what is the degree you get for a secretary course

How to become a Secretary

1. Gain foundation administration skills with a Certificate III in Business Administration (BSB30120).
2. Alternatively, consider completing a Certificate IV in Business Administration (BS40120), which will provide you with the skills to supervise staff and take on higher-level duties.

Full Answer

What qualifications are needed to be a secretary?

The key skills needed for this career include:

• Organization
• Communication
• Ability to write well
• Integrity
• Friendliness
• Knowledge of computer programs

How much education do you need to be a secretary?

To become a secretary, you need a high school diploma. A college degree is usually not required for general office positions, but may be advisable for certain fields, like legal and medical secretaries. In any position, you will receive on-the-job training to help you get used to office procedures. Voluntary certification is also available.

Do you need a college degree to be a secretary?

You may not need a degree to become a professional secretary. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more employers have begun hiring applicants with college degrees for secretary positions ( www.bls.gov ).

What education and training is needed to become a secretary?

While secretaries are not required to have a degree, an associate's or bachelor's degree is recommended, generally in secretarial science or office administration. Optional certification is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

What degree do you need to be an executive secretary?

What do legal secretaries learn?

What is a secretary called?

What do medical secretaries need to know?

About this website

What is a secretary degree called?

An office administration, office technology or secretarial science associate's degree is a degree that covers a wide variety of business disciplines and leaves a student with skills in areas like computers, software and business technology.

What does a secretary major in?

Most executive secretaries, administrative assistant, 33% to be exact, major in business. Some other common majors for an executive secretary, administrative assistant include secretarial and administrative science and accounting majors.

Does being a secretary require a degree?

You may not need a degree to become a professional secretary. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more employers have begun hiring applicants with college degrees for secretary positions (www.bls.gov).

Is secretary a good career?

They handle a more authoritative position which provides opportunities and space for ideas and opinions. This job provides many perks and job satisfaction is one of them, CS gets a higher management position quite early in the career. So, they as well obtain recognition in a good working environment.

What are the types of secretary?

The major categories of secretary are as follows:Private secretary.Secretary of an association.Secretary of embassy.Secretary of a cooperative society.Secretary of local body.Secretary of Government department.Company secretary.

Is office manager the same as secretary?

An office manager mostly supervises the routine work while a secretary controls the entire administration. In that sense an office manager is subordinate to the secretary.

What is Bachelor of Science in secretarial administration?

The Bachelor of Science in Secretarial Administration (BSSA) is designed to provide students with a knowledge and skills in the functions and responsible of a secretary. The program includes topics in specialized office procedures, organization of human behavior, and professional development.

What is a professional secretary?

A professional secretary, more commonly known as an administrative or executive assistant, acts as a gateway between clients and employees of a business. He or she might screen visitors and phone calls and arrange callbacks or appointments.

What degree do you need to be an executive secretary?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers prefer executive secretaries to have a college degree. An associate's degree in secretarial science provides a rounded education in business operations and office applications. An associate's or bachelor's degree related to the company's field of operation is likely to give a secretary a better understanding of the subjects he or she will be handling each day.

What do legal secretaries learn?

Legal secretaries also need to learn specific terminology and procedures common to the law profession. In legal secretary educational programs, students are taught to prepare and file legal documents such as motions, subpoenas and summonses. Classes also cover how to perform legal research and how to use docket control systems.

What is a secretary called?

Secretaries, sometimes called administrative assistants, perform clerical functions in an office environment. They manage and communicate information, make and receive phone calls, schedule appointments and meetings, file and fax documents and make copies. They work with superior staff members, business clients and the general public.

What do medical secretaries need to know?

Medical secretaries must take courses to become familiar with medical terminology in order to transcribe and take dictation quickly and accurately. These classes also provide instruction in the procedures of a medical office, including legal and ethical issues.

What classes do you take in secretarial?

The classes typically cover a range of topics and may include: Business computer applications. Records management. Organizational behavior.

What are the two majors that require specialty training?

Two professions in particular that often require specialty training are law and medical secretarial work. In a law secretary degree program, you may take specialty classes such as: American government. Law and ethics. Law office management. While in a medical secretary program, some classes you may take include: Medical office management.

