Student Success & The Northern Experience
Be prepared to take on the challenges that today’s organizations face.
Administrative Professionals contribute to organizationsmore than ever before. The Office Administration one-year certificate program at Northern College will prepare students to become confident administrators and invaluable members of any organization’s team.
Graduates of this program may choose to continue their studies for another year to receive a diploma in the Office Administration – Executive program.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you?
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Course Information
2024-2025 Academic Year
Semester 1
In this course, students will be introduced to the accounting cycle and the preparation of financial statements. Topics include recording entries, preparing financial statements and accounting for merchandising activities. This course will be essential for further study in financial accounting.
56 Hours
In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.
42 Hours
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain practical experience with the essential features of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Basic computer skills are required as prerequisite. Students will gain hands-on experience with file management, software settings, system security, Word Reports (APA Functions), tables, advanced presentation functions, summarizing and analyzing data in Excel through a series of learning activities, projects, and exercises that focus on real world examples. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
In this course, students will begin with a review of basic arithmetic and algebraic manipulations, continuing topics that include ratios, proportions and percentages, math of merchandising that include mark-ups and mark-downs, various payroll scenarios, and the evaluation and calculations using simple interest.
56 Hours
This course provides applications that reinforce word processing skills. It focuses on techniques to enable students to produce a wide variety of documents using the features of Microsoft Word 2016. Keyboarding speed and accuracy will be taught, practiced, and assessed using a keyboarding software program.
42 Hours
Administrative Professionals have increasingly more responsibilities in today’s work environment. This course will provide a broad overview of the key elements required for the student to find meaningful employment in the office administrative field. Some of the topics covered in this course include: professionalism, effective communication skills, organizational skills, characteristics of ethical organizations, records management, technology and essential soft skills. In-class simulations and discussions provide students with the opportunity to problem solve and participate in group activities.
42 Hours
Semester 2
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
In this course, students are introduced to the advanced applications of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Students gain practical experience by applying a series of learning activities, projects and exercises that focus on real-world examples. Advanced applications range from creating a web page from a Word document, to amortization schedules, and data tables, to advanced animation, transitions and sound files for slide show presentations. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain an understanding of computerized accounting concepts using Sage 50 Premium Accounting. Students will gain hands-on experience with computerized applications using real-world examples within the general module, inventory module, accounts payable module, accounts receivable module, and payroll module. A culminating Capstone Project will provide hands-on experience in the creation of an accounting system for a non-profit/small business.
44 Hours
This experiential learning opportunity supports graduates of the Office Administration General Program to gain career-related experience on the job. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement within their respective communities, where they can apply the principles and skills learned throughout the program. Students are required to complete weekly placement journals and a final project highlighting their experience.
120 Hours
This course is a continuation of Office Procedures where students will continue to analyze and practice the tasks and responsibilities of an administrative assistant in an ever-changing office environment. As an Administrative Professional, you will be “information central”, a valued member of a team in a business or organization where everyone will depend on you to keep the office organized and running efficiently. This course reviews essential responsibilities required to succeed in this field: effective communication tools, managing appointments, planning meetings, arranging business travel. A strong emphasis on the importance of soft skills will be interwoven throughout the course.
44 Hours
In this course, advanced features in Microsoft Word will be examined. A variety of documents incorporating Word features will be produced. The students will develop timesaving skills and techniques when completing applications. Keyboarding speed and accuracy will be reinforced during document preparation, practice sessions, and timed drills.
44 Hours
Canadian employers require graduates with stronger soft skills and, in some workplaces, the value of soft skills surpasses that of hard skills. With a focus on enhancing soft skills, this course has been developed to assist the student in becoming a professional office administrator with excellent communication, leadership, conflict management, collaboration and interpersonal communication skills. Other key themes in this course include selfawareness and mindfulness, professionalism, and diversity in the workplace. The development of effective interview skills will be incorporated throughout the course. This course combines in-class work as well as experiential learning opportunities through scenarios, case studies, and mock interviews.
42 Hours
Career Ready Graduates
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
- Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
- Schedule and coordinate tasks, within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
- Receive, process and distribute communications in the workplace to assist the flow of information.
- Operate and provide support related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
- Locate, file and retrieve documents and records from a variety of electronic and paper sources to support daily office operations.
- Record basic financial information using established document formats, procedures and accounting software.
- Produce routine business documents using available technologies and established standards and formats.
- Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
- Compile resources as well as services to prepare summary reports.
- Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the organization and coordination of meetings and travel arrangements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Office Administration Program – General (one year certificate) may choose to continue their studies for another year to receive a diploma in the Office Administration Executive Program.
Graduates who enter the workforce will find opportunities in the following: healthcare, legal, government, industrial, commercial and financial as:
- Entry-level administrative assistant
- Customer service representative
- Office administrator
- Receptionist
- Employed in various workplaces in the private and public sectors
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M, U)
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic– International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+
3. CO-OP Work Permit is mandatory for this program to participate in unpaid program placements.
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $14,813.46
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
The Convocation and Official Documentation Fee (GRA) of $100.00 only applies for the first year of each program.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus | Domestic | International |
| Haileybury (HL) | $976.50 | $1,589.00 |
| Kirkland Lake (KL) | $909.50 | $1,522.00 |
| Moosonee (JB) | $590.00 | $1,485.00 |
| Timmins (PC) | $945.50 | $1,558.00 |
| Distance (CK, CH, OL) | $772.50 | N/A |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.