Office Administration

Certificate

Program Overview

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Office Administration program is a one-year certificate program offered full-time on-campus in Prince Albert and Regina.

You may also take all the courses in the program through Continuing Education. If you take the courses through Continuing Education, you are not required to apply for admission or meet the requirements. Once you have successfully completed all the courses, simply apply to graduate. 

This program provides knowledge and skill development related to the business office environment, with an emphasis on computer applications. Instruction is augmented by projects that will give you a hands-on understanding of the demands and rewards of work in an office setting.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Edit and write business letters, memos and email communication;
  • Effectively use leading business software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, desktop publishing and Adobe to create business documents;
  • Execute office procedures such as reception, mail processing, email communication, calendaring, telephone communication, maintaining office equipment, task management and meeting participation;
  • Generate, maintain and retrieve manual and electronic records;
  • Use interpersonal communications in the workplace; and
  • Use automated accounting software and do basic accounting.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic emphasizes hands-on learning, especially when it comes to computer and software programs. You’ll learn to use leading office software, from word processing to accounting to email. You’ll gain practical experience through simulated office situations. You’ll practise standard office procedures, from directing telephone communications to preparing for meetings to maintaining office equipment and managing office supplies.

Job-Ready at Graduation

Your Sask Polytech classroom mirrors a business environment. Business attire is expected. You'll work individually and in teams. You'll turn classroom friendships into a professional network. You'll learn by doing. This means, for example, that you'll learn about Microsoft Office by using it in class, about managing office supplies and business forms as well.

 

Learning Environment

  • 120 students in Regina and 50 students in Prince Albert are accepted each year 
  • Students will experience lab, project work and lectures.
  • Class hours are 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. a.m. daily, dependent on the campus. It is expected that students will complete 20-30 hours of homework each week outside of class time.
  • There are many group projects that require teamwork skills
  • It is very important that students take initiative and manage their work time effectively.
  • Similar to the workplace, students are expected to attend classes. 

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Every business needs administrative assistants. This gives Saskatchewan Polytechnic Office Administration graduates a broad job market: government, education, law, medicine, engineering, manufacturing, travel, insurance, banking and business. You could work in a large organization and become a specialist or in small business and perform a wide variety of duties. Entry-level positions include administrative assistant, administrative support staff, receptionist, bookkeeper, customer service representative and more.

Do you need help deciding if these careers could be a good fit for you? Contact Career Counselling Services.

Do you already know this is the program you want to take but need more detailed information or help applying?  Connect with a Recruitment Advisor.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Administrative SupportAdministrative Officers (1221)$37,500 - $83,200
Executive AssistantExecutive Assistants (1222)$49,400 - $96,000
Administrative AssistantAdministrative Assistants (1241)$34,100 - $66,700

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):
  • September and January - Prince Albert and Regina (full-time)
  • Part-time Studies (course offerings vary)

Length:

32 weeks (full-time); 15 courses (Part-time Studies)


Locations

  • Prince Albert
  • Regina
  • Online/Distance options available

  • Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

Students do not apply to this program, but take courses part time and apply to graduate (pdf) through Enrolment Services once all courses are completed.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 243 Reading
  • 241 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

