or better is required in the first course of a sequential course offering before enrolling in the second-level course of the sequence. This includes ADM 157 , BCA 131 , BCA 212 .

For more information about the Information Processing Support certificate, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/btec/ips.asp.

Locations: Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Urban

Students start any semester.

Not all courses are offered at each campus every semester. Academic advisors are available to assist with scheduling.

Program Entry Requirements:

It is recommended to meet with an academic advisor prior to applying to this program.

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Using the DMACC testing center, demonstrate a minimum keyboarding speed of 35 nwpm (net words per minute) on a 5-minute timed writing.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Information Processing Support certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Courses

Semester 1

ADM 101 - Office Essentials Credits: 1
ADM 157 - Business English Credits: 3
BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
BCA 131 - Word Processing Skill Dev. I Credits: 3

Note:

(Students must demonstrate a keyboarding speed of 25 NWPM or above by taking a five-minute test before enrolling in BCA 131.)

Semester 2

ADM 154 - Business Communication Credits: 3
BCA 137 - Word Processing Skill Dev. II Credits: 3
BCA 213 - Intermed Computer Business App Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 19

These credits are applicable to the Administrative Office Professional AAS degree and the Office Assistant diploma .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Books (approximate)	475	405
Supplies	15	15

Approximate total for program: $3,627*

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Use word processing software productively.
• Input and process information on computers.
• Process correspondence, minutes of meetings, reports, promotional materials and other office documents.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Demonstrate competency in keyboarding, English, spelling, grammar and proofreading.
• Operate word processing equipment efficiently to produce business documents.
• Work on your own and use your time wisely.
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Accept responsibility for the quality of completed documents.
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?

• Keyboarding and proofreading skills are a must.
• May have to adapt to various types of equipment and computer software depending upon office situation.
• Experts predict an increasing demand for competent word processing/correspondence secretaries.
• Average starting salary $22,115

It may take more than two semesters to complete this certification.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.