FAQs
GENERAL
Q. What is the difference between the Administrative Assistant and a Computer Applications
degree?
A. While the Administrative Assistant and Computer Applications programs are similar
in nature, the main difference is, Computer Applications is more strongly focused
on the latest industry software with an intent to prepare you to sit for the Microsoft
Certified Applications Specialist (MCAS) exam, a globally recognized industry certificate.
The Administrative Assistant programs focus on the practical application of interpersonal
skills within the workplace.
Q. What is the difference between the Administrative Assistant and a Medical Office Administrative
Assistant degree?
A. The Medical Office Administrative Assistant is similar to the Administrative Assistant
program because they are both administrative support, however, the Medical Office
Administrative Assistant program will prepare you more specifically to work in the
health industry.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Q. What does an Administrative Assistant do?
A. Administrative assistants typically perform routine clerical and administrative functions
such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining
paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. However, with additional
training and knowledge (such as that gained in the program at COC), it's not unusual
for them to provide high-level administrative support by conducting research and preparing
statistical reports. They may also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Q. What are some typical tasks of an Administravtive Assistant?
A. Typical tasks performed by an Administrative Assistant may include:
- Preparation of invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other
documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software
- Reading and analyzing incoming memos, submissions, and reports to determine their
significance and plan their distribution
- Attending meetings to record minutes
- Conducting research, compiling data, and preparing papers for consideration and
presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors
- Greeting visitors and determining whether they should be given access to specific
individuals
- Answering and directing phone calls to appropriate parties or take messages
Labor Market Information reflects job titles associated with the Administrative Assistant program:
- Executive Assistant
- Administrative Secretary
- Office Manager
- Bookkeeping Assistant
- Administrative Aide/Clerk
- Spreadsheet Analyst
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants:
- Administrative Specialist/Technician
- Department Secretary
- Office or Staff Assistant
Q. How long will it take to complete the Administrative Assistant program?
A. The 33-unit major coursework for both the associate degree and certificate of achievement
are the same. The number of courses/units you take each semester, determines how long
a program will take to complete. Students with the flexibility to take a full load
(12-18 units) each semester will naturally complete the program sooner.
Additionally, some courses may only be offered every other year; if you choose not
to register for the course when it is offered, this too may delay your completion
of the program. Those pursing an associate degree must complete additional coursework
for the general education (GE) requirements. Those pursuing an associate degree must
complete additional coursework for the general education (GE) requirements.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST
Q. What does a Computer Applications Specialist do?
A. Computer application specialists typically perform routine clerical and administrative
functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and
maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. However,
with additional training and knowledge (such as that gained in the program at COC),
it's not unusual for them to provide high-level administrative support by conducting
research and preparing statistical reports. They may also train and supervise lower-level
clerical staff.
Q. What are some typical tasks of a Computer Applications Specialist?
A. Typical tasks performed by a Computer Applications Specialist may include:
- Answering and directing phone calls to appropriate parties or take messages
- Attending meetings to record minutes
- Conducting research, compiling data, and preparing papers for consideration and
presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors
- Greeting visitors and determining whether they should be given access to specific
individuals
- Reading and analyzing incoming memos, submissions, and reports to determine their
significance and plan their distribution
- Preparation of invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other
documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software
Labor Market Information reflects job titles associated with the Computer Applications program:
- Computer Applications Specialist
- Administrative Assistants
- Word Processing Specialist
- Spreadsheet Analyst
- Database Specialist
- Bookkeeping Assistant
- Web Content Provider
MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Q. What does an Medical Office Adminstrative Assistant do?
A. Medical office administrative assistants typically perform administrative functions along with limited clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Q. What are some of the tasks of a Medical Office Administrative Assistant?
A. Typical tasks performed by a Medical Office Administrative Assistant may include:
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Recording patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records
- Preparation and administering medications as directed by a physician
- Collecting, logging and preparing blood, tissue, or other laboratory for testing
- Authorizing drug refills and providing prescription information to pharmacies
- Cleaning and sterilizing instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies
- Insurance verification and processing, as well as billing
Labor Market Information reflects job titles associated with the Medical Office Administrative Assistant program:
- Chiropractor Assistant
- Clinical Assistant
- Adminstrative Clerk
- Executive Assistant
- Administrative Secretary
- Medical Office Assistant
- Office Manager
- Adminstrative Aide
Q. How long will it take to complete the Medical Office Administrative Assistant program?
A. The Medical Office Administrative Assistant program at COC will prepare you for entry-level office administrative positions within the health care industry. Our certificate program includes a hands-on approach to learning the concepts, skills, and practical application of computer software programs used in the areas of front office reception, basic medical coding and billing, and transcription of dictated correspondence.
Most positions in this field require skills training, an associate degree from a community college such as COC, or related on-the-job experience.
WEBSITE DEVELOPER
Q. What does a Website Developer do?
A. Website developers design, create, and modify websites, while analyzing user needs to implement content, graphics, performance and capacity. They may also integrate websites with other computer applications, as well as convert text, graphic, audio, and video files into compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
Q. What are some tasks of the Website Developer?
A. Typical tasks performed by a Website Developer may include:
- The writing, design, or editing of web page content, or directing others to produce content
- Consulting with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions
- Evaluating code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems
- Identifying problems uncovered by testing or customer feedback, and correcting or referring problems to appropriate personnel for correction
- Backing up files from websites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems
- Maintaining an understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups
Labor Market Information reflects job titles associated with the Website Development program:
- Web Designer
- Web Publisher
- Web Developer
- Content Provider
- Web Master
Q. How long will it take to complete the Website Development program?
A. This program consists of 13.5 units. The number of courses/units you take each semester, determines how long a program will take to complete. Students with the flexibility to take a full load (12-18 units) each semester will naturally complete the program sooner. Additionally, some courses may only be offered every other year; if you choose not to register for the course when it is offered, this too may delay your completion of the program.