Program/Course Description

Clerical work has moved beyond the computer. In fact, many receptionists and administrative assistants have been given increased responsibilities in addition to their traditional duties.

Administrative assistants typically provide managers, professionals and other support staff with an organized agenda for events. Receptionists provide information to and answer questions for visitors.

Career Options

With a degree, diploma or certificate in Office Systems Technology from NETC, you may find a job as an office manager, clerical assistant, receptionist, administrative assistant, word processing clerk, transcriptionist or bookkeeper. With a little additional training, you could work as a paralegal or medical records technician.

Job Outlook

In 1996, administrative assistants held about 3.4 million jobs in the United States. Legal secretaries in the U.S. held 284,000 positions while medical secretaries held 239,000 positions. In South Carolina, administrative assistant positions are expected to rise by almost 13 percent by 2006. In 1996, receptionists held over one million jobs in the nation, which accounted for more than two-thirds of all clerical positions.

Office support work, especially administrative assistant positions, is expected to remain steady through 2006. Typically, this will vary according to profession. One field expected to increase rapidly is that of medical administrative assistants, due to growth in the health services areas. The receptionist area is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations until 2006 because of expected growth in service industries.