Office Administration

Program News

Starting summer 2011, three accounting courses will be offered in new formats:

ACCT& 201, Principles of Accounting (online or face-to-face course options)
OFFAD 108, Accounting for Payroll (online/hybrid only)
OFFAD 110, Accounting for AP, AR and Inventory (online/hybrid only)

Check for schedule information at whatcom.ctc.edu/elearning.  Online/hybrid courses include accessing a significant amount of course content online, with some class time required on campus. Contact a program advisor for more information.

What can I do with a certificate or training endorsement in Office Administration?

Students with training and education in Office Administration are employed in most areas of the economy including government offices, private business, education, financial institutions, healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. Jobs are available at different levels of responsibility, and employees are often given on-the-job training to increase their skills.

What can I do with the Office Professional/Tech Support Specialist Certificate?

This certificate is designed to give the student a sound background in business software and computer tech support giving them an ability to collaborate with others in planning and creating business documents and the practical application to help troubleshoot and maintain office computers. Graduates with this certificate will more competitive for small business office support positions, since many small businesses do not have the ability to hire a separate tech support person. In addition, students can move forward with this certificate toward the Business Administration AS Degree, or the Computer Information Systems AS Degree.

Information Session

You are encouraged to attend an information session or contact one of the Professional Technical advisors for planning help.

Certificate/Endorsement Information

• Certificate - Office Professional Tech Support Specialist [PDF Format] --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Certificate -Office Administration [PDF Format] --- Click here for Gainful Employment details.
• Endorsement / Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable [PDF Format]
• Endorsement / Clerical Assistant [PDF Format] 
• Endorsement / Payroll [PDF Format]
• Endorsement/Accounting Support Specialist [PDF Format]  

What is the Office Administration Certificate?

The Office Administration Certificate offers the technical, interpersonal and organizational skills needed to perform the full range of office duties required in the jobs of administrative assistant, office assistant, and payroll. Both manual and computerized systems are used.

What is the Office Professional/Tech Support Specialist Certificate?

The Office Professional/Tech Support Specialist Certificate (45-51) certificate is designed to give the student a sound background in business software and computer tech support giving them an ability to collaborate with others in planning and creating business documents and the practical application to help troubleshoot and maintain office computers.

What are the Training Endorsements?

Each Short-Term Training Endorsement (Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Accounting Support Specialist and Clerical Assistant) is specialized and may be utilized by employees currently working in office environments who would like to gain new skills. The Training Endorsements (28-29 credits) are also useful for entry-level employees who would like to enter the workforce more quickly, and who can apply their credits toward the full Office Administration certificate or the AS Business Administration in the future.

The Accounting Support Specialist Endorsement is also offered in an integrated IBEST format. IBEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) classes have an extra support instructor to help ABE/ESL students learn both their foundational English/Math skills and the skills for employment in their chosen field. Contact your advisor to see when the next IBEST Accounting Support Specialist classes will be offered.

What are the prerequisites?

There are no special prerequisite courses for this program; however, students are encouraged to develop college level writing and math skills and strong computer skills early in their educational program. New students should complete the college's assessment/placement testing to determine writing and math levels. To schedule an assessment appointment, call (360) 383-3080.

What is the application process?

Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at admit@whatcom.ctc.edu , by phone 360.383.3001 or in person at the Entry/Advising Office, LDC 116.

There is no special program application for the Office Administration program.

What is the employment outlook for Office Administration?

In general, occupations included in this field are expected to grow as fast as the average in Washington State: 6-7% by 2012. More detailed information about the labor market and wages for the wide range of occupations in this field are available from WOIS/ The Career Information System 2004-2005.

Entry level wages in the office administration field vary. Some examples are:

• General Office Clerk I- average entry level wage is $9 per hour. With experience,  $10.50 to $12.50 per hour.*
• Billing Clerk- average entry level wage is $10.50 per hour. With experience,  $12 to $15 per hour.*
• Accounting Clerk- average entry level wage is $10.50 per hour. With experience, $12-$15 per hour.*

*Wage information from WOIS/The Career Information System 2004-2005.

How long does the program take to complete?

The length of time it takes to complete the Office Administration certificate, or any of the Training Endorsements, depends on your starting skill level in English, math, and computers. Many students need to bring their writing and math skills up to college level, and this process can take several quarters. Please consult with an advisor to plan a course of study. Call 360.383.3080 to set up an appointment for advising and assessment testing.

Are there Tech-Prep credits that I can transfer from my high school for the Business program?

If you are currently in high school, there are several courses that have articulated agreements between the high schools and WCC. Contact your high school counselor about Tech-Prep credits.