Program

Students may select from four programs in Office Technology:  Administrative Assistant, Legal Specialist, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Transcription Specialist.  These programs are designed to develop a management support person with technical and communication skills.  Time-management and problem-solving abilities are emphasized along with a "team member" approach for a career in today's business environment.

Additional Information

In addition to basic clerical, computer and English skills, a job in this area requires knowledge of human relations, decision making, and how business functions.  Much more is involved than "just typing and filing." Today’s office worker needs to be a professional.

Opportunities

A career in this field promises rising salaries and more status and opportunities than ever before.  The need for office workers is increasing as the local business community grows.  In addition, Solano County residents are near metropolitan areas that offer job opportunities within commuting distance.

One advantage of this profession is the variety of working environments from which a person can choose.  Office technology services are needed in the following fields: government, legal, medical, technical, sales and marketing, manufacturing, travel, entertainment, accounting, journalism, education (schools), automotive, fashion, insurance, law enforcement, banking, and data processing.  A second advantage: a person can choose to work in businesses ranging in size from very small to multi-national corporations.

Certificates for Options 1 and 2 may be completed in two semesters; Options 3 and 4 require three.  You may choose an Associate degree by continuing a second year, depending on your needs, goals, and objectives.  A third choice is now available:  Students may opt to enroll in the "Job Direct" program, which offers basic skills in a short time in General Office Assistant, Home-Base Computer Processor, Legal Office Assistant, and Medical Office Assistant.  These programs are not substitutes for the Office Technology certificates; they are designed for those who must find employment in the shortest possible time.  For information on the Job Direct program, please see a counselor.

• Some of the OT classes are self-paced and/or have continuous enrollment.
• Two courses contain 64-hour internships.  OT 151, Office Systems and Procedures, requires an office practicum; OT 102, Hospital Ward Clerk, includes 64 hours training with a ward clerk in a local hospital.  Both are offered only in the spring.
• For up-to-date information, see a counselor.

Certificate of Achievement and Associate in Science Degree

A Certificate of Achievement in Administrative Assistant, Legal Specialist, Medical Office Specialist or Medical Transcription Specialist can be obtained upon completion of the courses in the selected major. The Associate in Science Degree in Business-Office Technology can be obtained upon completion of 60 units, including the required courses in the selected major, the general education requirements, and electives.

Administrative Assistant