Introducing: Penn Foster’s Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program
While PCDI is no longer accepting enrollments in our Administrative Assistant Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
If you're interested in becoming an administrative assistant, Penn Foster’s online Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program can help you prepare for this career.
LEARN MORETake the Next Steps Towards a Career You'll Love
Penn Foster’s Administrative Assistant Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the next steps toward the job you want. Learn business and administrative skills through flexible online courses you can do on your schedule.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you obtain skills and achieve their career goals for more than 130 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits their busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. Every course is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career prep for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a guide towards your career goals.
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Online Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program
- How to keep paper and computer files organized and arrange schedules properly to make sure an office runs smoothly.
- How to read, sort, and respond to everyday messages, reports, and emails, deciding who needs to see them and planning to share them.
- How to use software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to make documents, such as reports, letters, and financial statements.
- How to talk with suppliers, buy what an office needs, manage storage rooms or libraries, and gather information from different places.
Penn Foster’s Administrative Assistant Curriculum
In our online Administrative Assistant courses, you'll build the foundational skills and knowledge needed for performing administrative assistant jobs in a variety of office settings — including corporate businesses, law firms, banks, hospitals, and more. Your online classes include:
- Workplace Communication Skills
- Administrative Office Procedures
- Computer Applications
- Bookkeeping and Office Management
Learn More About the Penn Foster Experience
At Penn Foster, we think online learning can make a big difference in people's lives, and it should be available to everyone. That's why we've made our programs affordable and tailored to fit your needs. You can learn and improve your skills for the job you want, all at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Administrative Assistant FAQs
Administrative assistants are needed across various industries and office setups, from big corporations to law firms and some medical practices. The demand for skilled and reliable office support staff remains steady, making this an ideal time to start pursuing an entry-level administrative assistant position. Opportunities exist in fields like social services, education, and government agencies, giving you options to find the right fit for your career.
Day-to-day responsibilities typically include drafting emails and letters, managing incoming communications efficiently, and organizing meeting schedules. Depending on the specific office environment, you might also handle duties such as scheduling appointments, arranging travel plans, and managing records.
Salaries can vary based on factors like your employer, experience, and location. However, according to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level administrative assistants can expect a median annual salary of $44,080 or $21.19 per hour.*
Administrative assistants play a crucial role in maintaining office efficiency. The most important skills include organization, effective written and verbal communication, and familiarity with common office software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Our online Administrative Assistant Training Program can help you develop these essential skills for success in the field.
Sources:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Secretaries and Administrative Assistants". Accessed October 3, 2023.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
