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School of Business & Continuing Studies

Administrative Office Professional

Gain the knowledge and abilities need to manage information, organize and maintain files, coordinate projects, and learn bookkeeping and computer skills. This certificate program takes just eight months to complete and includes the full range of courses you need to succeed as an entry-level administrative professional in many different office environments.

As a student, you'll form strong connections with faculty and classmates to support your college experience and build your network. You'll also gain on-the-job experience through a work placement in both the fall and spring semesters. The ability to use your Administrative Office Professional certificate as a starting point for a business diploma or degree is one of the strengths of this program. You can focus on building the skills you need for work right away, but also think of a long-term career at the same time.

Administrative Office Professional certificate available online
Want to build a new career, but need the flexibility to balance family, work, or location with your studies? Our Administrative Office Professional certificate program is now available via online learning, delivering the education you want on a schedule that fits your life. To learn more about this option, please contact an academic advisor.


After taking the Administrative Office Professional certificate, you can take the Administrative Office Management diploma or a Business Administration diploma majoring in Business/Office Technology.

Additional opportunities

Graduates of the Administrative Office Professional certificate also receive advanced standing in MHC's Continuing Studies Medical Office Assistant certificate program.


PLAR (prior learning assessment and recognition) will be granted for the computer skills training and keyboard requirements, as well as the "Productivity and Workplace Communication" course requirements in the above programs. For complete details, please visit the links provided for each program. Please note that Continuing Studies certificate programs are not eligible for student loan funding.

High School Route

  • ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 
  • Math 10C 

Mature Route

  • ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
  • Math 10C

Transfer Route

  • Completion of a one-year Administrative Office Professional certificate program.

Fall Semester

  • APRO 108 - Keyboarding/Desktop Publishing I
  • APRO 125 - Office Communications I
  • APRO 131 - Office Applications I
  • APRO 140 - Bookkeeping I
  • APRO 167 - Office Relations
*Includes customer service training during the semester, followed by work experience at the end of the semester.


Winter Semester

  • APRO 109 - Keyboarding/Desktop Publishing II
  • APRO 133 - Office Applications II
  • APRO 145 - Bookkeeping II
  • APRO 155 - Office Communications II
  • APRO 190 - Work Experience
  • APRO 210 - Payroll Compliance Legislation

SEE COURSE DETAILS HERE

Graduation from the Administrative Office Professional program will prepare you for office employment in numerous fields.

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Automobile Dealerships
  • Business
  • Computer Consultants
  • Dental
  • Education - College/University
  • Education - School
  • Government
  • Insurance Agencies
  • Legal Banking
  • Medical Bookkeeping
  • News Industry
  • Oilfield Companies
  • Police and Security
  • Printers/Printshops
  • Real Estate
  • Retail

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