Administrative Assistant: Vocational School Diploma Program Overview

Learn about administrative assistant diploma programs. Get information about program length, courses, employment prospects, salary info and continuing education options to make an informed decision about your education.

Administrative Assistant Diploma

An administrative assistant diploma program from a vocational school takes about a year or less to earn and can prepare individuals to be competitive for secretarial jobs in various industries. An administrative assistant diploma program can include studies in general business, communication and technical skills, which are necessary for administrative professionals. Upon completing a program, graduates will typically have developed skills in professional speaking, business writing, computer technology and business administration. Vocational programs generally require that applicants hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent for entry.

Course Topics

Programs usually train students to operate computers, perform clerical duties and manage employees. Topics covered in a program can include:

• Office procedures
• Keyboarding
• Internet skills
• Data entry
• Spreadsheets
• Business communications
• Employee management
• Business ethics

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

From 2010-2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted a 12% increase in employment rates for secretaries and administrative assistants (www.bls.gov). In 2010, the BLS reported that these professionals earned a median annual salary of $34,660.

Continuing Education Information

According to the BLS, secretaries and administrative assistants may not need to seek additional education in order to advance in the field. Advancement to positions of office administrator or executive secretary may more commonly be obtained through work experience. However, associate degree programs in office administration are available, and these could be useful to administrative assistants looking to advance.

Certification could also be useful for advancement in the field and can be obtained through an organization such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Additionally, business programs at the associate and bachelor's degree levels could appeal to secretaries looking to progress into positions in the field of business.