Introduction – 3 hrs

In this course, the student will be exposed to the overall program objectives and learning outcomes. They will identify the importance of the Virtual Assistant roles in an organization. This course also explains the difference between Administrative and Virtual Assistant. It provides a career outlook for Administrative and Virtual Assistants. Students are introduced to and will review their program textbook: The Administrative Professional: Technology and Procedures.

Computer Fundamentals – 60 hrs

In this course, the student will perform basic computer skills, demonstrate ergonomic keyboarding techniques, and increase their typing speed and accuracy. The student will be able to name basic computer components and technology, explain the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and wireless technology; use the internet as a resource; and use various methods for data storage and networking. Additionally, students will accurately keyboard audio to text documents. Further, the student will identify proper proofreading and editing practices, use a text expander program, set up text expansion and identify all the different applications. The student will also use hotkeys and utilize features of FastFox. Students will be able to identify and explain security risks and antivirus protection software. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to define email, name the parts of an email and distinguish business email guidelines.

Personal Financial Planning – 25 hrs

In this course, the student will develop their knowledge and personal financial planning skills. This includes assessing the value of money and creating a clear foundation for better financial awareness. Students will identify what credit and credit history are and how it is built and managed. Further, students will analyze student loans before and after graduation, budgeting, and managing their payments. Students will be able to explain the stock market and how to apply investing skills. Students will define various savings practices, such as the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) and RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), and how-to set-up and handle them successfully. Students will identify real estate investment and the industry of financial advisors. This course will guide the student in mastering their career and protect their personal brand.

Microsoft Office – 139 hrs

In this course, students will learn about the functionalities of the Microsoft Office applications Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access Database.

Microsoft Word – 30 hrs

The purpose of this course is to demonstrate the available features in Microsoft Word, such as copy and paste, find and replace, and how to format documents. Students will identify Word features to produce a professionally edited document. Upon completing this course, the student will be able to apply simple formatting to documents, create lists, change margins, paper size, and document orientation. The student will also be able to proofread and edit documents using the Spelling and Grammar check features. Students will practice word expander technology using AutoCorrect.

Microsoft Excel – 40 hrs

This course is an introduction to Microsoft Excel. The student will describe an electronic spreadsheet, the Excel program, what it can do, identify elements within the program, and explain basic terminology. Upon completing this course, the student will demonstrate skills using Microsoft Excel as an electronic spreadsheet.

Microsoft Outlook – 21 hrs

This course teaches the student how to use Microsoft Outlook and how to use ribbons, quick access toolbar, and navigation pane. The student will demonstrate how to address, compose, read, reply, forward, and format email messages. Upon completing this course, the student will be able to use the features in their email program.

Microsoft PowerPoint – 26 hrs

In this section, the student will be able to explain how to create and manage presentations. They will identify how to insert and format slide content, graphics, and multimedia. Also covered, will be instructions on how to incorporate tables and graphs. The student will quantify how to deliver, share, and manage multiple presentations.

Microsoft OneNote – 10 hrs

In this course, the student will demonstrate how to use Microsoft OneNote to create and enhance various notebooks and how to collaborate effectively on group projects and customize them to meet varying needs and improve productivity.

Microsoft Access Database – 12 hrs

In this course, the student will demonstrate how to use Microsoft Access to create a database solution that will track information, generate reports, analyze data, and streamline the data entry process. The student will also review various techniques for ensuring good database design and for preserving data integrity.

Accounting and Bookkeeping – 68 hrs

This course will cover the fundamentals of accounting and accounting principles. Using this information, the student will be able to apply accounting concepts, analyze transactions, apply debit, and credit entries, journalize, post transactions to ledger accounts, adjust entries, process closing entries, prepare and analyze financial statements, and complete the accounting cycle.

Intro to QuickBooks Online – 10 hrs

Students will reference QuickBooks online software. Students will create an account, create a new company within the program, and navigate through the software. Students will also identify and interpret accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.

Understanding the Administrative Field – 15 hrs

The student will identify the structure and positions of the administrative workforce. The student will pronounce, define, and spell key terminology specific to the administrative field. The student will explain the importance of creating and developing an efficient work routine. The student will also analyze the basic administrative team structure, legal and ethical standards, and the importance of ethical document management and confidentiality. The student will discuss how the Administrative Professional will maintain continued competence and awareness of technological advancement and will encourage the sharing of new methods, education, and knowledge, and describe the areas of risk management that are a concern to the administrative field.

Office Routines and Ergonomic Principles – 25 hrs

Upon completing this course, the student will be able to define ergonomics, describe the benefits of an ergonomically designed workspace, recognize signs of physical discomfort due to improper set up of their workstation, and understand proper seating considerations. Students will also use an Office Ergonomic Checklist to aid in proper workspace set-up and organization. Further, the student will learn the importance of creating and developing an efficient work routine. Office conditions may vary as the company grows and technology expands, making potential office equipment change. The student will identify efficiencies in creating a proper workstation, ordering office supplies, and identify typical office equipment needed for everyday workings. Finally, this course will provide the student with an overview of the Canadian and American shipping and mailing services. The student will analyze incoming and outgoing mail procedures, postage concerns, and various courier services. A review of weights and measurements in both imperial and metric systems are also reviewed.

