Overview
Are you looking to upskill quickly for a career switch, re-enter the workforce, or work in office administration? The BCIT Office Administrator with Technology (OAT) certificate program offers job-ready skills in just five months.
This hands-on program provides the computer and business skills needed for administrative positions today, preparing you to join the workforce immediately. It is ideal for individuals who do not have previous education or background in computing.
In addition to core technical training, you will also:
- Participate in mock interviews
- Gain skills in writing a competitive resume
- Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your new office skills
- Enhance competencies such as communication and teamwork
- Be introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and achieve AI literacy
About the program
- Work through this full-time program with your cohort, sharing your experience and expertise, and building a professional network that will last long after you graduate
- Full-time certificate program (Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- 2 intakes: April (in-person at the Downtown Campus) & October (online)
- 3 months of hands-on learning and realistic business projects
- 2-month full-time work term in industry or completion of a Capstone Project
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from OAT, and how you can prepare for a career in office administration.
Who it’s for
This program might be for you if you:
- Already have a credential, but are ready to start a new career in office administration
- Are looking to quickly earn the skills to begin working in an entry-level administrative position
- Enjoy working with people, either in an office environment or virtually, in a work-from-home arrangement
- Are organized and like doing a variety of tasks
- Are seeking a supportive, hands-on educational experience studying in Canada
If any of these sound like you, please check the Entrance Requirements to ensure you can apply and start your new career path.
What grads can do
By earning your BCIT Certificate, you’ll be honing your computing, organizational, and communication skills to prepare for various positions in office administration.
Just have a look at where these four graduates ended up working.
Learn more about the opportunities awaiting you on the Graduating & Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program is open to applications:
- October 1st* for the April intake (in-person delivery)
- April 1st* for the October intake (online delivery)
*or next business day
Applications are considered for a specific intake.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet the following entrance requirement and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains:
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
Recommended for success
Applicants are recommended to take COMP 1002 – Applied Computer Concepts before applying to this program if they have limited experience with a computer operating on Windows, particularly for tasks like managing personal files.
International applicants
The full-time in-person delivery option is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program. A work/coop permit is also required for the in-person delivery.
The full-time online delivery option is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit. International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Costs & Supplies
Learn about BCIT entrance awards, including support for Indigenous students entering computing programs.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Tuition fees include all textbooks, course/lab materials, and all prepaid vendor exam vouchers.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Refund policy
- If notice is submitted in writing and received by the Program Coordinator at least 12 working days prior to the first day of classes, all tuition fees paid (less the commitment fee) will be refunded to the student.
- If notice is submitted in writing and received by the Program Coordinator by 4:00 pm on the second day of class, all fees paid (less the commitment and penalty fee) will be refunded to the student.
- There will be no refund of fees issued after the second day of class.
- Withdrawal for medical reasons, possible partial refund with doctor's medical note.
Courses
Class hours
9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| OATP 1000 | Communication Skills | 5.0 | |
| OATP 1200 | Business Development | 6.0 | |
| OATP 2000 | Information Technology | 24.0 | |
| and | |||
| OATP 3000 | Work Place Education | 11.0 | |
| or | |||
| OATP 3001 | Capstone Project | 11.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 46.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Use Microsoft Word to create professional documents
- Create budgets and analyze data with Microsoft Excel
- Design and deliver a presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint
- Use Microsoft Outlook to manage schedules, contacts, and email
- Design and develop a small database with Microsoft Access
- Complete basic bookkeeping tasks with Sage 50
- Prepare and understand financial reports
- Use HTML5, CSS3, and WordPress to build and manage a website
- Enhance photos and create graphics with Adobe Photoshop
In addition, you will challenge two Microsoft Office Specialist exams and earn two valued industry certifications:
- Microsoft Word 365
- Microsoft Excel 365
Program length
- Three months, full-time, followed by two months of practical work experience in the form of a practicum or capstone project.
- There will be no extended breaks except for statutory holidays.
Program delivery
This program offers intakes in the following delivery modes:
- In-person: The intake is delivered on campus.
- Online: The intake is delivered fully online.
Program location
April intake
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
October intake
Distance and online learning
Graduating & Jobs
Students are equipped with practical skills that apply to a variety of fields. Depending on previous academic and work experience, career paths for graduates may include but are not limited to:
- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Coordinator
- Administrative Support
- Administrator / Receptionist
Did you know that:
- 92% of grads were very satisfied or satisfied with their education.
- 95% of grads found their OAT Certificate useful in getting their job.
- 97% of grads were able to find a program-related job within 6 months.
Career services
Your ultimate goal is to find an OAT-related job once you graduate. We support you with:
- Resume writing skills
- LinkedIn profile tips
- Mock technical interview training
- Access to BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) Career Specialists
- BCITSA Industry Days job fairs
- Specialized workshops, employer showcases, and individual support and guidance, and more
What grads say about OAT:
- “I was hired instantaneously after finishing the program.” – Karen Galang, Office Administrative Assistant, New Point Property Management
- “Within a month of completing the practicum, I was offered and accepted my first full-time office position, which I still hold.” – Laura Schubert, BC Court Registry Agent
- “I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a rewarding career with abundant opportunities.” – Preeti Subramanian, Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Translink
- “OAT prepared me for the future, not only with the academics I learned, but it has given me the confidence I need to succeed in my new life in Canada.” – Veronica Jacobsohn, HR Analyst, Providence Health Care
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Lorraine Fentie
Program Head
Tel: 604-412-7710
Email: Lorraine_Fentie@bcit.ca
Staff
Bal Lidhar
Program Coordinator
Tel: 604-412-7650
Email: Bal_Lidhar@bcit.ca
TPP Department
Administration
Tel: 604-412-7650
Email: tpp@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
BCIT is well-respected by employers for its ties to industry. In Computing, this connection is formalized through a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) comprised of experts in a range of roles from a cross-section of companies. While PAC membership varies, representatives typically come from tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, government and public infrastructure organizations, software companies, gaming and entertainment, and more.
Contact Us
For admission and program inquiries:
Tel: 604-412-7650
Email: tpp@bcit.ca
Mailing address:
TTP Programs
BCIT Downtown Campus
521 – 555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6B 3H6
Questions or comments?
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