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Administrative Assistant

Get the essential skills to work in an office environment as an administrative assistant in a variety of industries. Students are taught secretarial skills, as well as the latest advances in office technology and are trained to work as an administrative assistant in industries such as manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, hospitality, transportation, government agencies and service organizations. From effective oral and written communications and time management techniques, to the latest computer word processing, spreadsheet and graphics software, you'll also learn practical skills working alone and in groups. Lessons include videos, demonstrations, guest lectures and field trips as well as real work experience.

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Program Status Career Prospects Admission Requirements

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Courses

Program Description

In the first term, the major portion of class time is devoted to practical skills training, with an emphasis on building human relations and business communication skills. The second term expands hands-on practical skills training with a greater emphasis on advanced applications on computers and machine transcribers. Program time is set aside for work experience where the student is placed in a challenging work environment which requires application of the skills learned in the program.

Classes are generally held from Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (class times are subject to change).

Program Status

Accepting applications

VCC is accepting applications from international students for this program.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time January, May, August 8 months Certificate Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

New technology is changing the role of an administrative assistant in today's office. Graduates of this program may choose careers requiring not only traditional secretarial skills, but also the ability to use the latest advances in office technology. The scope of job opportunities for administrative assistants is vast and growing - all organizations require skilled support. Employment may be found in industry and the fields of manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, hospitality, transportation, government agencies and service organizations.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent, including English 12 or equivalent*

2) Proof of successful completion of a certified keyboarding/typing skill course using the touch-typing method with a minimum speed of 25 g.w.p.m. (gross words per minute) for five minutes with a maximum of 5 errors

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

*Applicants whose first language is other than English, who have not completed English 098/099 and are presenting foreign documents equivalent to Grade 12, must successfully complete an English Language Assessment http://www.vcc.ca/assessments which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 7, and Writing 7 or better.

Recommended characteristics

- Personal hygiene, grooming and appearance acceptable to a business office

- Good command of oral and written English

- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

- Good finger/hand dexterity for operating office equipment and machines

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.443.8450. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $2,644.52

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $11,889.80 $127.50 - All international students pay international tuition fees. For more information, please contact VCC's international education office at study@vcc.ca or 604.443.8600.

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $76.16 Student union fee $48.22 Student union health plan fee $144.68 Student union dental plan fee $137.82 U-Pass $240.00 Other costs Textbooks and supplies: $1100

Courses