To assist our students with hands-on training, we will provide each individual with their own laptop computer with the appropriate software installed, as required by the BOA program. (Please see Program Agreement for further
details.)

Quality classroom instruction, combined with hands-on computer experience is provided through Franklin Technology Center, housed at Missouri Southern State University. Our program is designed for the student interested in establishing a career in today’s business world as an Administrative Assistant. We offer a full time, 30 week program.

Instruction covers basic computer and office skills needed by individuals to enter the work force as administrative assistants, accounting clerks and secretaries, as well as a variety of other office positions. Instruction time is a combination of classroom and hands-on experience that prepares the student for the challenges in the modern business office.

The goal of the program is to help the student to gain proficiency in the areas of general software utilization, with the primary focus on Windows 2007, MS Office 2007 and Accounting skills including QuickBooks Pro. Additional curriculum in general clerical/administrative skills and accounting methods prepare the student for entry-level clerical and bookkeeping positions. The program uses numerous instructional strategies to ensure optimal student performance.

Program Hours
The Administrative Assistant program is 900 clock hours.

Testing
All applicants are required to take the TABE test after acceptance into the BOA program.

Certificates
Competency certificates from Franklin Technology Center will be awarded to each student who successfully completes the predetermined curriculum.

Open Enrollment/Open Exit
Traditional beginning dates for programs are August and January. Prospective students should contact the program coordinator to schedule an appointment.

Core Curriculum

• Keyboarding I
• Keyboarding II
• Keyboarding III
• Introduction to Computer Applications *
• Intermediate Computer Applications *
• Advanced Computer Applications *
• Utilizing MS Office Suite 2007
• General Office Procedures I
• General Office Procedures II
• Business English and Communications
• Administrative Methods
• Administrative and Clerical Support *
• Featuring MS Publisher
• Introduction to Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting
• Introduction to QuickBooks Pro
• Practical Employment Techniques
• Clinical Internship

Curriculum subject to change as determined by FTC/MSSU.

1st Quarter Curriculum *

• Keyboarding I
• Business English and Communications
• Introduction to Accounting
• Introduction to Computers
• General Office Procedures

2nd Quarter Curriculum *

• Keyboarding II
• Intermediate Accounting
• Intermediate Computers
• General Office Procedures II
• Administrative Methods

3rd Quarter Curriculum *

• Keyboarding III
• Administrative and Clerical Support
• Introduction to QuickBooks Pro
• Advanced Computers
• Practical Employment Techniques

4th Quarter *

• Clinical Internship

2010-2011 Curriculum

Keyboarding I
Students will focus on the letter keys, punctuation keys, number keys, symbol keys, basic operations, and key stroking continuity. Attention is given to the building of basic techniques. Composing and critical thinking skills development are utilized. Weekly speed drills will be employed.

Keyboarding II
Students will apply basic keying proficiency to the formatting of a variety of personal papers. Enrichment Assignments will be given at the end of each unit for students who finish their work ahead of schedule or who wish to enhance their keyboarding skills with challenging problems. Weekly speed drills will be employed.

Keyboarding III
Students will apply keying proficiency to the formatting of a variety of business and professional papers. These are the types of material most frequently encountered in the business office as well as in other professional situations and include letters, memos, and reports.

Introduction to Computer Applications
Students are introduced to processing data on computers. Topics covered are computer terminology, hardware, application software and Windows 2007. Students are introduced to keyboarding, word processing and spreadsheets. Microsoft Office 2007 will be utilized for instruction and application.

Intermediate Computer Applications
Students will continue to apply objectives set by the introductory class, and move forward to the second level (intermediate level) of word processing and spreadsheets. Presentation software (MS PowerPoint) will be introduced. Microsoft Office 2007 will be utilized for instruction and application.

Advanced Computer Applications
Students will continue to apply objectives set by the two previous courses, as well as learn advanced features of word processing and spreadsheets. Database design and creation will be introduced utilizing MS Access. Microsoft Office 2007 will be utilized for instruction and application.

Introduction to Accounting
This introductory course covers a complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship, including financial statements. Focus will be applied to basic accounting concepts and practices utilized in manual bookkeeping.

Intermediate Accounting
This course covers a complete accounting cycle for a partnership merchandising business. The complete accounting cycle will be covered, including payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.

Introduction to QuickBooks Pro
Computerized accounting (QuickBooks Pro) will be introduced and utilized throughout this course.

General Office Procedures I
Students will learn general office procedures, including but not limited to, 10 key by touch, telephone skills and etiquette, filing rules, copy machines, fax machines, and e-mail.

General Office Procedures II
Students will focus on practical application assignments, utilizing general office procedures, to emphasize transfer of knowledge. Curriculum will include various office-type simulations, guidelines, and deadlines.

Business English and Communications
Students will learn the fundamentals of English rules, then apply them to professional business documentation. Students will focus on various types of communication within an office environment, as well as compose, proofread and edit correspondence.

Administrative Methods
Students will learn about the ever-changing role of today’s administrative assistant. Students will demonstrate and utilize various workplace technologies, communication skills, customer service skills, various types of meeting arrangements, and display professional and leadership skills.

Administrative and Clerical Support
Students will learn advanced skills for the office environment, including but not limited to scanning and reproducing documents, laminating documents, electronic typewriter, punching and binding reports, desktop publishing skills, and internet research. Students will also gain confidence and experience by completing authentic office simulations to
reinforce skills utilized in the office environment. MS Office 2003 and MS Publisher will be utilized.

Practical Employment Techniques
Students will learn to create professional cover letters, prepare a resume, and research jobs and companies on the Internet, and through various sources. Information on pursuing job leads, responding to job advertisements, preparing for an interview, interviewing techniques, and evaluating/accepting job offers are also included.

Clinical Internship
On the job training for a predetermined number of clock hours. Student will apply classroom lecture, theory, skills, and abilities to an actual work environment. Internship hours must be completed to receive certificate of completion.