As the business office relies increasingly on technology, companies need a well-trained, take-charge person to ensure that daily tasks are handled quickly and efficiently. In Ivy Tech's Office Administration Program, you’ll learn the technical and interpersonal skills that will make you a key player in day-to-day operations. Not only will you cover basics of word processing, spreadsheets and databases, but you’ll also study more advanced areas such as desktop publishing, developing skills that will move you to the top of a company’s must-hire list. Programs are tailored for beginning, intermediate and advanced skill levels.

Degrees, certificates and specialties

Program description

Degrees, certificates and specialties

Office Administration/Associate of Applied ScienceAdministrative Specialty South Bend Curriculum 07-08

Office Administration/Associate of Applied ScienceLegal Specialty South Bend Curriculum 07-08

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Program descriptionThe Office Administration Program prepares students for an automated office environment. Students develop basic office skills and acquire computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. An internship or co-op experience is included.

The OAD Program offers courses which provide initial, advanced and refresher education and assist individuals in achieving professional recognition and career progression. The program prepares graduates as administrative office personnel and provides opportunities for specialized training in such areas as Medical, Administrative, Software Administration and Legal.Program optionsOptions include the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Technical Certificate and Career Development Certificate. All or most courses in the AAS degree program transfer into four-year programs at Ball State University, Bethel College, Ferris State University, Indiana State University and elsewhere.Typical careers • Administrative assistant
• Executive secretary
• Legal secretary
• Medical secretary
• Office assistant
• Receptionist/secretary
• TranscriptionistEmployment potentialEmployment opportunities for executive secretaries, medical and legal administrative assistants are expected to increase about as fast as average (10 to 20 percent) between 2000 and 2010.Occupational areas• Financial organizations
• Government agencies
• Health facilities
• Law firms
• Other office environmentsEarnings, legal specialty • National: Average wage $17.00 an hour
• Indiana: Average wage $12.94 an hour
• South Bend: Average wage $14.71 an hour
Earnings, medical specialty• National: Average wage $11.51 an hour
• Indiana: Average wage $10.62 an hour
• South Bend: Average wage $12.14 an hourEarnings, Executive Secretary• National: Average wage $14.84 an hour
• Indiana: Average wage $13.50 an hourArea Employers of Program Graduates• Auto Clinic
• DePuy Inc.
• IU South Bend
• Lake City Bank
• Market Strategies Inc.
• Miller’s Merry Manor
• Orthopedic Sports & Medicine Center
• Patrick Industries
• R.R. Donnelly & Sons
• Saemann Foundation
• Small Claims Court
• Wabash Valley Manufacturing
• Workforce Development Services
Sources: Choices-2002; Indiana Career & Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC); surveys of program graduates

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