what course to take to become a receptionist

by Trinity Volkman 8 min read

  • Training Programs. Some colleges offer training programs where students can learn computer, business communication, and technical skills needed for office administration.
  • Certification Programs. Just as there are no educational requirements for becoming a receptionist, there are no particular certifications required to enter this field.
  • Job Outlook and Salary Information. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for receptionists are expected to increase by 4% between 2019 and 2029.

Some positions need a minimum of an associate or bachelor's degree. Those without degrees can also earn certificates at community or vocational colleges that teach the skills needed to be a receptionist, including payroll accounting, business math, customer service, office management and office software.Dec 10, 2019

Full Answer

What is the best receptionist course to take?

Udemy’s “ London Reception Academy ” is the receptionist course we would recommend to most students. Receptionists are the lifelines between the client and the organization and experienced receptionists are often sought after like needles in a haystack. The job market for receptionists in the U.S. is projected to grow at a pace of 4%.

How long does it take to become a SOE receptionist?

You can always acquire a degree in business administration. An associate’s degree will take you 2 years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree will require 4 years. Soe receptionists can earn a degree in psychology or communication.

How do I get a receptionist job?

To get a receptionist job, you usually need a resume. If you don't have a resume, many community centers, schools and job assistance centers provide resume consulting services and workshops to help you craft one. Once you have your resume, you may use it to apply to any job posting online or in newspaper classifieds.

How many units are there in the receptionist course?

It is an extensive course containing a total of 74 units, during which all the important aspects of the receptionist job are covered. Despite the course being listed as suitable for beginners, I find the material to be a bit too detail-oriented for people with no prior experience as a receptionist.

How long does IT take to train to be a receptionist?

It takes 2 years of professional experience to become a receptionist. That is the time it takes to learn specific receptionist skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. There are certain skills that you need to obtain in order to become a successful receptionist.

Which course is best for become a receptionist?

Almost any student from any discipline can become a receptionist be it BBA, BCom, BSc, MBA, or BTech graduates. Diploma and certifications in the front office are a few of the courses that are dedicated solely to teach about the techniques involved in being a receptionist.

How do I become a receptionist with no experience?

Becoming a receptionist with no experience involves illustrating similar skills in past volunteer, extracurricular, or work experience; using contacts to get a referral; and registering with temp agencies, as well as pursuing any employment opportunities extended to high school or college students.

What qualifications must a receptionist have?

Here are examples of the soft and hard skills receptionists typically have:Written and verbal communication skills.Customer service.Multitasking and prioritizing.Dependability.Familiarity with Microsoft Office.Problem-solving.Ability to work under pressure.Attention to detail.More items...

Is receptionist a good career?

Yes, being a receptionist is a good career. While it doesn't pay a lot, it can open the door to a lot of exciting opportunities. It has a good work-life balance, and you get to meet a lot of interesting people. One often overlooked benefit of being a receptionist is that they become the face of the company.

Is a receptionist job hard?

Is being a receptionist a stressful job? Receptionists may work in fast-paced work environments or have a high level of administrative responsibility. They may feel stress from having to manage high call volume and administrative requests from staff.

How do I start as a receptionist?

How to become a receptionist with no experienceComplete your high school education. Many employers require receptionists to receive their high school diplomas before offering them a position. ... Develop your interpersonal skills. ... Work on your organizational skills. ... Practice having a professional demeanor.

What do receptionists do all day?

A Receptionist's duties and responsibilities include greeting visitors, helping them navigate through an office, and supplying them with refreshments as they wait. In addition, they maintain calendars for appointments, sort mail, make copies, and plan travel arrangements.

How do I write a CV for a receptionist?

How to write a receptionist CVProvide your contact information. ... Write a professional summary. ... Detail your work experience. ... Include your education. ... Highlight your skills and achievements.

Do receptionists need skills?

Receptionist top skills & proficiencies: Customer service. Overachieving attitude. Verbal communication skills. Written communication skills.

What benefits do receptionists get?

Most receptionists receive benefits that included paid vacations and holidays as well as health insurance. Some employers provide educational assistance for their receptionists.

What does a receptionist do?

