About the Program

The Office Administrative Assistant diploma program develops the practical skills and professional confidence to become the backbone of any office in just 25 weeks. You'll gain hands-on training in industry-standard software including Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, and Sage 50 while building essential competencies in communication, organization, and basic financial management that employers look for when hiring administrative professionals.

This program is designed for flexible learning with half-day classes scheduled just four days a week, allowing you to balance education with work, family, and personal commitments. Eastern College provides bursaries, financial services support, and comprehensive career services including one-on-one job placement assistance to help you succeed from enrollment through employment. Small class sizes and experienced instructors ensure you receive focused attention and guidance as you develop the multitasking abilities, professionalism, and organizational skills needed to keep offices running smoothly.

What You'll Learn

• Microsoft Office Suite mastery - Hands-on training in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to manage schedules, create professional documents, analyze data, deliver presentations, and streamline everyday office tasks with confidence and efficiency
• Accounting software and financial fundamentals - QuickBooks and Sage 50 training covering data entry, reconciliations, financial reporting, payroll procedures, petty cash management, merchandising firm accounting cycles, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold calculations
• Professional communication and client relations - Business communication skills (written and spoken), client relations fundamentals, interpersonal communication techniques, telephone etiquette, handling customer inquiries and complaints, diversity in the workplace, and digital literacy for professionals
• Career preparation and Atlantic locations - Career Planning and Preparation (Levels 1 & 2) including resume development, LinkedIn profile creation, cover letter writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and student success strategies, available on-campus or online at Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, and Halifax

Career Opportunities

Office Administrative Assistants are essential to businesses of all sizes, managing day-to-day operations and supporting organizational success.

Career paths include:

• Administrative Assistant - Provide administrative support, manage correspondence, coordinate schedules, and maintain office systems
• Office Administrator - Oversee daily office operations, handle communications, and support business processes
• Executive Assistant - Support senior leadership with scheduling, correspondence, meeting coordination, and project management

Salary Range: $24 – $33 per hour (NOC Code: 13110, New Brunswick data, Information from workingincanada.gc.ca)