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Program assistant skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Ellen Birchander,

Jordan Levy Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical program assistant skills. We ranked the top skills for program assistants based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 12.1% of program assistant resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a program assistant needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 program assistant skills for your resume and career

1. Patients

Here's how program assistants use patients:

Transition Coordinator Assistant supporting the Program Transition Coordinator assisting on correspondences when dealing with patients transitioning to the adult care.
Utilized complex databases to obtain and/or verify complete demographic and insurance information from patients using CENTRICITY system.

2. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how program assistants use customer service:

Provide administrative support and customer service related to enrollment and assist the Director and Assistant Director with program administration.
Provided customer service addressing inquiries to undergraduate students enrolled or seeking enrollment into Teacher Education programs of study.

3. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how program assistants use data entry:

Conducted intake and interviewed clients; maintained agency records and Welfare Management System; ensured accurate documentation for data entry.
Developed an Access database to simplify billing functions and reduce redundancy in data entry and report generation.

4. HR

HR stands for human resources and is used to describe the set of people who work for a company or an organization. HR responsibilities revolve around updating employee records and carrying out management processes like planning, recruitment, evaluation, and selection processes. HR is a key contributor to any company or organization's growth as they are in charge of hiring the right employees, processing payrolls, conducting disciplinary actions, etc.

Here's how program assistants use hr:

Performed HR functions including entry of payroll and monitoring of staff certification requirements.
Provided technical assistance to HR Department in conducting a firm-wide employee performance evaluation.

5. Excellent Interpersonal

Here's how program assistants use excellent interpersonal:

Utilized excellent interpersonal skills during daily parents meetings to discuss the on-ice progress of their children.

6. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how program assistants use data collection:

Enhance data collection processes by developing efficient compilation methods, strict guideline adherence and maintain initiative for gathering all pertinent information.
Position requires data collection using Power Point presentations and Excel formats while communicating through Microsoft Office and Scholar classes/exams from Virginia Tech

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7. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

Here's how program assistants use cpr:

Participated in required CPR, and behavior intervention training in order to maintain certification.
Specialized Training: Certification in First Aid/ CPR, Medication Administering Certificate,

8. PowerPoint

Here's how program assistants use powerpoint:

Assisted the Curriculum Trainer and Administrative Clinician with preparation of PowerPoint slide presentations, audio-visual materials, and multiple training manuals.
Created PowerPoint presentations used for business development and posted open positions on company and social media websites.

9. Word Processing

Here's how program assistants use word processing:

Entered database information and transcribed pathologists and physicians' information into reports using file transfer protocol and word processing technology.
Maintained records and files utilizing Windows-based word processing and spreadsheet programs.

10. Immunization

Here's how program assistants use immunization:

Coordinated laboratory test and results to ensure completion prior before scheduled appointments to ensured children had proper immunization.
Reviewed immunization status by using immunization record of MCIR online system and provide referrals as needed.

11. Provides Administrative Support

Here's how program assistants use provides administrative support:

Manage office operations (including filing of sensitive records), provides administrative support to supervisor and staff members.
Program Assistant provides administrative support primarily to Family and Youth programs to ensure that the department operations run smoothly.

12. Office Equipment

Here's how program assistants use office equipment:

Coordinated maintenance of office equipment, organizes safety inspections, keeps all documentation
Ensured supplies/inventory/storage & operation of key office equipment was maintained.

13. Administrative Assistance

Administrative assistant duties include managing and distributing information within an office that may include taking memos, answering phones, and maintaining files. Admin assistants may facilitate office members with documentation also.

Here's how program assistants use administrative assistance:

Provided technical and administrative assistance in coordinating program activities within the Automotive Department at a community college.
Provided administrative assistance for contract education training programs, Author; Economic Development Newsletter and Management Portfolio.

14. Child Care

Child care means the care, supervision, or guidance of a child by a person other than the child's parent, guardian, or custodian for periods of less than 24 hours. Childcare could be either center-based such as a daycare or a nursery or home-based care such as nannies or family daycare.

