Online Class: Administrative Assistant 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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14Lessons
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23Exams &
Assignments -
8,503Students
have taken this course -
8Hours
average time -
0.8CEUs
Course Description
Administrative Assistant Fundamentals
Technology and necessity have amplified the requirements and pace of this change. It's not all bad news though, the truth of the matter is that this economy is providing opportunities to people in certain segments of the business world--administrative assistants are one of them. AA's are now, and will in the future, be performing roles that middle managers would have done only a year or two ago. They are acting on behalf of their bosses on a regular basis and have full authority to do so.
Whether you are returning to the workforce after a number of years away or you are new to the administrative side of the business world, there are some great opportunities out there for administrative assistants, especially the new kind of administrative assistants--i.e. those who are skilled, prepared to take on extra responsibility and don't mind taking a risk or two.
This is a 3 Part Course, which will begin covering some very important basics before going on to deal with the importance of training others to fulfill the position. We will then focus on the innovative role which has a place both in the present and future--that of a Virtual Assistant!
This course will open your eyes wider in regards to the choices you have available in an Administrative Assistant career, as well as introduce you to the business sector and the opportunities that now exist in this demanding field.
Course Motivation
Could becoming an administrative assistant be a good way for you to enter the corporate world? Yes, it could; but do you know exactly what administrative assistants are and what they do?
Would the role of secretary be more likely to lead to increased authority and responsibility, along with greater possibilities of progression within the organization? No. Let us take it a step at a time, though, commencing with a quick look at the two roles and what they actually cover.
Administrative assistant: The title of administrative assistant can often cause confusion because its meaning is somewhat vague, one that can be applied to a wide variety of positions with varying duties.
An administrative assistant's duties can end up covering all kinds of job functions, ranging from filing, processing correspondence, and dealing with administrative tasks to carrying out a range of minor decision-making activities to free up an executive for more significant duties.
Secretary: A secretary's job by definition is usually more specifically oriented to personal tasks, including incoming and outgoing correspondence for a particular executive or executives. Correspondence refers to the full gamut of both verbal and written communications of all kinds, including internal and external e-mail, hard-copy letters, telephone calls and messages, and other general personally oriented tasks.
Secretaries are assigned a range of clerical duties, such as typing, filing, copying, etc., as well as some basic scheduling tasks. Some are still required to take dictation using shorthand, a dying but valuable craft and one not often utilized these days.
Secretaries are not normally given many decision-making responsibilities or authority to act on behalf of the boss or the employing organization.
General: Although the duties of each role can be blurred at times, this is a generalization of the positions, with the caveat that particular organizations can and do differ in how they use these positions. It is the writer's experience, gained over more than 40 years, that the essential differences involve (1) the level of decision-making authority and duties, and (2) the level of difficulty of tasks that are assigned to any particular individual.
For a multitude of reasons actually, but we need to be more precise than that.
Broadly speaking, administrative assistants are hired to relieve an employer of the minutiae and many tasks associated with office procedures and a variety of other matters that do not require the personal attention of the boss. They also act as liaisons or buffers between supervisors they work for and the remainder of the organization.
A must: Everything you do in your role as an administrative assistant must duplicate as closely as possible the style in which your boss would perform that task if not absorbed in other tasks. In time, the methodology may be changed; but as a new administrative assistant you must start off with this directive in mind: It is a golden rule for new administrative assistants!
What do employers really want?
Following is a list of the qualities that bosses look for in the administrative assistants they choose to hire. This list is culled from years of experience as an administrative assistant and office manager, including experiences hiring and unfortunately firing a number of administrative assistants.
- Consistent punctuality.
- Dependability, even in crises.
- Ability and willingness to learn.
- Willingness to follow instructions.
- Loyalty.
- Ability to keep a confidence.
While it is important that you have a good opinion of yourself, your skills, and talents, it is equally important that you promote yourself with a sense of reality.
Do not skip this analysis. If you are fully aware of any weaknesses, you can allow and even cover for them. As for strengths, you should emphasize them to a prospective employer. Opportunities and "threats" can be viewed in several ways; they may come into your assessment of the job, people, etc. Think about this. Look closely and consider. However, the main focus initially should be your strengths and weaknesses.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson One : Job Overview
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Administrative Assistant Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Assessment: Lesson 1 : Job Overview
Lesson 2 : Job Duties and Skills
Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 : Job Duties & Skills
Lesson 3 : Doing Your Job Properly
Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 : Doing Your Job Properly
Lesson 4 : Be On Top Of Daily Routines
Lesson 4 Video
Lesson discussions: Staying on Top of Daily Work
Assessment: Lesson 4 : Be On Top Of Daily Routines
Lesson 5 : Be Prepared for Diversity
Lesson 5 Video
Assessment: Lesson 5 : Be Prepared For Diversity
Lesson 6 : Translating "Doing" Into "Teaching" Those Administrative Assistant Skills
Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 : " Translating "Doing" Into "Teaching" Those Administrative Assistant Skills
Lesson 7 : Teaching Those VIP Skills
Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment - Improve Your Communication Skills
Assessment: Lesson 7 : Teaching Those VIP Skills
Lesson 8 : How To Develop Good Working Relationships
Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 : How To Develop Good Working Relationships
Lesson 9 : Changing Workforces
Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 : Changing Workforces
Lesson 10 : Building Self-esteem, Self-confidence & Assertiveness in Yourself & Others
Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 : Building Self-esteem, Self-confidence & Assertiveness In Yourself & Others
Lesson 11 : What Exactly Is a Virtual Assistant and How Do I Become One
Lesson 11 Video
Lesson discussions: Virtual Assistant
Assessment: Lesson 11 : What Exactly Is A Virtual Assistant & How Do I Become One
Lesson 12 : Just Another Job Or Is The VA Really Self-employed?
Lesson 12 Video
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 : Just Another Job Or Is The Va Really Self-employed?
Lesson 13 : Necessary Marketing Tools And "Bits & Pieces"
Lesson 13 Video
Assessment: Lesson 13 : Necessary Marketing, Tools And "Bits & Pieces"
References/Resources
Lesson discussions: Let us know what you think of this course; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the role and responsibilities of the Admin Assistant.
- Summarize the job duties and skills of an Admin Assistant.
- Identify ways of doing the job properly.
- Create routines and prepare for diversity.
- Be able to train for the position.
- Identify self-employment opportunities.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
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Includes CEUs | X |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
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Includes CEUs |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "This course was very helpful and informative, it really broke down the in's and out's of the Administrative Assistant position and roles." -- Jennifer G.
- "I think it was a great course. It was definitely helped refine my administrative assistant skills. I think it is a great course to take as a beginner and even if you have been in the field a few years." -- Viridiana J.
- "This has opened my eyes on how inportant it is to continue to brush up on my skills. Thanks for having this training." -- Glen T.
- "I found this course to be very helpful in terms of getting a very thorough understanding of the role of an Administrative Assistant, and how that role is changing due to the current economic/health climate. Great course!" -- Lawerence R.
- "I really love the instructor the way she organized all the materials, exam and she's very helpful to me, and always giving me a chance to lear more." -- Lilian B.
- "My instructor gave excellent feedback and made this process less frightening for someone returning to studies after a long time." -- Nicole B.
- "I really enjoyed taking the course and I'm ready to work with my certificate." -- Rose G.
- "It was a great experience and a very exciting adventure!the use of computer." -- Jamila A.
- "Instructor was very prompt and provided useful feedback." -- Omobola R.
- "The instructor was helpful but not intrusive. I was very satisfied with her." -- Angela P.
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