Administrative Assistant Certificate

Bring order to chaos

You’re the glue holding everyone—and everything—together. You know how it all works, and people depend on you for tasks ranging from calendar management to record keeping. You use a lot of business know-how to keep things running smoothly. A CLC education prepares you for a rewarding career as an administrative assistant, one of the most important positions in the business world.

What can you do with an Administrative Assistant Certificate?

You can perform some of the most essential tasks in the business world. This position has many responsibilities ranging from clerical to executive:

answering and directing phone calls
organizing and scheduling appointments
planning meetings and taking detailed minutes
writing and distributing emails and other correspondence
assisting with the preparation of regularly scheduled reports
ordering office supplies and researching new deals and suppliers

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Finish in 1.5 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,173
  
  Median
  
  $112,074
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $198,936
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.77
  
  Median
  
  $53.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95.64
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  33.56%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.16%
  
  Some college
  
  13.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.84%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  24.28%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.06%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $67,133
  
  Median
  
  $110,591
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $171,043
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.27
  
  Median
  
  $53.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $82.22
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  14.59%
  
  Certificate
  
  9.36%
  
  Some college
  
  11.3%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  57.34%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  7.24%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.18%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,120
  
  Median
  
  $48,985
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $75,056
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.36
  
  Median
  
  $23.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $36.08
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  30.14%
  
  Some college
  
  23.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  38.41%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  8.28%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,760
  
  Median
  
  $69,307
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107,598
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.96
  
  Median
  
  $33.31
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.72
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.18%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.62%
  
  Some college
  
  20.03%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.62%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  45.22%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.33%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,528
  
  Median
  
  $61,885
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $114,269
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.59
  
  Median
  
  $29.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $54.94
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  48.06%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.94%
  
  Some college
  
  20.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,380
  
  Median
  
  $52,073
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,004
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.92
  
  Median
  
  $25.03
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  48.06%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.94%
  
  Some college
  
  20.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,719
  
  Median
  
  $46,184
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57,270
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.13
  
  Median
  
  $22.20
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $27.53
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  52.96%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.88%
  
