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Administrative Assistant
Open to International Students
Area of study
Applied Business
Credential
Certificate
Program Length
1 Year | Full time
Program Overview
CIP Code: 52.0401
The Administrative Assistant program offers a diverse curriculum covering administrative procedures, Microsoft Office tools, and cloud accounting. This intensive 10-month program prepares students for a wide range of positions in office administration. Hands-on exercises, projects, and the possibility of a seven-week work placement help students transition seamlessly into careers upon graduation.
Core Information
Program Highlights
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Master essential administrative skills like email management, scheduling, and data organization.
- Comprehensive Training: Learn MS Office tools, cloud accounting, and administrative procedures.
- Hands-On Learning: Get practical experience through learning in the classroom and a work placement.
- Software Proficiency: Gain expertise in key office technologies, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Professional Communication: Develop strong written and verbal communication skills for workplace success.
- Work-Integrated Learning: Engage in real-world office environments to sharpen practical skills.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry professionals who provide real-world insights and personalized support.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles such as administrative assistant, data entry clerk, or receptionist.
- Pathway to Growth: Build a foundation for further education or career progression in office administration.
Career Outcomes
- Administrative Assistant
- Human Resource Assistant
- Receptionist
- Data Entry Clerk
- Accounting Clerk
- Customer Care Specialist
- Marketing Assistant
- Virtual Assistant
- Bookkeeper
Entry Requirements
- Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Grade 12 Math (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
International Students
- High school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent. International applicants must meet the general entrance requirements based on country/curriculum of study. Applicants must also meet the program-specific requirements, including:
- Senior level Math with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Senior level First Language Literature with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- All high school grades will be converted to an equivalent Manitoba grade scale.
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).
Find out more about Admission Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
| Estimated Program Costs | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,766 |
| Fees | $615 |
| Estimated Textbook Costs | $400 |
| Total Estimated Program Costs | $6,781.00 |
Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Visit Tuition and Fees and Textbooks and Supplies for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning is delivered through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on activities to help students apply skills in real-world settings and build confidence.
Yes. The program includes a 7-week work practicum, where students gain real-world experience in a professional office setting and apply what they’ve learned.
What are the requirements to participate in the practicum?
To qualify for the practicum, students must:
- Pass all courses in the program
- Maintain a 65% cumulative program average
- Reach a keyboarding speed of 50 words per minute with 97% accuracy
Yes, financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Explore loans and sponsorships.
Textbooks and Supplies
A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program Information page.
Laptop Requirements
Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.
Take Your First Step Towards Success
Learn more about this program
Fill out this form, and one of our helpful recruitment experts will contact you to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Administrative Assistant
All Courses
Microsoft Office for Business 1 (BAA-300) — 84 hours
This foundational course introduces students to Microsoft Word in a Windows environment. Learn to create professional business documents such as memos, letters, and reports, while mastering essential Word features like page layout, document formatting, tables, and images. Develop productivity skills with shortcuts and tools to streamline workflows.Microsoft Office for Business 2 (BAA-310) — 63 hours
Building on Microsoft Office for Business 1, this course delves deeper into advanced word processing skills. Students practice letter styles, tables, charts, and reports while exploring features like templates, outlines, styles, and mail merge to enhance their document creation capabilities.Administrative Procedures (BAA-320) — 98 hours
Master organizational skills and efficient office practices to prepare for today’s workplace. Topics include effective communication, time management, records management, office image, travel arrangements, minute-taking, and Microsoft Outlook proficiency.Keyboarding Seminar 1 (BAA-321) — 14 hours
This introductory seminar focuses on keyboarding speed, efficiency, and accuracy. Students practice proper typing techniques using an online tool, aiming to meet a benchmark of 50 words per minute with 97% accuracy by the end of three keyboarding seminars.Accounting Principles in the Cloud (BAA-400) — 98 hours
Gain hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online and learn the fundamentals of accounting, from journal entries to financial statement preparation. Explore payroll, bank reconciliations, and cash control procedures using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This course includes opportunities for QuickBooks certification.Human Relations (BAA-250) — 98 hours
Learn key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, cultural diversity, and conflict resolution. This course emphasizes professional development with a focus on job search strategies, interview techniques, and personal accountability.Microsoft Excel for Business (BAA-350) — 98 hours
Explore the power of Microsoft Excel to design, create, and present professional spreadsheets. Learn to apply formulas, functions, data filtering, and visualization techniques to solve real-world business problems and build custom Excel applications.Business Database Fundamentals (BAA-360) — 56 hours
Learn the essentials of database management with a focus on customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Develop MS Access databases, create reports, and integrate Excel Workbooks to analyze business data effectively.Business Communication Skills (BAA-410) — 63 hours
Develop strong communication skills to meet the demands of today’s digital and fast-paced workplaces. This course emphasizes professional writing, active listening, presentation delivery, and interpersonal communication.Keyboarding Seminar 2 (BAA-361) — 14 hours
Progress your keyboarding skills from Seminar 1 by increasing speed and accuracy. Students continue practicing proper techniques to achieve higher performance benchmarks.Introduction to Marketing and Brand Management (BAA-370) — 70 hours
This creativity-focused course introduces students to marketing concepts, advertising, social media strategies, and desktop publishing. Learn to promote businesses using a mix of traditional and digital tools.Keyboarding Seminar 3 (BAA-371) — 14 hours
The final keyboarding seminar focuses on perfecting typing skills to meet the program’s 50 words per minute with 97% accuracy requirement, essential for work practicum eligibility.Applied Microsoft Office Specialist (BAA-390) — 240 hours
This capstone course combines advanced Microsoft Office applications and professional skills development to prepare students for the workplace. Gain industry-recognized certifications and build employability skills essential for success as an administrative professional.BAA Work Practicum (BAA-380) — 245 hours
In this six-week practicum, students gain real-world experience by applying their skills in a professional office environment. Participants must meet program benchmarks, including passing grades, a program average of 65%, and a typing speed of 50 WPM with 97% accuracy.