Administrative Assistant
The Degree
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Outlook
Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to pursue a fulfilling and challenging career in today's high-tech office, where jobs are plentiful. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, administrative assistants and secretaries rank among the largest occupations in the U.S. economy. Projected employment varies by specialty, with the fastest growth expected for executive administrative assistants and for fast growing industries such as personnel supply, computer services, health and legal services education, and engineering and management. Additionally, many positions will become available as people change careers or leave the labor force altogether
The Administrative Assistant degree program at Finger Lakes Community College can help you enter the job market with strong high- tech, management, and communication skills.
The Program
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Administrative Assistant degree program provides an individualized approach by providing small class size and supportive faculty and staff.
Technology: Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art computers utilizing administrative software programs as well as ergonomically designed office furniture to simulate an actual work environment.
In addition to the associate's degree, the College offers a Certificate in Office Technology, which can be earned in as little as nine months and is fully transferable to the degree program.
Honors Courses: In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
Administrative Assistant degree students have toured operations at Xerox Corporation, Canandaigua Wine Company, Goulds Pumps, and other businesses.
Students also gain valuable networking opportunities by attending programs sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals in Rochester. Internship opportunities are often available at local offices.
Financial Aid: A number of financial aid options are available at Finger Lakes Community College. Many of our students receive some type of assistance with college costs, including scholarships, PELL grants, TAP awards, work study aid, grants, and loans. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Child Care: FLCC houses a fully licensed child care facility at the north end of its Canandaigua campus. For more information, contact the Child Care Center at (585) 394-6666.
The Graduates
Graduates from this degree program are employable immediately upon graduation, and career choices are as diverse as one's imagination: legal; medical or veterinary medicine; science; research; entertainment; social service; construction; retail; journalism; religion; education; real estate; advertising; accounting; wine industry; federal, state, and local government; banking; insurance; and tourism.
Our graduates are employed at such businesses as Kodak, Canandaigua Medical Group, Goulds Pumps, Xerox, and others throughout the region and across New York. Those who choose to transfer to four-year institutions such as Nazareth College of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology*, are currently pursuing careers as marketing administrators, paralegals, teachers, and college professors.
Salary: While salaries vary greatly by industry segment and region, the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook reports the median annual earnings of administrative assistants and secretaries as $33,410.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Faculty
The Administrative Assistant/Office Technologies professors are dedicated to FLCC’s mission of teaching and committed to teaching the most current office technology. Faculty members hold master’s degrees from Nazareth College and bring years of practical office experience into the classroom.