Office Support Specialist

Overview

The Office Support Specialist (OSS) Certificate program offers students training in the latest technological advances in order to keep skills current, as well as provide those traditional job skills needed for reentry into the office job markets.

The Office Support Specialist Certificate includes courses in the use of microcomputer and in-depth training on popular software packages such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also includes courses in keyboarding, transcription, and written communication.

Basic keyboarding is a skill necessary for successful course completion in the Office Support Specialist Certificate program; therefore, AOT 105 is a prerequisite course for most AOT courses. Students are required to take AOT 105 or score 25 net words per minute on the keyboarding placement test.

Program Type

Academic Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all of the courses offered within the Business/Public Service and Information Systems Technology Departments for the grade to be counted toward graduation. Specifically, theses included courses with the following prefixes: ACC, AOT, BAF, BUS, CPT, EGR, HUS, IST, LEG, MGT, and MKT.

Students must meet all exit program competencies for graduation from this program.

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(12 Credit Hours)
CPT-170 Microcomputer Applications

Microcomputer Applications

ID: CPT-170

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces microcomputer applications software, including word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, graphs, and their integration.

3
AOT-110 Document Formatting

Document Formatting

ID: AOT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes speed, accuracy, and developing document formatting skills using keyboarding competencies.

3
AOT-161 Records Management

Records Management

ID: AOT-161

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes records management functions and various types of storage methods, technology, and procedures.

3
CPT-179 Microcomputer Word Processing

Microcomputer Word Processing

ID: CPT-179

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces microcomputer word processing. Topics include creating, editing, formatting, and printing documents.

3
Semester 2
(12 Credit Hours)
AOT-134 Office Communications

Office Communications

ID: AOT-134

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of grammar, punctuation, and written communication skills for the office environment.

3
AOT-143 Office Systems and Procedures

Office Systems and Procedures

ID: AOT-143

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes procedures and applications used in the office environment.

3
CPT-172 Computer Database

Computer Database

ID: CPT-172

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces computer database concepts, including generating reports from database, creating, maintaining, and modifying databases.

3
CPT-174 Computer Spreadsheets

Computer Spreadsheets

ID: CPT-174

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the use of spreadsheet software on the microcomputer. Topics include creating, editing, using formulas, using functions, and producing graphs.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
CPT-279 Advanced Microcomputer Word Processing

Advanced Microcomputer Word Processing

ID: CPT-279

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes complex applications of word processing software for the microcomputer using advanced concepts.

3
AOT-234 Administrative Office Communications

Administrative Office Communications

ID: AOT-234

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes communication skills necessary in the business environment. It includes composing business correspondence, developing and giving oral presentations, practicing recording and translating information using the latest technology, and developing effective communication skills.

3
  Total Credit Hours 30
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$6,000.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(6 Credit Hours)
CPT-170 Microcomputer Applications

Microcomputer Applications

ID: CPT-170

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces microcomputer applications software, including word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, graphs, and their integration.

3
AOT-110 Document Formatting

Document Formatting

ID: AOT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes speed, accuracy, and developing document formatting skills using keyboarding competencies.

3
Semester 2
(6 Credit Hours)
AOT-161 Records Management

Records Management

ID: AOT-161

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes records management functions and various types of storage methods, technology, and procedures.

3
CPT-179 Microcomputer Word Processing

Microcomputer Word Processing

ID: CPT-179

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces microcomputer word processing. Topics include creating, editing, formatting, and printing documents.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
AOT-134 Office Communications

Office Communications

ID: AOT-134

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of grammar, punctuation, and written communication skills for the office environment.

3
AOT-143 Office Systems and Procedures

Office Systems and Procedures

ID: AOT-143

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes procedures and applications used in the office environment.

3
Semester 4
(6 Credit Hours)
CPT-172 Computer Database

Computer Database

ID: CPT-172

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces computer database concepts, including generating reports from database, creating, maintaining, and modifying databases.

3
CPT-174 Computer Spreadsheets

Computer Spreadsheets

ID: CPT-174

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the use of spreadsheet software on the microcomputer. Topics include creating, editing, using formulas, using functions, and producing graphs.

3
Semester 5
(6 Credit Hours)
CPT-279 Advanced Microcomputer Word Processing

Advanced Microcomputer Word Processing

ID: CPT-279

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes complex applications of word processing software for the microcomputer using advanced concepts.

3
AOT-234 Administrative Office Communications

Administrative Office Communications

ID: AOT-234

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes communication skills necessary in the business environment. It includes composing business correspondence, developing and giving oral presentations, practicing recording and translating information using the latest technology, and developing effective communication skills.

3
  Total Credit Hours 30
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$6,000.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Administrative Specialist

An Administrative Specialist may greet visitors, route and resolve information requests, supervise support clerical staff, review, track and prepare budgets; maintain records and databases, coordinate space and office organization; purchase and manage supplies and equipment, and coordinate office and/or departmental operations.

Projected Job Growth

+2.3%

Average Annual Salary

$48,081
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Government Agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Insurance Companies

Careers

Executive Administrative Assistant

The Executive Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative support for an office and for top executives of an organization. They often handle more complex responsibilities, such as reviewing incoming documents, conducting research, and preparing reports. Executive Administrative Assistants also receive visitors, arrange conference calls, and schedule meetings. Training and supervising lower-level clerical staff is another possible duty.

Average Annual Salary

$59,862
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Government Agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Insurance Companies

Careers

Office Clerk

The Office Clerk will be able to handle phone calls, schedule appointments, type, format, and edit routine messages, use verbal and written communication skills effectively, handle confidential information discretely, and use standard office equipment and software in a professional manner.

Average Annual Salary

$29,922
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Government Agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Insurance Companies

What’s next after I complete this program?

Further Your Education

The Office Support Specialist certificate graduates can use credits obtained in this program to further their education in the Administrative Office Technology degree program.

Start Your Career

After earning your Office Support Specialist certificate, be ready to enter the workforce equipped with the necessary skills to excel in this administrative office support field. Advance in your career path with your Office Support Specialist certificate proudly displayed.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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