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Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Today's competitive, global businesses require office professionals to be responsible to manage the administrative tasks that support their challenging, dynamic office environments. Employers need office administrators with exceptional computer skills, efficient document processing skills, the ability to communicate professionally, and the organizational expertise to keep the office running smoothly.

In this two-year diploma program, students develop their technical, communication and interpersonal skills. With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience built into the program and emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills, graduates are fully trained to meet the demands of today's challenging office environment. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills by participating in a 90-hour field placement position in a local business.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time delivery.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 7 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
  • Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
  • A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • Students in the Office Administration - General, Executive and Legal programs should demonstrate:
    • the physical ability to "touch type" to industry standards (NOTE: a graduation requirement.
    • a strong interest and aptitude in computer applications.
    • a solid base of written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
    • the ability to produce business-related documentation to time-sensitive deadlines.
  • This is an eText program. Learn about our eText initiative.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will find employment in a variety of office settings working as an administrative assistant. It is expected that graduates of this two-year diploma program would obtain higher level administrative positions than that of the one-year program and increased opportunities for advancement. Employment opportunities might include office manager/supervisor, customer service representative, bookkeeper, accounting clerk or office/administrative assistant.

On average, 89% of graduates from the last three years (2018 to 2020) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
  • Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
  • Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
  • Operate and provide support related to the use, maintenance and procurement of office equipment and technologies.
  • Evaluate, establish and administer a variety of records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
  • Produce financial documents and reports by identifying and compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
  • Prepare and produce a variety of business documents using available technologies and applying industry standards.
  • Use interpersonal, leadership and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
  • Research, analyze and summarize information on resources and services and prepare summary reports with recommendations.
  • Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders and to promote the organization.
  • Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, special events and make travel arrangements, including the preparation of related documentation.
  • Support the implementation of projects by applying basic principles of project management.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
UpcomingRegistrations

Mark your calendar for our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Fall registration: Opens July 24, 2023
Winter registration: Opens November 27, 2023