There are several types of secretary jobs, each with different requirements. Some positions can be attained with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but further training may provide more job opportunities. Others require additional administrative or industry-specific training. Formal education programs are especially important for secretaries in the medical and legal fields. Secretary training programs can result in a certificate, diploma or associate's degree. Read on to learn more.
Entry-Level Secretary or Administrative Assistant Education
Secretaries, sometimes called administrative assistants, perform clerical functions in an office environment. They manage and communicate information, make and receive phone calls, schedule appointments and meetings, file and fax documents and make copies. They work with superior staff members, business clients and the general public.
High school graduates with some office experience can qualify for entry-level secretary positions. Important skills include typing and familiarity with common office computer applications, such as word processors and spreadsheet software. Many high schools offer elective classes in these subjects. Community colleges also offer office and administration courses that can be taken separately or as part of a certificate, diploma or degree program in office administration.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSecretaryEducation">Important Facts About Secretary Education</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Scheduling Options</td><td>Full-time, part-time, accelerated</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Online, hybrid, or on-campus</td></tr>
<tr><td>Internship Availability</td><td> Included in some programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Other Training Requirements</td><td> Previous job experience needed for executive secretary positions</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $66,870 (for executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 8% decline (for all secretaries and administrative assistants)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ExecutiveSecretaryEducation">Executive Secretary Education</h3><p>Executive secretaries or administrative assistants support higher-ranking executives, and they undertake greater responsibility for administrative management. Basic job duties involve answering phones and arranging appointments; additional duties may include reviewing memos, preparing presentations and conducting research. Executive secretaries may also supervise other clerical personnel.
</p><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employers prefer executive secretaries to have a college degree. An associate's degree in secretarial science provides a rounded education in business operations and office applications. An associate's or bachelor's degree related to the company's field of operation is likely to give a secretary a better understanding of the subjects he or she will be handling each day.
</p><h3 id="section---MedicalOrLegalSecretaryEducation">Medical or Legal Secretary Education</h3><p>Secretaries in medical and legal fields require unique skills that are taught in educational programs separate from general education in administrative assistance. Medical secretaries must take courses to become familiar with medical terminology in order to transcribe and take dictation quickly and accurately. These classes also provide instruction in the procedures of a medical office, including legal and ethical issues.
</p><p>Legal secretaries also need to learn specific terminology and procedures common to the law profession. In legal secretary educational programs, students are taught to prepare and file legal documents such as motions, subpoenas and summonses. Classes also cover how to perform legal research and how to use docket control systems.</p>
