Des Moines Area Community College.

Office Assistant Diploma

The Office Assistant diploma curriculum is for individuals who want to develop or refresh their office skills in order to qualify for general office work. Students gain a basic knowledge of English, math, computer applications, and human relations skills. By selecting an emphasis during Term 2, students are able to customize their curriculum and gain specialized skills.

Locations: Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Urban
Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Click here for a printable Program Summary.

Program Entry Requirements
Complete an application, satisfy the assessment requirement, and attend any required information/registration session. Students start any term.

Graduation Requirements
To earn an Office Assistant diploma, a student must complete all course work as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Term 1  
Course # Course Name Credits
BUS112 Business Math 3
MGT145 Human Relations in Business 3
ADM157 Business English 3
BCA133 Word Processing Skill Development I 4
ADM131 Office Calculators 1
BCA212 Intro to Computer Business Applications 3
Term 2  
SDV153 Pre-Employment Strategy 2
ADM162 Office Procedures 3
ADM154 Business Communication 3
ADM259 Professional Development 3

In addition to the required courses in Term 2, students are required to select one of the following Emphasis Options:

Professional Emphasis Option    
BCA137 Word Processing Skill Development II 3
ADM265 Supervised Practical Experience 2
ADM937 Prof Office Careers Seminar 1
Information Processing Emphasis Option    
BCA137 Word Processing Skill Development II 3
BCA213 Intermediate Computer Business Applications 3
Office Management Emphasis Option    
BCA113 Computer Network Literacy 3
MGT115 Administrative Management 3
Bookkeeping Emphasis Option    
ACC111* Intro to Accounting 3
BCA213 Intermediate Computer Business Applications 3
Legal Emphasis Option    
BUS185 Business Law I 3
ADM208 Legal Terminology 3
Data Entry Emphasis Option    
ADM138 Data Entry 3
BCA213 Intermediate Computer Business Applications 3
Total credits required to complete the diploma   34

*Course approved for High School Articulation

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

  • Schedule appointment, give information to callers, direct visitors to destinations
  • Read and route incoming mail
  • Handle many kinds of typing and filing duties
  • Perform mathematical and basic bookkeeping tasks
  • Input and process information on computers

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

  • Ability to communicate well
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to read and follow directions
  • Ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Ability to proofread
  • Ability to make decisions and solve problems

Aptitudes

  • Good judgment and common sense
  • Dependable and responsible
  • Good business work ethics
  • Team player
  • Adaptable

What Else Should I Consider about this Special Certificate?

  • Variety of job possibilities
  • Advancement opportunities available
  • All students may participate in professional organizations
  • Students may take the Certified Professional Secretary exam and the Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification exam

Recommended High School Courses
Composition, Speech, Business Math, Applied Math, Accounting, Computer Literacy, Human Relations, Keyboarding, Office Procedures, Word Processing