Midterm Exam – 4 hrs

This exam aims to provide an assessment of the students’ learning outcomes at this stage of the program. Upon completing the exam, the student should possess a skill-level assessment of all courses completed to date.

Business Writing and Legal Documents – 54 hrs

Students will be able to describe an efficient records management program. They will differentiate between centralized and decentralized filing, identify various filing systems, describe electronic filing, and recognize a records cycle. The student will list the activities required to properly control the creation, distribution, use, maintenance, and disposition of recorded information maintained as evidence of business activities and transactions. Upon completing this course, the student will be able to apply English grammar rules and punctuation. The student will construct grammatically correct sentences using the rules provided. Upon completing this course, the student will produce a professional business letter and understand how to create and use memos, emails and generate meeting minutes. The student will also review the several types of basic legal documents and learn the necessary content in a legal document.

Effective Communication, Meetings, and Time Management – 25 hrs

Effective Communication is getting a message across clearly and ensuring that message is received and understood correctly. Getting and giving feedback is one of the most crucial parts of effective communication. Upon completing this course, the student will be able to practice the intricacies of listening, body language, and nonverbal communication. Identifying and distinguishing the variables that affect clear and effective communication will also be discussed, along with the key elements of negotiating. The student will be able to appraise and manage their employer’s schedule and use a shared calendar both within and outside the organization. The student will be able to explain the importance of taking and recording meeting minutes, and to be able to identify the post-meeting responsibilities for creation, distribution, and storage of meeting minutes. Finally, the student will apply techniques that support their time management efficiency and create work/life balance strategies.

Marketing – 10 hrs

The student will be introduced to the world of marketing. Students will describe the history of marketing, tracking and analytics, creating and posting within social media platforms, buyer personas, and landing pages. The student will be able to identify business leads and search engine optimization. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to plan, research, and write presentations. Students will also define customer service strategies.

Human Resources – 16 hrs

This course will introduce the student to various responsibilities of an HR (Human Resources) Specialist who recruits, screens, interviews, and places workers. Content will also include a more detailed discussion of recruitment, retention, discipline, health and wellness, and management. Students will be able to compare the benefits of having a diverse workplace environment. Students will be able to assess an organization’s hiring plan and lead them through the development, evaluation, and improvement of their employees, while implementing work-life balance initiatives.

Project Management – 10 hrs

The intent of this course is designed to be an introduction to Project Management. Skills gained in this course will allow students to diagnose, critique, and communicate management solutions. This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills for project management, project safety, proper communication when planning, solution mapping, risk assessment and management, contracts and document controls, policies, financials and quality assurance, and ethics in project management.

Event Planning and Travel Management – 20 hrs

In this course, the students will learn the duties involved in planning an event and managing travel for individuals, groups, and organizations. The student will list and define types of events and identify the reasons organizations plan events, while distinguishing all components and responsibilities when planning an event. Further, students will be able to organize the elements of a travel agenda, both locally, nationally, and internationally, including the preparation and scheduling of flights, hotels, transportation, and budgets. They will also be able to compare multiple sources for booking travel arrangements and develop a basic understanding of travel apps.

Research – 10 hrs

In this course, the student will be introduced to the valuable skills of conducting professional workplace research. The student will be able to execute well-informed, accurate workplace research by identifying a clear research question and purpose, gathering data from credible sources, answering the research question by offering options for a solution, and presenting the information in an effective, professional format. Further, the student should be confident in identifying the different research methods while being able to recognize and practice all types of workplace research. Students will develop and highlight their workplace research skills throughout their career.

Career Development – 25 hrs

This course will provide students with the skills and confidence to enter the Virtual Assistant industry and excel in a new career. Looking at both personal and career development, students will identify their goals and design their career outlooks. Upon completing this course, students will understand what it means to find their niche and will distinguish what niche best suits their skill sets and interests. They will be equipped with the skills to establish their niche and understand how to compare their niche to competitors. The student will have created a professional resume and cover letter. They will also consider and develop strategies for a targeted job search. Students will study effective interview techniques, which will include answering practice interview questions. Students will understand the importance of networking to advance their career goals. Students will be introduced to the various aspects of business planning for building their Virtual Assistant career to develop their knowledge and skills in business planning and contracts. Additionally, they will be equipped with the skills to implement it. As students work through this course, they will gain a solid foundation of skills to create a deep knowledge in any administrative environment. Ultimately, this course will guide students in creating an effective and successful business plan that aligns with their vision, values, and goals while teaching students how to use their plan to establish their business.

Final Exam – 6 hrs

This assessment determines what level of learning outcomes the student has achieved.