Degree Overview: Associate of Office Technology
Majors Overview June 8, 2013As office environments in various industries begin to use more technology, trained and qualified workers will become valuable to employers. An office technology associate degree program will give individuals the education necessary to work in various modern-day office environments.
Associate Degree Program in Office Technology
Students enrolled in an office technology associate degree program can obtain various skills, including administration database management, accounting, and different types of computer software applications. Through the program curriculum, students will receive instruction on current business software, as well as gain management skills. In some cases, programs in specialized areas, including legal or medical office administration could be offered as standalone options or concentration options within broader office technology programs. Depending on the situation, broad office technology programs could cover both or either of these areas without concentrate option.
It usually takes approximately two years to complete the associate degree program, if students are enrolled full-time. Before being admitted into the associate degree programs, colleges and universities could request that applicants hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma, along with submission of standardized test scores. Certain applicants may also need additional classes in mathematics, typing, and English.
Program Coursework
Associate degree programs in office technology may offer internships, so students can apply what they have learned in a workplace environment. Students can also have the opportunity to learn more about international business while building their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Individuals studying legal or medical office technology can complete coursework in subjects specific to those areas, including legal aspects or terminology of those fields. Office technology associate degree program course topics may include the following:
•Information systems
•Office management
•Typing
•Composition
•Social sciences
•Law
•Spreadsheets
•Word processing
•Transcription
•Desktop Publishing
Career Options
Office technology associate degree program will prepare individuals for positions performing various clerical works such as administrative assistants or secretaries, including creating spreadsheets, keyboarding, office management, business communications, and accounting. These professionals may work in a variety of environments, including:
•Legal offices
•Medical offices
•Business offices
Certification and Continuing Education Information
Associate degree programs in office technology can enable students to transfer basic educational coursework to four-year universities, but these programs might not be designed for transfer into higher education. Advancement in the field could be gained through software programs, certification, specialization in an area of study, or work experience.
Various organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (www.iaap-hq.org) or the National Association of Legal Secretaries (www.nals.org) provide certification to administrative assistants who work with office technology.