A receptionist makes the first impression of an organization (and that can certainly affect the overall success of the company). Receptionists are...

How much do receptionists make?

On average, receptionists earn around $23.500 per year in the United States. However, depending on the level of education and experience, the salar...

How much does it cost to become a receptionist?

It is not necessary to have a degree, in case you want to become a receptionist. A certificate or a diploma might be enough for some industries and...

What is the demand for receptionists?

Between 2016 and 2026, the receptionist job market is expected to grow by 9.1% in the United States. The career path is going to be providing good...

How long does it take to become a receptionist?

Some receptionist courses might take you a few months or even less to complete. There are industries that are ready to hire high school graduates w...

What is the material of the communication course?

The material itself mainly focuses on communication. Students will learn how to maximize their communication skills and improve their relationships within the organization. In addition to client relationships, the course includes separate sections for enhancing relationships with colleagues and bosses.

How long is the New Skills Academy?

This course by New Skills Academy was developed with people with career-change aspirations in mind. With a duration of 10 hours (17 modules in total), it is an extensive and informative course that will teach students all the skills needed for a modern front desk worker.

What is receptionist training?

What Receptionist Training Programs Are Available? A receptionist assists customers and clients in person, via the telephone or mail. A receptionist should have strong communication, interpersonal and computer skills, which can often be developed in training or certification programs.

How much do receptionists make in 2020?

These professionals made a median annual salary of $31,110 in 2020, per BLS data.

How do I become a receptionist?

To succeed as a receptionist, you will need excellent interpersonal skills. You will need to stay a step ahead of your colleagues and clients, so as to anticipate their needs. You’ll also need to have a very pleasant manner and good presentation skills. Receptionists also perform a range of administrative duties.

What do you need to be a receptionist?

To succeed as a receptionist, you will need excellent interpersonal skills.

How much does a receptionist make?

On average, receptionists earn around $23.500 per year in the United States. However, depending on the level of education and experience, the salary of a specialist can range from $16.500 to about $33.000 annually. The wage would certainly depend on the sector or the individual that the receptionist decides to work for.

What do employers look for in a receptionist?

Other than a high school diploma or GED, employers look for receptionists with great interpersonal skills.

What is receptionist job?

Receptionists also perform a range of administrative duties. While some may simply answer the phone and take inquiries, others may have complex roles in administration, data entry, or accounting for example. Learn how to become a receptionist at your own pace, from home.

What do you need to know to be a good receptionist?

Having had some work experience in customer service will be of great benefit, since receptionists need to be able to listen well and respond quickly and concisely. Having good written and verbal communication skills is also essential. Another quality that an employer will look for in a receptionist is computer literacy.

Do you need a high school diploma to become a receptionist?

Most that hold this position have a high school diploma, a few have some higher education although this is not essential. When you become a receptionist, it’s likely that most of your training will occur on the job. You’ll be able to learn as you work all of the necessary skills required as you go along.

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Receptionist

A Receptionist greets visitors and maintains visitor logs. Answers and correctly routes calls. Being a Receptionist responds to internal and external inquiries and distributes accurate information. May perform some administrative activities such as booking meeting rooms, arranging transportation, receiving and sending mail and packages.

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Receptionist

Receptionists always perform their jobs at the reception (lobby, front office, waiting area, etc) of a business or organization.

Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Receptionist

There are many skills required to succeed in this role, which vary in importance depending on the exact role and department size.

Step 6: View average salary for Receptionist

The average salary range for a Receptionist is from $34,183 to $42,679. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

What is a professional receptionist diploma?

There are some notable courses such as “Professional Receptionist Diploma”. which is aimed at entry-level people who want to pursue a career in reception. This course is comprised of training in (1) organizational skills; (2) office management techniques; and (3) advanced Microsoft Office skills. At the end of the course, you do have the choice ...

What is receptionist communication?

Receptionists are constantly communicating in person or on the phone to clients or internal staff. Some of the conversations will be tricky, dealing with limited information and troublesome clients and internal stakeholders. The receptionist becomes the middle person liaising and taking notes between the client and the organization staff.

How much does it cost to become a receptionist on Udemy?

