Administrative assistants play an important role in streamlining the productivity of workplaces. These trained professionals are well-versed in the fundamental skills needed to succeed in professional environments.

Not sure about what qualifications you need to become an administrative assistant? Read on to learn about the qualifications needed, salary, and what you’ll learn in an Administrative Assistant diploma program.

If you have good organizational and communication skills, consider becoming an administrative assistant.

What is an Administrative Assistant?

An administrative assistant is a trained administration professional who oversees and implements administrative procedures. This can include streamlining inter-office communication, establishing work priorities, and carrying out administrative duties such as coordinating and planning for office services. They play a vital role in ensuring a workplace runs professionally and efficiently and often work closely with management and executives to assist in the preparation of the office’s operating budget.

How Much is an Administrative Assistant Paid?

Administrative Assistants are in demand because of their knowledge, skills, and administrative expertise. Thus they can command strong salaries. While the salary of an administrative assistant depends on their geographical location and years of experience, the average wage across Canada is around $26/hour. In Ontario, administrative assistants can expect an average wage of $25.64/hour while more experienced professionals earn around $40/hour.

What Qualifications Do You Need to be an Administrative Assistant?

Organizations usually look for the following characteristics in an administrative assistant:

• Great written and oral communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks
• Flexibility when priorities change
• Organizational skills
• Proficiency in computers including email, word processing, and scheduling software
• Experience in data entry
• Professionalism under pressure
• Ability to operate general office equipment

Administrative assistants ensure a workplace runs professionally and efficiently.While an administrative assistant certification is not required to enter the field, completing an Administrative Assistant diploma program increases your chances of getting hired considering the competition in the job market. A diploma program prepares you for a career in a professional office setting by teaching you the skills and practices you’ll need for the role. Through learning the fundamentals of accounting and becoming well-versed in Microsoft Office software and other Administrative Assistant courses, you’ll develop an understanding of the key applications that modern offices use.

Over the course of 17 weeks, triOS College’s Administrative Assistant diploma program goes beyond teaching you the basics by offering a Business Communication course, so that you can become more effective at communicating in a professional office setting. Having the ability to communicate effectively also makes you a more qualified candidate for roles because you’ll be skilled in written and verbal communication.

Are you looking for a career that lets you play an important role in ensuring a workplace runs smoothly? Learn more about our Administrative Assistant program and how you can become job-ready in just 17 weeks.