How long does an associates degree last?

If you don't want to commit to a two-year associate's program, you may want to consider a certificate or diploma program. These educational programs are generally shorter than degree programs; usually, they can last from a few semesters to a year, depending on the number of classes you take per semester. Degree Options.

What is a secretarial science degree?

A bachelor's degree program in secretarial science offers classes that prepare you to handle the everyday workings of an office. Prerequisites often include various core mathematics, communications and technology classes; if you are continuing on from a 2-year program, some schools may expect you to have an associate degree in secretarial science. After completing prerequisites, you'll need to complete an average of 120 credit hours of coursework in more advanced communication and correspondence, ethics and etiquette of office settings and business practices. Since many schools include internships as part of the coursework, you may have to adhere to a certain dress code while taking such classes. Here are some examples of the more advanced topics in a bachelor's degree secretarial science program:

What does a higher degree mean for administrative assistant?

A higher degree can mean a higher chance of promotions to supervisory or select secretarial positions. Cons. Many administrative assistant positions only require an associate degree. Administrative assistants make a relatively low salary on average ($31,000 as of May 2011)**. Employers in highly specialized fields may prefer applicants ...

How many hours do you need to be an administrative assistant?

From there, you'll be expected to complete 60-95 credit hours in courses that will help you communicate and work with others, track and document information, use the most relevant office technology and follow office procedures. Some programs include a practicum as an administrative assistant as a capstone. For a sample of some of the common course topics, see these examples below:

What is an associates degree?

For an associate degree program, this means your classes will focus on human relations and interpersonal skills, managing information and organizing documents, effectively using technology and following professional business standards.

General Courses

Any type of college course can give you the communication skills that you need to be a secretary. It's smart to choose something you feel passionate about learning so you'll feel more engaged. In general, classes in the liberal arts make fine choices, though science courses can help if you wish to work as a secretary in a research lab.

Field-Specific Courses

If you already have some ideas of the type of office you wish to work in, it's smart to focus your courses in those areas. For example, if you want to be a legal secretary, you'd take courses in law, and if you want to be a medical secretary, you might take courses in anatomy.

Business Management Courses

If you want to widen your options, consider majoring in business or taking a considerable number of courses that focus on business. While learning the skills you need to be a secretary, you'll also be learning how businesses work, which is very helpful for support staff in an office.

Computer Courses

At a bare minimum, you'll need to know how to use word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word or Open Office. You may also receive on-the-job training on company-specific software programs. With additional computer experience, such as knowledge of spreadsheets or databases, you'll prove even more invaluable to your employer.

How to become a secretary?

2. Choose a field. Before applying for a job or pursuing training, aspiring secretaries should decide which field they want to work in. Secretaries work in a wide range of environments, but most are employed in medical, legal or business organizations. 3.

How long does it take to become a secretary?

If they only hold a high school diploma, they need to obtain at least four years of work experience. If they have an associate's or a bachelor’s degree, they need at least three years of experience. They should also work at a single company or organization for at least a year before the experience counts toward the requirements.

What does a secretary do?

A secretary, also known as an administrative assistant, is responsible for the planning, administrative and organizational duties involved in maintaining an organization. The duties of a secretary vary by employer and industry, but they usually include answering phone calls, emailing correspondence, organizing meetings, taking meeting minutes and coordinating inter-office communications. In addition to basic office functions, some secretaries also perform more advanced executive functions or specialize in areas such as legal or healthcare support.

What are the skills needed for a secretary?

Secretaries need a variety of skills to successfully perform their duties. Here are some hard and soft skills employers usually look for when recruiting a secretary: 1 Basic computer skills: Secretaries spend a lot of time on computers, especially within spreadsheet, database and word processing software. Thus, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite is important. 2 Strong written and oral communication skills: Secretaries usually write emails and memos when communicating with customers, employees and managers, so they should be skilled in grammar, maintain a professional tone and ensure accuracy. 3 Decision-making skills: Secretaries often prioritize tasks and make decisions on behalf of their employers, so good judgment is essential. 4 Interpersonal skills: Because secretaries often interact with staff or customers, they should communicate effectively and be polite when interacting with others to provide a satisfactory client experience and to create a positive work environment. 5 Organizational skills: Secretaries should keep documents, folders and schedules in proper order so an office can operate efficiently. 6 Attention to detail: A secretary must complete all tasks to a high standard with minimal to no errors.

