The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Learn the skills to become successful as an administrative professional using the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs. Learn to use Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Outlook effectively.

This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.

"The program was very well organized. I could navigate through all of the classes without any problems. My program advisor, Sarah Karr, was excellent in helping me to achieve my goals. I am ready to take another program!"
—M.B., Heartland Community College (Fall 2006)

Over 4.2 million secretaries and administrative assistants are employed in the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, making administrative professionals the largest segment of the office workforce! This online training program will provide you with administrative professional training and will teach you how to use the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of programs.

Administrative professionals are handling a wider variety of duties beyond strictly clerical roles. Today's administrative professional often plans meetings and special events; works closely with vendors and suppliers; creates and gives presentations; interviews, orients, and supervises other staff; writes and edits documents; and more. This program will prepare you for all of the varied tasks you might encounter in a typical day.

Note: Students should have these Microsoft products already loaded on your computer in order to take this course: Word 2003, Excel 2003, Access 2003, Outlook 2003, and PowerPoint 2003.

Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you need more time, you may request a six-month extension at no additional charge.

Upon successful completion of the Administrative Professional section this program, you'll be able to:

• Determine major business challenges and provide possible solutions
• Set clear business goals and make informed decisions
• Demonstrate effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills
• Create and deliver business presentations using visuals
• Develop and train staff on effective customer service skills
• Describe types of computers, input and storage devices, and networks commonly found in businesses
• Understand the importance of records management
• Demonstrate efficient meeting management
• Develop a clear career plan and advancement strategies

Upon successful completion of the Microsoft Office Specialist section of this program, you should be able to use the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of software effectively and knowledgeably. Each program and the skills you'll learn are listed below.

Microsoft Excel
You'll learn to:

• Create a spreadsheet
• Create formulas with the Function Wizard or manually
• Audit equations and troubleshoot errors
• Analyze data by using Sort, Filter, Subtotal, and PivotTables
• Format spreadsheets, graphs, and lists for printing

Microsoft Word
You'll learn to:

• Create a document
• Format fonts, paragraphs, bullets, and tables
• Use tables for online forms and Web page designs
• Automate mail merges
• Share documents with a workgroup

Microsoft PowerPoint
You'll learn to:

• Create a slideshow
• Format fonts, paragraphs, bullets, and text boxes
• Use custom animation, slide transitions, and effects
• Use graphics, sound, and on-screen navigation.
• Prepare a slideshow for live presentations and kiosk demonstrations

Microsoft Outlook
You'll learn to:

• Use e-mail and contacts, and work with attachments safely.
• Organize the Inbox and filter junk mail
• Schedule meetings, recurring appointments, and tasks
• Analyze Outlook data in Microsoft Excel or Access

Microsoft Access
You'll learn to:

• Create tables, forms, and reports
• Use queries to find, filter, update, and calculate
• Create forms that handle data automatically
• Optimize the database for easy navigation and data input

1. Administrative Professional
   1. The Dynamic Workplace
      1. The Workplace—Constantly Changing
      2. Workplace Team and Environment
      3. The Virtual Workplace
   2. Workforce Behaviors
      1. Your Professional Image
      2. Anger, Stress, and Time Management
      3. Ethical Theories and Behaviors
   3. Communication Essentials
      1. Written Communications
      2. Verbal Communication and Presentations
      3. Customer Service
   4. Technology Basics
      1. Technology Update
      2. Workplace Mail and Copying
      3. Telecommunications—Technology and Etiquette
   5. Records and Financial Management
      1. Managing Records
      2. Personal Finance
   6. Meetings and Travel
      1. Event Planning
      2. Travel Arrangements
   7. Career Advancement
      1. Job Search and Advancement
      2. Leadership
2. Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Units:
   1. Beginning Windows
      1. Format Text and Use Commands
      2. Beginning Hardware Troubleshooting
      3. File Management and Administration Features and Procedures
   2. Word
      1. Beginning
         1. Editing Functions
         2. Insert and Resize Pictures
         3. Time-stamp Documents
      2. Intermediate
         1. Create and Format Tables
         2. Use Mail Merge
         3. Save as Web Page
      3. Advanced
         1. Create and Modify Forms
         2. Protect the Document
   3. Excel
      1. Beginning
         1. Insert and Delete Rows and Columns
         2. Apply Number Format (Currency and Percent)
         3. Use Functions: Average and IF
      2. Intermediate
         1. Worksheets
         2. Absolute and Relative References
         3. Auditing Tool Bar
      3. Advanced
         1. Pivot tables
         2. Online Form With Drop-down Lists
         3. VLookup Function
   4. PowerPoint
      1. Beginning
         1. Create a Presentation From a Template or Wizard
         2. Work With Graphics and Text Boxes
         3. Animation Effects
      2. Advanced
         1. Sound Effects
         2. Import Slides From Other Programs
   5. Access
      1. Beginning
         1. Create Queries
         2. Use and Design Tables
         3. Write and Test Update Queries
      2. Intermediate
         1. Create Forms With Subforms
         2. Use Criteria and Parameters
         3. Sorting and Grouping
      3. Advanced
         1. Automate Data Entry
         2. Create Mail Merge
         3. Optimize a Database for Multiple Users
   6. Outlook
      1. Use Mail Features
      2. Create a Distribution List
      3. Work With Attachments
      4. Archive Messages
      5. Handle Junk Mail