Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant Training

If you're looking to turn your organization skills into a fulfilling career as an admin assistant, Penn Foster College's online Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the next steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, online classes you can build business and administrative skills from home, on your schedule.

  • Our Administrative Assistant Training can prepare students for entry-level jobs in a variety of settings including corporate offices, law firms, banks, hospitals, and more.
  • Online courses cover essential topics like standard office procedures, office management, and how to write for business.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $160 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program

$679

$839 Save $160

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

administrative assistant talks on headset.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to maintain paper and electronic filing systems for records and messages as well as organize files, folders, and schedules in proper order so an office can run efficiently.
  2. How to read, analyze, route, distribute, and answer routine incoming memos, submissions, reports, mail, and email to determine their significance and plan their distribution.
  3. How to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentations software to create documents including preparing reports, memos, Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheets, letters, and financial statements.
  4. How to negotiate with vendors, buy supplies, manage stockrooms or corporate libraries, and get data from various sources.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Administrative Assistant Career Outcomes

Jobs you could pursue after graduation include:

Administrative Assistant

AVG SALARY*

$44,080/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

3,339,200


Our online Administrative Assistant Training can help graduates prepare for entry-level jobs as an administrative assistant in corporate offices, law firms, medical offices, and more.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Administrative Assistant Training Curriculum

  • 9 courses
  • 39.5 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 26 exams
  • 17 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 6 months
  • Average time = 9 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Administrative Assistant Training, you'll build the foundational skills and knowledge relevant 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

Show Full Curriculum
professional woman smiling at desk.

Administrative Assistant Optional Work Experience

Upon completion of your admin assistant training, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learned in real-life, hands-on situations in an office or business setting through a work experience option. Although this is not required for program completion, the self-arranged work experience option allows you to seek out and gain experience as an administrative assistant with an employer near you.

Penn Foster does not assist in finding a location for the work experience option.

Administrative Assistant Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program can help prepare you for the first step toward a new career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Alexa G.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“Penn foster was an amazing experience for me and allowed me to finish school while having the ability to work and make my own schedule. Penn Foster showed me school can be stress free and enjoyable!”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Learn More

Administrative Assistant Training Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $160 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$679

$839 Save $160

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $50 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$789

$839 Save $50

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$839

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Administrative Assistant Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

Related Programs

Administrative Assistant Training FAQs

Where can I work as an administrative assistant?

A trained administrative assistant can find jobs in a variety of industries and office settings, including large businesses, legal offices, and even some medical offices. The need for qualified and dependable administrative professionals and office assistants is relatively stable, making now the perfect time to take the first steps toward an entry-level administrative assistant job! With jobs available in different industries such as social assistance offices, educational services, and government facilities, you’ll be able to take the first step towards finding the perfect role for you.

What are the main duties of an administrative assistant?

Day-to-day, administrative assistants will be responsible for preparing emails and letters, efficiently answering outside communications, and scheduling meetings. Depending on what sort of office you work in, you may also be responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements for employers and guests, and records management.

What is the average salary of an administrative assistant?

Salary can vary based on your employer, your education and experience, and even the state in which you live. However, according to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an entry-level administrative assistant can earn a median yearly salary of $44,080 or $21.19 per hour.*

What are the three most important administrative skills?

Administrative assistants are largely responsible for ensuring the office is organized and efficient. The three most important skills to be an effective administrative assistant include organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, and basic knowledge of common computer applications used in the office, these include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Through our online Administrative Assistant Training Program, you can build the skills that can help you prepare to be successful in the field.