Office Assistant - Diploma

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The Office Assistant diploma curriculum is for individuals who want to develop or refresh their office skills in order to qualify for general office work. This program emphasizes the development of multifunctional office and computer skills.

Students gain a basic knowledge of English, math, computer applications and human relations skills. By selecting a concentration during Semester 2, students are able to customize their curriculum and gain specialized skills.

To successfully complete this program, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 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 or in a prerequisite course. This includes ADM 157 , BCA 131 and BCA 212 .

For more information about the Office Assistant program, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/btec/.

Locations: Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Urban

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start any semester.

Not all courses are offered at each campus each semester. Academic advisors are available to assist with scheduling. It is strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor each term.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Meet with an academic advisor.
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 Office Assistant diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average

Required Courses

Semester 1

ADM 101 - Office Essentials Credits: 1
ADM 131 - Office Calculators Credits: 1
ADM 157 - Business English Credits: 3
BCA 131 - Word Processing Skill Dev. I Credits: 3
BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
BUS 112 - Business Math Credits: 3
MGT 145 - Human Relations in Business 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

Required Courses

ADM 154 - Business Communication Credits: 3
ADM 162 - Office Procedures Credits: 3
ADM 221 - Career Development Skills Credits: 2
ADM 259 - Professional Development Credits: 3
Select 2 Option 1 courses Credits: 6

Option 1 - Select 2 Courses

ACC 111 - Intro to Accounting Credits: 3
ADM 208 - Legal Terminology Credits: 3
BCA 113 - Computer Network Literacy Credits: 3
BCA 137 - Word Processing Skill Dev. II Credits: 3
BCA 213 - Intermed Computer Business App Credits: 3
BUS 185 - Business Law I Credits: 3
MGT 115 - Administrative Management Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 34

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Administrative Office Professional.

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)	1,000	875
Supplies	15	15

Approximate total for program: $6,767*

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Schedule appointments, give information to callers, direct visitors to destinations.
Read and route incoming communications, paper and electronic..
Complete various keyboarding tasks.
Complete filing tasks, paper and electronic.
Use the telephone to communicate with both internal and external customers.
Prepare correspondence, minutes of meetings, and reports.
Perform mathematical and basic bookkeeping tasks.
Input and process information on computers.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Ability to communicate well.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to read and follow directions.
• Ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to proofread.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems.
• Ability to collaborate and fulfill team responsibilities.

Aptitudes

Good judgment and common sense
Dependable and responsible
Good business work ethics
Methodic, organized and able to concentrate
Team player
Adaptable

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

Variety of job possibilities.
Advancement opportunities available.
All students may participate in professional organizations.
It may take more than two semesters to complete the diploma.
Students may take the Certified Professional Secretary exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exam.
Average starting salary $26,333 (2011-2012 Placement Report).

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.