Visit

Main Content Area

Woman working from home on laptop.

Administrative AssistantCertificates

Sharpen Your Skills with an Administrative Assistant Certificate

Earning a certificate is a great way to explore a subject and build skills in less time than it takes to complete a degree program. Aims offers four certificates geared toward working as an administrative assistant. The Business Technology Certificate covers all of the administrative assistant classes in the degree program. You can also study or brush up on specific career skills such as word processing, presentations and advanced office practices.

Office Professional (2 semesters)

This administrative assistant certificate program gives you the comprehensive knowledge and necessary skills to begin your career. Study business basics, master popular business software programs and learn professional office management and teamwork methods.

Row Groupings Required Courses: Credits
required

Provides instruction in the preparation of business documents for the modern office using current software and learning software commands and functions. Includes creating, processing, and editing documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Emphasis is placed on functions of the office. Includes office organization, work in the office, office layout, equipment and supplies, procurement and control, work flow, forms design, record storage and retrieval systems, personnel administration and problems, and government control. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic applications for advanced word processing for Windows. It reviews and expands the students` knowledge of MS Word functions including merging, sorting, tables, charts, desktop publishing newsletters, document enhancements, styles, macros, templates and wizards to increase proficiency. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Surveys the components of a variety of different presentation software programs. Emphasis includes design and layout concepts integrating graphics, text, sound, and animation to create business documents such as presentations, slides, handouts, outlines, letterheads, sales flyers, newsletters, and other business documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Introduces basic to advanced features of spreadsheet software to design and create accurate, professional worksheets for use in business and industry. The course includes entering data, creating formulas, professional formatting, creating charts, creating, sorting and filtering tables, creating and using templates, applying built-in functions, creating pivot tables, applying "what-if analysis" with data tables, creating macros, and using solver features. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.

3
required

Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Note *Complete Introduction to Web Authoring, or select one (1) of the following courses. 
required

Introduces accounting fundamentals with emphasis on the procedures and practices used in business organizations. Major topics include the accounting cycle for service and merchandising companies, including end-of-period reporting. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on financial accounting concepts prescribed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including financial information for external partners, the accounting cycle process, basic terminology, transaction analysis, internal control systems, and financial statement preparation and analysis. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces interpersonal relations most directly linked to attainment of organizational and individual goals in the business world. Other factors include motivation, career development, and conflict resolution. It explores the importance of effective communication in organizations. Addresses organizational issues such as employee motivation and customer complaints as related to product or service defects. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Examines the concept of ethical corporate responsibility and how an organization's resources, including individual employees and work groups of the corporation, identify and respond to social and ethical problems. Included in the course are topics of corporate ethics and social responsibility, how these concepts apply to business and management principles, and the individual corporate citizen's involvement with making ethical decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Space
required

Covers the fundamentals of financial mathematics. Topics include pricing, taxes, insurance, interest, annuities, amortization, and investments. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Note * Or any higher level Math course
Space
Note Select one (1) of the following courses: 
required

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or argumentative compositions. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

Any Guaranteed Transfer Pathways Introductory Writing Course (GT-CO1) with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Required Course Credits 24
Row Groupings Electives: Credits
Electives:

Select two (2) from the following courses: 

required

Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Emphasizes effective business writing and cover letters, memoranda, reports, application letters, and resumes. This course includes the fundamentals of business communication and an introduction to international communication. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides continued instruction and the opportunity for students to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Business department for more information. See the department web page at for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/business-technology-administrative-assistant

0 to 12
Note *Internship to be completed for a total of two (2) credits.
required

Presents proper techniques in negotiation and conflict resolution. Explore the important practices that determine successful negotiation in business. Other key elements discussed are: principles of conflict resolution including business policies, accepted business contracts, labor union contracts, pay raises, and starting salaries. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces the behaviors of groups and individual members of organizations and how to influence their behavior. Emphasis is on the tools managers use to achieve organizational effectiveness. Three credits.

3
required

Enables students to learn the relationship of self to customers, problem solve and understand the importance of communicating with customers. Specific emphasis is given to managing customer expectations by building customer rapport and creating positive outcomes. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Elective Credits 5-6
Total Credits for Office Professional Certificate 29-30

Business Technology - Advanced Office Specialist Certificate

Gain in-depth knowledge of the business software used to run most offices, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Study word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database software and learn the basics of web authoring.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements Credits
required

Provides instruction in the preparation of business documents for the modern office using current software and learning software commands and functions. Includes creating, processing, and editing documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic applications for advanced word processing for Windows. It reviews and expands the students` knowledge of MS Word functions including merging, sorting, tables, charts, desktop publishing newsletters, document enhancements, styles, macros, templates and wizards to increase proficiency. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Surveys the components of a variety of different presentation software programs. Emphasis includes design and layout concepts integrating graphics, text, sound, and animation to create business documents such as presentations, slides, handouts, outlines, letterheads, sales flyers, newsletters, and other business documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Explores an array of database skills. Includes table, query, form, and report creation and modification. Also includes application integration. Course is not repeatable for credit..

Course Prerequisites

CIS 1018 or CIS 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Introduces basic to advanced features of spreadsheet software to design and create accurate, professional worksheets for use in business and industry. The course includes entering data, creating formulas, professional formatting, creating charts, creating, sorting and filtering tables, creating and using templates, applying built-in functions, creating pivot tables, applying "what-if analysis" with data tables, creating macros, and using solver features. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.

3
required

Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 18
Total Credits for Certificate

Note: Each course required for a particular certificate must be passed with a grade of A or B to qualify for the Skill Enhancement Certificate. These courses may have prerequisites which must be completed before enrollment.

Business Technology - Multimedia Presentation Skill Enhancement Certificate

Sharpen your presentation skills with this administrative assistant certificate. Gain skills to create engaging and professional presentations by learning business presentation software, web authoring basics, and Adobe design and image editing software.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Surveys the components of a variety of different presentation software programs. Emphasis includes design and layout concepts integrating graphics, text, sound, and animation to create business documents such as presentations, slides, handouts, outlines, letterheads, sales flyers, newsletters, and other business documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Multimedia Presentation Skill Enhancement Credits 12
Row Groupings Note:
Note:

Each course required for a particular certificate must be passed with a grade of A or B to qualify for the Skill Enhancement Certificate. These courses may have prerequisites which must be completed before enrollment. Please check the current college catalog for details.

Word Processing Skill Enhancement Certificate

Master word processing with this skill-building certificate. Learn basic and advanced functions using Microsoft Word, including merging, sorting, tables, macros, templates and more.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides instruction in the preparation of business documents for the modern office using current software and learning software commands and functions. Includes creating, processing, and editing documents. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic applications for advanced word processing for Windows. It reviews and expands the students` knowledge of MS Word functions including merging, sorting, tables, charts, desktop publishing newsletters, document enhancements, styles, macros, templates and wizards to increase proficiency. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

BTE 1055 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 6
Row Groupings Note:
Note:

Each course required for a particular certificate must be passed with a grade of A or B to qualify for the Skill Enhancement Certificate. These courses may have prerequisites which must be completed before enrollment. Please check the current college catalog for details.