Here's how program assistants use child care:

Assisted in calculating documents in order for child care providers to receive monetary reimbursement.
Advised Child Care Director on behavioral and possible developmental matters affecting specific children.

15. Administrative Tasks

Here's how program assistants use administrative tasks:

Coordinated high-level meetings and performed all administrative tasks including assisting with presentations and ensuring the smooth facilitation and flow of meetings.
Wrote/Edited monthly newsletter -Wrote marketing material -Grant Research and preparation -Performed various business documents, performed administrative tasks as required.

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What skills help Program Assistants find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on program assistant resumes?

Ellen Birchander

Graduate Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Boston

The field of aging is very different than other disciplines. It encompasses all aspects of life for an older adult; healthcare, transportation, entertainment, consumerism, marketing, technology, social work, housing, insurance, nutrition, etc. This affords many opportunities for individuals who are passionate about working with older adults and their families. There are many entry-level options and lots of room for growth.

There are several characteristics that are advantageous. The most important characteristic is a love/ passion for working with an aging population. In addition, it helps to be curious and a quick learner, and to be patient.

Skills in the field transcend many disciplines. It is very important to have excellent interpersonal and listening skills. This is essential not only for direct service work but to continue to learn about a dynamic field that is constantly changing as people and environments change. Next, organizational skills are essential for negotiating the many intricate responsibilities that encompass an individual's life. Management skills allow individuals to move within a changing field. An understanding of health and wellness, social aspects of aging, and psychology are also very useful skill sets to have. No one lives in a vacuum, so understanding family dynamics is very useful.

In today's world, every profession requires some degree of proficiency with technology. The field of aging is no different. Attention to detail, analytical skills, and professionalism are key elements to success in the field.

As individuals gain experience and hone skills, the opportunities to develop policy and programs, direct home and community-based services, direct residential long-term care services, work in other fields such as finance, housing, entertainment as experts in aging increases.

Working as a gerontologist allows you to impact other people's lives with the goal of promoting autonomy, independence, and continued quality of life. There is little that is so fulfilling as making a difference.

What program assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Jordan Levy Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Anthropology, Pacific Lutheran University

Some students enter college having taken a "gap year" between high school and university. Any kind of volunteer or work experience that further develops their interpersonal communication skills is beneficial for the range of discussion and small group work that university-level classes require. Some students do service projects in other countries, which is great because they also gain international experiences that contribute to their overall formation as informed global citizens. These experiences can then tell what kinds of classes they take in university and can remain a source of inspiration for what careers they pursue.

What type of skills will young program assistants need?

Jamelyn Tobery-Nystrom

Coordinator of M.Ed. Special Education, Frostburg State University

Special education needs are wide and varying, depending on position and state/jurisdiction needs. In general, knowledge and experience in the Autism Spectrum is a high need area. Knowledge and skills in behavioral/mental health are also in demand. Indeed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to adapt instruction online is a new skill area for special education teachers.

What technical skills for a program assistant stand out to employers?

Amanda Carpenter

Director, California State University Channel Islands

-Data analytics skills are critical technical skills that stand out to employers in today's market. According to NACE (2018), the use of data analytics is projected to have the most significant impact on an organization's operational efficiency and revenue generation.
-Source (NACE): www.naceweb.org

Do you want to know more?

List of program assistant skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a program assistant resume and required skills for a program assistant to have include:

Patients
Customer Service
Data Entry
HR
Excellent Interpersonal
Data Collection
CPR
PowerPoint
Word Processing
Immunization
Provides Administrative Support
Office Equipment
Administrative Assistance
Child Care
Administrative Tasks
Community Resources
Community Outreach

Educational Programs
Financial Reports
Informed Consent
Front Desk
Event Planning
Program Support
Travel Arrangements
Dementia Care
Clerical Support
Meeting Minutes
Facebook
Expense Reports
SharePoint
Administrative Functions
Developmental Disabilities
Telephone Calls
Program Materials

Logistical Support
Technical Assistance
Program Development
Scheduling Appointments
Twitter
Google Drive
Mathematics
Community Events
Press Releases
Program Directors
Child Guidance
Promotional Materials
Conference Calls
DOD
Program Environment
Statistical Data

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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