Best Online Associate in Administrative Assistant Programs

Nearly every industry needs qualified administrative assistants. These professionals perform front-facing and behind-the-scenes tasks. Without their help, organizations would fail to run smoothly. Thanks to convenient online learning options, anyone can pursue this career. In fact, online business programs tend to cost less than in-person programs.

Most administrative assistants work in offices, but many professionals work remotely. The need for virtual assistants is rising, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there may be fewer open positions available for some roles in this industry.

In this guide, we discuss the career outlook and salary information using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Discover what it takes to earn an online administrative assistant associate degree. Keep reading to also learn what to consider when choosing a program, such as cost and location.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

During their studies, aspiring administrative assistants hone communication and technical skills. An online associate in administrative assistant program features lectures and class discussions. Some courses may also require live video discussion calls. Others feature discussion forums where students type responses based on prompts. Some professors give lectures and answer questions in real-time. Others pre-record their lectures.

Online exams are usually timed, and students are forbidden from opening new tabs to research answers. Certain virtual programs may require learners to take proctored exams at test sites. As in most degree programs, students can expect tests with multiple-choice and essay questions.

An associate in administrative assistant program usually takes full-time learners two years to finish. Students complete the required 60 credits by taking about 15 credits per semester. Some virtual programs may require learners to participate in internships, as well. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin suggest that students should study 2-3 hours per week, per credit.

Many programs also allow learners to pick a concentration. Common concentrations include medical administrative assisting and legal administrative assisting.

Most schools pair students with academic advisers. These university professionals work as mentors. They can help learners select the best courses for their career goals and schedules. Graduates also often receive support through an alumni network.

In this class, students examine interpersonal communication theories and how they influence daily interactions. Learners also examine nonverbal communication cues. Students work on a group project to test their interpersonal communication skills.

In this course, students practice using data entry and record-keeping software. The class also covers general software, like Microsoft Excel, using free software trials. However, some courses may require students to purchase some software.

An accounting foundation class covers financial management from an assistant perspective. Students learn how to record and implement budgets. This class also covers auditing and interest rate calculation.

In a class about record-keeping, students learn how to maintain and protect company records. The course highlights record-keeping methods for client information and inventory. Students also learn how to create a distribution management system.

In an office procedures course, students learn about common business structures. Students also learn how to make travel arrangements and schedule appointments. This class covers telephone and office etiquette.

Coursework in an administrative assistant associate program differs from school to school. The list of sample courses below are just a few examples of classes that you might take during your program.

Some careers in this field are rising and others are declining. The BLS projects that the need for receptionists should is at a steady rate between 2022 and 2032. However, the need for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to decrease by 6% during the same period. The BLS also projects positions for customer service representatives will decrease by 5%. For context, the average projected growth rate across all occupations is 3%.

As more jobs become remote and self-employment rates rise, the need for virtual assistants may increase. Virtual assistants may find work through an agency, or work with their own clients.

Salary also varies greatly by career type. In the next section, we highlight jobs graduates often pursue with this degree. Learn more about where an associate in administrative assistant can take you.

These professionals assist companies with organization efforts, answer phone calls, and coordinate meetings. Some secretaries and administrative assistants support one senior professional, like a CEO or executive director. Others provide help for entire departments. Around half of all assistants work in healthcare, education, and professional services.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$46,010

These clerks organize financial records for the companies they work for. They must possess strong math skills and use specific software and databases. They produce balance sheets and reports and verify the accuracy of financial records. Some bookkeepers and clerks work part-time for one office. Others work full-time for multiple clients.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$47,440

Nearly every industry hires general office clerks. These professionals answer phones, create documents, and organize records. Many people working in these roles help digitize records and distribute incoming mail. They must know how to use basic computer software, like Microsoft Office. Some companies require these clerks to complete additional tasks, like helping to plan internal company events.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$40,480

Receptionists typically work at front desks in offices. They greet customers and clients who visit in person. They also answer phone calls and stock office supplies. The healthcare and social assistance industries hire the most receptionists. However, receptionists work in nearly every field.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$35,840

These employees work one-on-one with customers to ensure satisfaction. They field customer complaints and solve issues. Customer service representatives must possess strong knowledge of the company they represent and communication skills. Customer service representatives can work in offices or remotely.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$39,680

Earning an administrative assistant associate degree can prepare you to eventually transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program. A bachelor’s degree often provides higher salary opportunities than just an associate degree alone, making it a great option to advance in your career or even pursue other career options. Students with an administrative assistant associate degree could benefit from pursuing one of the bachelor’s degrees listed below.

Administrative assistants do not need continuing education to fulfill any licensure requirements. Yet, administrative assistants may improve their job prospects by pursuing additional education. Continuing education may also help assistants earn raises in their current roles. Professionals who go on to earn bachelor’s degrees may also make more money.

Professional organizations often offer continuing education through webinars and conferences. The American Society of Administrative Professionals, for example, offers a Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence.

Businesses like Microsoft also provide certifications for many software programs, including Excel. Reading industry newsletters and journals can also help assistants stay up-to-date on industry knowledge.

Keep in mind that continuing education opportunities often cost money. You should check with your employer to see if they reimburse employees for professional development expenses.

A BA in business builds upon many of the same basic skills in an associate program, like management, communication, and using software to facilitate business. You may also take courses in mathematics, ethics, logic and reasoning, and entrepreneurship.

The BA in accounting features courses in different areas of mathematics, for which an associate degree offers good preparation. This degree also emphasizes using computers and software for accounting, auditing, and taxes.

A liberal arts degree is a great option for students who may wish to explore multiple areas of study housed under a single degree. These degrees allows students to customize their coursework, giving them an opportunity to take courses in different departments and obtain a broader education.