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Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$33,910
Average Salary
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High school graduates who have experience using computer software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets, usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although most secretaries learn their job in several weeks, many legal and medical secretaries require additional training to learn industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries usually need several years of related work experience.
EducationHigh school graduates can take courses in word processing and office procedures at technical schools or community colleges. Some temporary placement agencies also provide training in word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Some medical and legal secretaries learn industry-specific terminology and practices by attending courses offered at community colleges or technical schools. For executive secretary positions, employers increasingly prefer to hire those who have taken some college courses or have a bachelor’s degree.
TrainingSecretaries and administrative assistants typically learn their skills through short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. During this time they learn about administrative procedures, including how to prepare documents. Medical and legal secretaries’ training may last several months as they learn industry-specific terminology and practices.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationExecutive secretaries can gain experience by working in administrative positions that have less challenging responsibilities. Many secretaries and administrative assistants advance to higher level administrative positions.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAlthough not required, certification can demonstrate competency to employers.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals offers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 to 4 years of administrative work experience, depending on their level of education, and pass an examination.
Legal secretaries have several certification options. For example, those with 1 year of general office experience, or who have completed an approved training course, can acquire the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification through a testing process administered by NALS (previously known as National Association of Legal Secretaries). NALS also offers the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certification, considered to be an advanced certification for legal support professionals.
The Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) certification is conferred by Legal Secretaries International in areas such as intellectual property, criminal law, civil litigation, probate, and business law. Candidates typically need to have 5 years of legal experience and pass an examination to become certified.
AdvancementSecretaries and administrative assistants generally advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as office supervisor, office manager, or executive secretary.
With additional training, many legal secretaries become paralegals or legal assistants.
Important QualitiesIntegrity. Many secretaries and administrative assistants are trusted to handle sensitive information. For example, medical secretaries collect patient data that is required, by law, to be kept confidential in order to protect patient privacy.
Interpersonal skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff. They should communicate effectively and be courteous when interacting with others to create a positive work environment and client experience.
Organizational skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in proper order so an office can run efficiently.
Writing skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers. Therefore, they must have good grammar, ensure accuracy, and maintain a professional tone.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Assistant Center Manager
Top Careers After Assistant Center Manager
Gender
Female
58.7%Male
39.2%Unknown
2.1%Ethnicity
White
78.4%Hispanic or Latino
12.0%Asian
7.4%Unknown
1.6%Black or African American
0.6%Languages Spoken
Spanish
51.1%French
8.0%German
5.7%Mandarin
5.7%Portuguese
4.5%Japanese
3.4%Russian
3.4%Chinese
2.3%Hindi
2.3%Italian
2.3%Lithuanian
1.1%Dutch
1.1%Vietnamese
1.1%Marathi
1.1%Albanian
1.1%Cantonese
1.1%Urdu
1.1%Coptic
1.1%Arabic
1.1%Korean
1.1%Assistant Center Manager
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Ashford University
10.8%University of Phoenix
9.9%Liberty University
8.1%Wichita State University
6.3%Arizona State University
5.4%University of Houston
5.4%Kaplan University
5.4%National University
4.5%Emporia State University
4.5%California State University - Fullerton
3.6%Michigan State University
3.6%Fordham University
3.6%Northwood University
3.6%Ohio State University
3.6%University of Iowa
3.6%San Diego State University
3.6%University of Mississippi
3.6%American InterContinental University
3.6%George Mason University
3.6%Louisiana State University and A&M College
3.6%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
44.3%Other
23.1%Masters
17.0%Associate
10.3%Certificate
3.3%Diploma
0.9%Doctorate
0.9%License
0.1%Assistant Center Manager
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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Talecris Plasma Resources
Sylvan Learning Center
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Weekly Space Hangout – Mar. 4, 2016: Dr. Michelle Thaller