*General Math

Bookkeeping

Keyboarding

Business Math

Office Practices

Computer Literacy

*Grammar

 

 

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center


Texts used in first-semester courses are written at the college level. These texts are used as a central part of the coursework. Tests are based on a combination of texts and lectures.

In addition to their texts, students will also use standard office references such as a dictionary and the Gregg Reference Manual. On the job they will also use company procedure manuals and computer software manuals.


View more information about reading skills in the Office Assistant program.


Communication skills are an essential part of this program. In-class speaking activities include explanations of procedures, short oral reports, and team projects. Interviewing, telephone techniques, and customer relations are taught in the program and used extensively on the job. Good listening skills are vital to success on the job, as many directions are presented orally.

Students are expected to possess strong English skills when they enter the program. In their first-term Business English (ADM 157)course, they will review proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These skills are applied as they compose business letters, memos, and reports in the Business Communication (ADM 154) course and on the job. They may be asked to compose their own material, and accuracy is essential.

View more information about language skills in the Office Assistant program.


Business Math (BUS 112) is taken in the first term. Strong arithmetic skills are essential for success in this course. In their Introduction  to Computer Business Applications (BCA 212) course, students will be working with spreadsheets which will require them to create simple math formulas. In the program and on the job, they will use an office calculator. They may also be required to set up work schedules, calculate discounts, and check invoices, etc., for accuracy. Accounting coursework is included in this program.

View more information about math skills in the Office Assistant program.


Students must be able to follow logical sequences as they use computer software manuals and receive instructions from others. They must also be able to organize ideas logically when they explain procedures to coworkers. They must be able to work independently, knowing when to use their own problem-solving skills and when to ask for help.

View more information about learning skills in the Office Assistant program.


In their first-term Computer Business Applications course, students will be introduced to word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, desktop publishing, presentation and data base programs. In subsequent terms, they will develop proficiency and accuracy in using these applications. All of these applications will be used extensively on the job.

View more information about computer skills in the Office Assistant program.

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Des Moines Area Community College
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021-3993

1-800-362-2127
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