$8,600

Part-time Studies Students: Contact Registration Services

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ACCT 105
Accounting
4
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You will journalize and post transactions, prepare worksheets, prepare adjusting and closing entries, prepare unaudited financial statements, perform banking and petty cash functions, and prepare employee and employer payroll records.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): ACCT 122
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
BCOM 100
Business Communications 1
4
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You will apply grammatical rules and principles in preparation for writing routine business correspondence.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
CKEY 101
Keyboarding 1
2
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You will develop ergonomic keyboarding techniques to attain a minimum touch-typing speed of 35 netWPM with a minimum of 98% accuracy.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 132, COMP 155
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COAP 115
Word Processing 1
4
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The course introduces word processing concepts. You will be introduced to common features of Microsoft Word and develop skills in producing and formatting a variety of business documents. You will use a hands-on practical approach to learn the skills required to create letters, tables, and enhancing documents with graphics and diagrams.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 115(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COAP 117
Spreadsheet Applications
4
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You will learn how to design spreadsheets and apply numeracy skills. You will focus on formatting, applying formulas and functions, preparing charts, and analyzing and organizing spreadsheet data.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 173
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COMP 115
Introduction to Organizational Office Technologies
3
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You will learn organizational technologies used to create efficiencies within the operations of an office. You will use a hands-on practical approach to learn and develop skills to create electronic file structures, identify email structure and etiquette, apply email features, create calendar events, discuss virtual communication systems, and propose current office technologies.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
OPRO 105
Office Procedures
4
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You will learn time management, customer service, reception, problem solving, and team building skills. You will also learn how to effectively perform office procedures skills related to telephones, incoming and outgoing mail, and business meetings. As well, you will learn how to use information sources including the internet and how to manage office supplies and business forms.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 25

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
BCOM 102
Business Communications 2
3
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You will continue to develop effective business writing skills. You will write routine business correspondence and apply proofreading and editing skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BCOM 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
CKEY 102
Keyboarding 2
2
Show course details
You will demonstrate ergonomic and proper keyboarding techniques to attain a minimum speed of 45 net WPM with a minimum of 98% accuracy.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): CKEY 101
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 134
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COAP 116
Word Processing 2
4
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You will continue to develop your skills using advanced word processing functions in form building, mail merge and creating columns. You will focus on developing the skills required to work with multiple page documents such as letters, reports, tables, brochures, and newsletters.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): COAP 115, CKEY 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
COAP 138
Computer Suite Applications
3
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In the course, you will learn to create documents that feature the integration of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): COAP 115, COAP 116(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
IPSK 100
Interpersonal Communications
3
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You will be given opportunities to develop important skills used to facilitate effective interpersonal communication in the workplace. Your studies will focus on the development of active listening skills, conflict resolution strategies, verbal skills, and an increased understanding of non-verbal messages, and some problem-solving skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
OPRO 133
Records and Information Management
3
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You will learn about records and information management procedures and equipment as well as various types of filing systems including electronic filing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 115
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PROF 103
Professional Development
3
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You will focus on your role as an administrative professional. This includes reflecting on professional development, lifelong learning, and goal setting. You will prepare for professional employment by learning interview strategies, developing a resume, cover letter and portfolio. You will review workplace topics such as employee rights and responsibilities, professionalism, and ethics.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 21

Semester 2 Electives (1 of 6)

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ACCT 136
Automated Accounting
4
Show course details
Using an automated accounting software package, you will learn how to enter transactions into journals (general, purchase, payments, sales, cash receipts and payroll) and ledgers (general, accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll), learn to account for inventory, and learn to prepare banking records. You will also prepare the initial automated accounting setup for use by a company.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ACCT 105 or ACCT 122
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 137
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
MTER 200
Medical Terminology
4
Show course details
You will learn the construction of medical words, including root words, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes as they relate to body organization and systems. You will also learn medical abbreviations, anatomical terms, and general imaging, laboratory, pharmacology, and surgical terminology.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): MED 161
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
There have been some changes to the Office Administration courses, and the course information listed above is effective July 1, 2022.  Additional information:
  • Students taking the program on campus in Fall of 2022 will be taking the courses previously offered in the second semester, including COAP 117.
  • Students in the program before July 1, 2022, will be required to complete COMP 115 if they apply to graduate after June 30, 2023.
  • All students who have not completed OPRO 100 (96 hours - 6 cu) must complete OPRO 105 (60 hrs - 4 cu) and COMP 115 (45 hours - 3 cu).
  • All students who have not completed BCOM 103 will complete IPSK 100 (45 hrs - 3 cu).
  • All students who have not completed EMPS 105 (45 hrs - 3 cu) will be required to complete PROF 103.
For COMP 115, it is strongly recommended that if you are a part-time student, you take this course at the beginning of the program.

For PROF 103, it is strongly recommended that if you are a part-time student, you take this course at the end of the program.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Additional Information

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