  Some college
  
  1.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.97%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
AMT 112	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.	3	Online/Virtual options available
AMT 113	AMT 113 Comprehensive Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description This is a comprehensive course in the use of word processing software on a computer. Topics include entering, editing, formatting, saving, retrieving, using writing tools, and printing. Advanced and specialized topics to be covered include tables, merge, macros, outlining, templates, styles, themes, footnotes/endnotes, headers/footers, and graphics. Several projects will be completed during the semester.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
AMT 117	AMT 117 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include creating, editing, and formatting worksheets and workbooks; managing data cells and ranges; creating and formatting tables and table data; performing operations by using formulas and functions; and creating charts.	3	Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 112
Course Title	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 113
Course Title	AMT 113 Comprehensive Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description This is a comprehensive course in the use of word processing software on a computer. Topics include entering, editing, formatting, saving, retrieving, using writing tools, and printing. Advanced and specialized topics to be covered include tables, merge, macros, outlining, templates, styles, themes, footnotes/endnotes, headers/footers, and graphics. Several projects will be completed during the semester.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 117
Course Title	AMT 117 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include creating, editing, and formatting worksheets and workbooks; managing data cells and ranges; creating and formatting tables and table data; performing operations by using formulas and functions; and creating charts.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
AMT 114	AMT 114 Outlook Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Outlook software. Topics covered include using Outlook for e-mail, using the Calendar feature to schedule events and appointments, entering and editing contacts, and creating and updating tasks and notes. Several projects will be completed during the semester.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
AMT 213	AMT 213 Advanced Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description In this course, students will learn advanced features of Microsoft Word software. Topics to be covered include managing documents and templates; preparing documents for collaboration; managing language options; finding/replacing/pasting document content; setting paragraph layout options; creating and managing styles, building blocks, custom design elements, indexes, table of figures, forms, and macros; and performing mail merges.	3	Dual credit options available
AMT 115	AMT 115 Presentation Software Using Microsoft PowerPoint Class Description In this course students will learn to design, create, and present dynamic presentations using Microsoft's PowerPoint software. Topics include adding media, custom animation, and web posting.	3	Online/Virtual options available
AMT 217	AMT 217 Advanced Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn some advanced features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include working with custom Excel business templates, creating advanced charts, working with data analysis tools, creating PivotTables and PivotCharts, creating and editing macros, and working with Logical functions.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 114
Course Title	AMT 114 Outlook Class Description In this course, students will learn the features of Microsoft Outlook software. Topics covered include using Outlook for e-mail, using the Calendar feature to schedule events and appointments, entering and editing contacts, and creating and updating tasks and notes. Several projects will be completed during the semester.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 213
Course Title	AMT 213 Advanced Word Processing Using Microsoft Word Class Description In this course, students will learn advanced features of Microsoft Word software. Topics to be covered include managing documents and templates; preparing documents for collaboration; managing language options; finding/replacing/pasting document content; setting paragraph layout options; creating and managing styles, building blocks, custom design elements, indexes, table of figures, forms, and macros; and performing mail merges.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 115
Course Title	AMT 115 Presentation Software Using Microsoft PowerPoint Class Description In this course students will learn to design, create, and present dynamic presentations using Microsoft's PowerPoint software. Topics include adding media, custom animation, and web posting.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 217
Course Title	AMT 217 Advanced Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel Class Description In this course, students will learn some advanced features of Microsoft Excel software. Topics covered include working with custom Excel business templates, creating advanced charts, working with data analysis tools, creating PivotTables and PivotCharts, creating and editing macros, and working with Logical functions.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
AMT 116	AMT 116 Administrative Office Procedures Class Description This course will prepare students for the role of the administrative professional in a wide variety of industries. Topics to be covered include defining the administrative professional, understanding organizational structures, developing and strengthening problem-solving skills, understanding a global and culturally diverse workforce, and analyzing the opportunities for the administrative role as a job, career, and profession. Also covered will be strategies for managing the day-to-day operations of the office, effective organization and time management, planning and coordinating meetings and events, making travel arrangements, and being a strategic business partner.	3.00
AMT 216	AMT 216 Integrated Application Projects Class Description This course will introduce students to integrated projects required in a business environment. Students will use the components of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) and the Internet. This is a capstone course that requires the integration of previously learned skills.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 116
Course Title	AMT 116 Administrative Office Procedures Class Description This course will prepare students for the role of the administrative professional in a wide variety of industries. Topics to be covered include defining the administrative professional, understanding organizational structures, developing and strengthening problem-solving skills, understanding a global and culturally diverse workforce, and analyzing the opportunities for the administrative role as a job, career, and profession. Also covered will be strategies for managing the day-to-day operations of the office, effective organization and time management, planning and coordinating meetings and events, making travel arrangements, and being a strategic business partner.
Credits	3.00

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 216
Course Title	AMT 216 Integrated Application Projects Class Description This course will introduce students to integrated projects required in a business environment. Students will use the components of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) and the Internet. This is a capstone course that requires the integration of previously learned skills.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

32

Administrative Management and Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study Administrative Management and Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials, and extra options.

View the Administrative Management and Technology program overview

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

You learn practical skills to help you manage a busy workplace. Classes focus on applications like Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word) while also helping you develop great verbal and written communication skills.
With the solid education and skills foundation built through this program, the sky’s the limit. You can excel at jobs like an administrative assistant or office manager. You may even decide to continue your education and pursue a 2-year (associate) degree followed by a 4-year (bachelor’s) degree. With these degrees and on-the-job training, you can move up the management ladder.
Your professors are there for you each step of the way. You learn in small class sizes, which allows you to connect with your classmates and professors in engaging and rewarding ways. You can use those connections to find jobs and build a robust professional network.
Some courses are offered online in certain semesters. The schedule and delivery mode vary from semester to semester.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Bring order to chaos

What can you do with an Administrative Assistant Certificate?

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Administrative Services Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Facilities Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

File Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Records Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Administrative Management and Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

What can I do with this certificate?

What’s special about this program?

Is this program offered online?

How much does this program cost?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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