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Ministry-approved title: Office Administration – General
Office administrators are vital to the effectiveness of any organization. They are the backbone of daily office operations, from managing schedules and handling correspondence to coordinating projects and maintaining records. The phone is ringing, there are three spreadsheets open on your computer screen and a team meeting is starting in two minutes. This is the life of an office administrator.
Personable and committed, they create order out of chaos and provide the glue that holds businesses together. In this online program, our industry-connected professors will prepare you to make an impact on any organization right away. Delivered synchronously, this program incorporates scheduled classes that you’ll join from the comfort of your home. Working virtually with your classmates, you will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experiences. Graduates with an office administration certificate leave the program ready to take on the challenges of office administration and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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Graduates of the office administration certificate program are equipped with the foundational skills needed to pursue a variety of entry-level roles in administrative support. With training in document management, communication, and office software, they are able to contribute effectively to organizations across industries, supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring workplace efficiency.
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The office administration certificate program is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of entry-level administrative roles. This program focuses on building core competencies in office operations, technology, and communication, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the efficiency and success of workplace environments. Whether you’re looking to work in a corporate office, small business, nonprofit organization, or government setting, the office assistant certificate program will equip you with the tools to launch your career in administration.
This program is delivered online, offering you the structure of traditional classroom studies combined with the convenience of remote learning. Without commuting or relocating, you’ll learn the basic skills required for an entry-level administrative position including:
You’ll interact with our experienced faculty members and classmates live online.
The office administration certificate program is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with technology and thrive in organized environments. Graduates can pursue roles such as administrative assistant, receptionist, data entry clerk, or office support staff in a variety of industries. With strong foundational training and versatile skills, this program prepares you for success in today’s fast-paced workplaces.
Students can also earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their document production courses:
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport. Our partnership with them enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Online
Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Office administrators are essential to the smooth operation of businesses, ensuring that tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and document organization are handled efficiently. Whether you’re working in a corporate office, healthcare setting, nonprofit organization, or small business, the skills gained through the office administration certificate program prepare you to adapt to the unique needs of any industry.
Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s:
Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Students will be provided Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOS) certification opportunities in PowerPoint and Word.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
*Mac Computers
NOTE: Some required software applications are not available for MAC OS or Chromebook. Please ensure that you have access to a PC.
Jennifer is the program coordinator for the Office Administration programs at Durham College, where she is also a full-time faculty member. As an alumna of Trent University, Jennifer earned a joint Honours degree in Business Administration and Computer Studies, specializing in Human Resources Management. Her unwavering commitment to education led her to further her studies, culminating in a Master’s of Education from D’Youville College. She is also an Ontario certified teacher (OCT). Jennifer’s dedication to her work is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and growth. She takes pride in organizing and managing tasks effectively, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. Her ultimate goal is to impart these skills to her students, reflecting her passion and commitment to education. Beyond her academic and professional roles, Jennifer has made significant contributions to her field as a published author. Her textbook, “QuickBooks Online: A Guide for Small Business,” published by Northrose Publishing, is a testament to her expertise. It is currently an essential resource in the Intro to Bookkeeping course in the Office Administration—Executive program. Jennifer is currently working on another textbook, set to be published in 2025.
With a career spanning over two decades in the higher education and learning development sectors, Jana has dedicated her professional journey to empowering individuals through innovative and impactful coaching and education strategies. Her passion for adult learning and instructional design is rooted in a deep belief that education is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. As a part-time professor in the Faculty of Business, Jana is innovative in the academic classroom. She integrates diverse teaching methods, resources, and engaging adult learning methodologies to cater to students' varied learning styles and needs. Jana’s educational background, which includes a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Certificate in Adult Education, a Certificate in Instructional Design, and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management, is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. As she continues contributing to the learning and development field, she aims to inspire and facilitate transformative learning experiences that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
Dina Galanis is a professor in the Office Administration - Health Services, Executive, and General programs at Durham College. Her credentials include an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education focusing on Special Education from the University of Toronto. With over 20 years of experience in various administrative roles within the health sector, primarily at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Dina brings extensive practical knowledge to her teaching. Dina has served as the Office Administration Program Coordinator and Academic Council Representative at Durham College. She is dedicated to delivering organized and engaging courses, both in-class and online. She is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, with a promise to listen to and address student concerns promptly.
Sherry earned her Master’s in Adult Education at Yorkville University and has worked for almost 28 years in the health field. She has owned and partnered in ten offices, including dental, medical, and optical businesses. She then launched a consulting career, exposing her to an extensive network of health professionals. These connections led to teaching various courses in the College environment. Sherry believes that teaching encompasses the life of students. To appreciate how her students learn, she works at being fully engaged and in tune with how they feel and cope in the classroom and in their lives. Sherry strives to form connections with each of her students to facilitate trust and pave the way for their success, because when her students succeed, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that is extremely rewarding.
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