How long is a secretarial certificate valid?

Secretarial certifications are usually valid for five years. While the certification is active, an individual should earn 90 points in three categories — leadership, continuing education and other certifications or IAAP specialties — to renew the credential at the end of the five-year period.

What do employers look for in a secretary?

Here are some hard and soft skills employers usually look for when recruiting a secretary: Basic computer skills: Secretaries spend a lot of time on computers, especially within spreadsheet, database and word processing software. Thus, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite is important.

Why do secretaries need to be polite?

Interpersonal skills: Because secretaries often interact with staff or customers, they should communicate effectively and be polite when interacting with others to provide a satisfactory client experience and to create a positive work environment.

Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistant Education Requirements And Degrees

There are several education requirements to become an executive secretary, administrative assistant. Executive secretaries, administrative assistant usually study business, secretarial and administrative science or accounting. 27% of executive secretaries, administrative assistant hold a bachelor's degree and 26% hold a associate degree.

Most Common Certifications For Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistant

There are certain things that come along with being certified. In addition to earning a credential that proves you know what you're doing, you might also receive some extra benefits or a salary raise from your company. Sometimes it pays to do the extra work.

Top Online Courses For Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistants

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

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Top 10 Colleges For Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistants

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for executive secretaries, administrative assistant. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs.

Top 10 Affordable Colleges For Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistants

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for executive secretaries, administrative assistant.

Top 10 Hardest Colleges To Get Into For Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistants

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

Why do you need to study for a secretariat course?

By studying for an endorsed Secretarial Courses you stand every chance of making your mark on this fascinating profession. Boost your CV, enhance your career prospects and build invaluable skills for life.

What do you learn in a PA course?

In all instances, however, you can expect to learn about the job functions of the PA, the benefits of effective admin, the importance of time management, how to enhance your communication skills and more.

How long does it take to become a company secretary?

Aspirants willing to pursue the Company Secretary course have to undergo different programmes and 15 months of practical training in order to get the company secretary credentials. Following are the programmes that one has to pursue in the company secretary course:

What is a company secretary?

About Company Secretary (CS) Candidates who seek lucrative jobs in the corporate world can get a great start after pursuing the Company Secretary is a lucrative course in the commerce domain and is one of the most popular career choices amongst commerce students . However, students of all fields can apply for the company secretary course.

Who must do training for ICSI?

Training must be done with companies registered with the ICSI Institute or under a Company Secretary in Practice.

How long is the ICSI training?

This should be pursued during the 15-month training. Training must be pursued after passing the Executive or Professional Programme. Training must be done with companies registered with the ICSI Institute or under a Company Secretary in Practice.

What degree do you need to be an executive secretary?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers prefer executive secretaries to have a college degree. An associate's degree in secretarial science provides a rounded education in business operations and office applications. An associate's or bachelor's degree related to the company's field of operation is likely to give a secretary a better understanding of the subjects he or she will be handling each day.

What do legal secretaries learn?

Legal secretaries also need to learn specific terminology and procedures common to the law profession. In legal secretary educational programs, students are taught to prepare and file legal documents such as motions, subpoenas and summonses. Classes also cover how to perform legal research and how to use docket control systems.

What is a secretary called?

Secretaries, sometimes called administrative assistants, perform clerical functions in an office environment. They manage and communicate information, make and receive phone calls, schedule appointments and meetings, file and fax documents and make copies. They work with superior staff members, business clients and the general public.

What do medical secretaries need to know?

Medical secretaries must take courses to become familiar with medical terminology in order to transcribe and take dictation quickly and accurately. These classes also provide instruction in the procedures of a medical office, including legal and ethical issues.

Entry-Level Secretary Or Administrative Assistant Education

Executive Secretary Education

Medical Or Legal Secretary Education

• Secretaries in medical and legal fields require unique skills that are taught in educational programs separate from general education in administrative assistance. Medical secretaries must take courses to become familiar with medical terminology in order to transcribe and take dictation quickly and accurately. These classes also provide instruction...

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