In a 40-minute on-demand course, you will learn the basic principles of becoming a receptionist. At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate. The cost of the course of $24, which is very affordable.

What is the role of a receptionist?

Being the front line of an organization, a receptionist plays an important role in managing the front desk of an organization and communicating with clients. To be a professional receptionist you do need to have certain skills. Organizational, office management, working knowledge of MS Office, and sound communication skills.

Do you need a qualification to be a receptionist?

Qualifications For A Receptionist. To become a receptionist you don’t necessarily require a formal qualification. However, when applying and interviewing for receptionist roles having a qualification can provide you the edge over the competition. A qualification demonstrates your desire to learn, self-improvement, ...

Do you need a high school diploma to become a receptionist?

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a Receptionist. Some organizations would prefer a high school certificate. Qualifications demonstrating an understanding of the use of Word, the internet, email, and phones will come in handy.

Can I become a receptionist without a college degree?

To become a receptionist with qualifications, there is plenty of accessible online courses without the need for getting a college degree. If you are looking for receptionist qualifications, I have performed some research on some really good courses. The are many courses out there, but these ones I found to be very good.

Receptionist Education Requirements And Degrees

Usually, Receptionists don't need a college education. The most common degree for Receptionists is High School Diploma with 33% graduates, with only 28% Receptionist graduates earning Bachelor's Degree. Receptionists who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Miami Dade College.

Check Jobs That Match To Your Education

Receptionists with a Masters degree earn more than those without, at $29,442 annually. With a Bachelors degree, Receptionists earn a median annual income of $28,902 compared to $28,391 for Receptionists with an Associate degree.

20 Best Online Courses for Receptionists

Sometimes things are just better when you get to stay in your pajamas all day. That includes school. We found top courses for Receptionists from Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and ed2go that will help you advance in your career. Here are essential skills you need to be a Receptionist:

Best Receptionist Certifications in 2022

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.

Get an education

Most receptionist positions need at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some jobs require an associate's or bachelor's degree in communications or business. Receptionists should be familiar with word processing programs, typing, using computers and multi-line phone systems, and office etiquette.

Understand the required skills

A receptionist is often the first person that a customer has contact with, and working as a receptionist requires several skills. You should be professional, well-spoken, courteous, and well-dressed. You should also have good personal communication and organizational skills and be adept at grammar, spelling, and composition.

Apply for professional certification

Professional certifications can make your application and resume more attractive to potential employers. They can also help you learn more about a receptionist's daily responsibilities. The Certified Professional Receptionist certification is administered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Prepare your resume

A concise, relevant, clear resume can help you stand out compared to other applicants. Review job descriptions for receptionists, and use keywords that appear often, such as 'courteous', 'high school diploma', or 'Microsoft Word'. Many companies use search software to look for applicants with the qualifications they want most.

Search for jobs

During interviews, talk about how you solved a problem like a conflict with a difficult customer. Also, discuss why you want to be a receptionist and why you think you would be good at the job. Along with traditional companies, you can apply for a receptionist job at staffing agencies.

What education do you need to be a receptionist?

Education. Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and employers may prefer to hire candidates who have experience with certain computer software applications. Courses in word processing and spreadsheet applications can be particularly helpful. Training.

What are the skills of a receptionist?

Customer-service skills. Receptionists represent an organization. As a result, they should be courteous, professional, and helpful toward the public and customers. Integrity. Receptionists may handle client and patient data, especially in medical and legal offices.

How much does a receptionist make?

Receptionists in America make an average salary of $28,105 per year or $14 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $34,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $22,000 per year.

What is a receptionist in a business?

In factories, large corporations, and government offices, receptionists also may provide a security function. For example, they control access, provide visitor passes, and arrange to take visitors to the proper office.

What are the best states to work as a receptionist?

The best states for people in this position are Alaska, Washington, California, and Rhode Island . Receptionists make the most in Alaska with an average salary of $34,901. Whereas in Washington and California, they would average $33,077 and $33,058, respectively. While receptionists would only make an average of $32,117 in Rhode Island, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

Why do receptionists spend so much time on the phone?

Receptionists also spend time helping visitors and educating the public about the organization they work for. This is one of those jobs that comes with a lot of opportunities.

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