Online Receptionist Certificates

<p>Online receptionist certificate programs are quite rare. Some schools allow you to take a portion of your receptionist courses online, while the majority of the classes are conducted on-site. </p> <p>You can, however, enroll in an online office assistant certificate program, which teaches you the skills needed to work as a receptionist. There are also online certificate programs that train you in a particular field of office work, such as legal or medical assistance. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Certificate Specializations</b></td><td>Programs offer medical or legal specializations</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Course Structure</b></td><td>No special requirements other than possible on-campus attendance for exams</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Typing, record keeping, customer service, computer technology, document filing</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$31,110* (<i>for receptionists and information clerks</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)*</b></td><td>4%* (<i>for all receptionists and information clerks</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoesAnOnlineCertificateProgramWork">How Does an Online Certificate Program Work?</h3> <p>An online office assistant certificate program typically takes 1-3 quarters to complete, which takes a few months in most cases. The coursework consists of independent work, like online readings and weekly worksheets that you have to complete within a certain time frame. Online programs often encourage class interaction in the form of discussion boards, where you can post comments and questions to the faculty and your fellow students. </p> <p>Some programs require students to have access to a testing area to take exams in person. Testing sites often include local libraries, high schools or community colleges. Typically, you must pass each course section while maintaining a minimum GPA to receive your certificate. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatClassesCanIExpectToTake">What Classes Can I Expect to Take?</h3> <p>Courses for an office assistant certificate program will you train you to carry out the basic daily tasks of a receptionist, such as using office computers and equipment, dealing with the public, booking appointments and taking phone calls. Common office assistant classes include: </p> <ul><li>Document filing </li><li>Record keeping </li><li>Customer service skills </li><li>Typing </li><li>Telephone and communication skills </li><li>Computer technology </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithTheCertificate">What Can I Do with the Certificate?</h3> <p>With training in office administrative procedures, you can find work as a receptionist for a number of different offices or businesses. You can also become a virtual receptionist, which allows you to work off-site for an employer. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of receptionists is expected to rise by 4% between 2019 and 2029. Work experience and experience with computers may increase job prospects. The BLS also reported that receptionists had a median annual salary of $31,110 as of May 2020.</p>