Program Length
- 10 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Be workplace ready in 10 months
If you want training that gets you into the workforce quickly with a powerful new skill set, this is the program for you.
In this program you learn how to work with the latest in office technology. And you gain problem-solving skills that will set you apart in the workplace. Office Administration can lead to a career in many exciting fields.
Real-world experience
The Office Administration program replicates an office team environment, giving you experience with
- collaboration and teamwork
- prioritization
- professionalism
- critical thinking
You work on real-world projects and solve real-world problems. The result is real-world skills that will take you far in your career.
Sign up to learn more
Open doors to many careers
Office administration opens doors to varied and exciting careers in almost any field. Administrative skills are valued everywhere. You can work in law firms or government offices. You can find roles in the private sector, in public health, or in the non-profit sector. Most of these are 9-to-5 jobs with benefits and weekends off.
- accounting assistant
- accounting clerk
- administrator
- administrative services manager
- administrative specialist
- assistant manager
- assistant office manager
- billing specialist
- clerical supervisor
- executive assistant
- executive secretary
- human resources coordinator
- marketing and sales assistant
- marketing coordinator
- medical assistant
- medical billing coder
- office administrator
- office manager
- operations coordinator
- operations manager
- paralegal
- personal assistant
- project manager
- research assistant
A life-changing decision
As a single mother raising 4 kids that I have 100% of the time, obtaining a career I could manage around my family was my main incentive. My previous role as retail supervisor no longer supported my family’s growing demands and needs with inconsistent scheduling (late nights, weekends, no routine) and increasingly physically demanding tasks that burned me out at all ends.
The Office Administration (OADM) program at VIU gave me all the tools necessary to successfully earn my Administrative Assistant certificate which helped me transition careers.
Taking the program at VIU was positively life-changing for me and my children. I am grateful to the instructors and staff at the Cowichan campus for always being so welcoming and friendly during my time as a student.
Real-world projects
Work on projects that mirror real office tasks.
Real work experience
Gain valuable work experience through a two-week practicum.
Networking
Network with industry contacts and create a lasting network with classmates.
About the Office Administration Program
The Office Administration program gives you a strong foundation in key areas like Microsoft Office Suite, professional writing, digital fluency and administrative procedures. You will take part in hands-on projects that replicate real-world office scenarios. And you finish the program prepared to be a self-starter and an effective team member. Our cohort model fosters a collaboration and reflects the teamwork you'll experience in your career.
Classes are a mix of lecture and hands-on learning in a dedicated computer lab, and you will have lots of opportunity to develop high-level skills using computer software.
Office Administration program details
This program covers the technical, administrative, and human relations skills needed in today’s office environments. It includes in-depth training in administrative and interpersonal skills, as well as in the use of computers and popular software applications. Software applications include the Microsoft Professional Office Suite and the Windows environment. You learn to use computers and software applications to solve problems, manage information, and enhance document production.
A two week practicum course is available at the end of the program for eligible students.
Courses
| Semester I | Credits |
|---|---|
| OADM 115T - (Administrative Procedures) | 1.5 |
| OADM 120T - (Business Math and Calculators) | 1.5 |
| OADM 130T - (Business English) | 3 |
| OADM 136T - (Human Relations and Office Procedures) | 3 |
| OADM 146T - (Office Computer Applications I) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
| Semester II | Credits |
|---|---|
| OADM 138T - (Business Communications) | 3 |
| OADM 147T - (Office Computer Applications II) | 3 |
| OADM 148T - (Office Computer Applications III) | 3 |
| OADM 149T - (Office Computer Applications IV) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
| Semester III | Credits |
|---|---|
| OADM 135T - (Employment Strategies) | 1.5 |
| OADM 156T - (Electronic Information Management ) | 1 |
| OADM 185T - (Office Practicum) or, OADM 181T - (Level II Project) | 1.5 |
| OADM 187T - (Administrative Capstone) | 2 |
| Total Credits | 6 |
| Year 1 Credits | 30 |
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- Minimum “C” in English 12, and minimum “C” in either Mathematics 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10, or equivalent.
Note: Students who do not meet the minimum "C" grade in English 12 and minimum "C" grade in either Mathematics 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10 prerequisites for this program can write an assessment test.
Notes on Admission
- Certified touch-typing speed of minimum 25 net words per minute based on a 5-minute timing with 5 or fewer errors is recommended.*
- Applicants without English 12 and Mathematics 10 will be considered for admission if they successfully complete reading comprehension, sentence skills, and arithmetic assessment. Call toll–free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6276 to book an assessment or use our online booking system at VIU Assessments.
- Students with previous work experience, or with current training, may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Contact the Advising Centre toll–free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6410 for information on PLA.
- This is a demanding program, and applicants with the minimum admission requirements may experience difficulties in completing the program.
- A strong foundation with computer file management, including saving, moving, deleting, copying and renaming both files, folders, and subfolders in Windows Explorer is strongly recommended.
- Experience using/operating/navigating a PC computer/Windows environment (not MAC) is recommended.
* Please call toll–free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6276 to book a keyboarding assessment. Students who submit a recent college-verified keyboarding timing of 25 nwpm, as above, will have met the keyboarding requirement.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - 10 Month Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (10 months x $509.18 per month) | 5,091.80 |
| Supply fee | 121.90 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $38.87 per month) | 388.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks and supplies (approximate costs) | 1,800.00 |
| Locker Rental (approximate costs) | 50.00 |
| Total | 8,166.00 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | Administrative Assistant Specialty | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$46.06
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Nisi Perera Email: Nisansala.Perera@viu.ca
Comments:
Students who do not meet the minimum "C" grade in English 12 and/or minimum "C" grade in either Mathematics 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10 prerequisites for this program may write an assessment test. Students will be added to the wait list once their application is complete. |
|||
Completion requirements
To be eligible for an Office Administration Certificate you must complete all program requirements within three years. This includes:
- completing all required courses
- maintaining a minimum C- (70%) grade average
- completing practicum course
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Try out an Office Administration class
Curious about what it would be like to join this program? You can shadow a class and get a taste of what you'll be doing as a student. Email the program to make arrangements to shadow the class.
Frequently asked questions
You have two 3-hour classes each day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (with lunch from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm), Monday to Thursday, for a total of 24 hours of instruction per week. There are no classes on Fridays.
There is no dress code for this program.
You will complete the program with the necessary skills to work as an assistant in an office. If you continue with professional development throughout your careers, you’ll gain more transferable skills. This will give you opportunities to apply for higher-paying jobs as you progress through your career. Many of our graduates have grown their careers over time and are now:
- office managers
- executive assistants
- business owners
- payroll clerks
- legal assistants
- financial analysts
- executive directors
Generally, administrative assistant graduates have received starting wages from $18 to $22 per hour to $30+ per hour. Starting wages depend on the student's experience and training, as well as the workplace and job. There is a lot of opportunity for growth as an administrative assistant. Refer to job postings online for administrative assistants to see the array of wages in the different offices.
All VIU graduates who want to work are hired into office jobs upon graduation. Our graduates get great jobs and have successful careers!
Class sizes do not exceed 20 students.
The Office Administration program does not have an attendance requirement, but if you are funded by an external funder, they do require attendance reports. Even though you will not be graded on attendance, you will be much more successful when you attend classes on a consistent basis. Most courses consist of instructor lectures and hands-on experience.
You should be prepared to complete two to five hours of homework per week, which includes pre-reading for each course. The amount of time could vary from day to day, depending on how much is completed during class time.
The Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology grade scale is used in Office Administration. A minimum of 70% is required to pass all courses.