COURSE CURRICULUM

The Administrative Office Professional Certificate program at Medicine Hat College is structured over two terms and provides students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in office environments. In Term 1, students begin with APRO 108 - Keyboarding/Desktop Publishing I, where they develop essential typing speed and formatting abilities, followed by APRO 125 - Office Communications I, focusing on clear, professional written communication. APRO 135 - Advanced Word & PowerPoint enhances students’ proficiency in document and presentation creation, while APRO 140 - Bookkeeping I introduces basic accounting principles and financial record-keeping. APRO 167 - Office Relations emphasizes interpersonal and customer service skills crucial for effective workplace communication and collaboration. During this term, students also receive customer service training and conclude with a short work experience, providing real-world context for classroom learning. In Term 2, the curriculum builds on this foundation with APRO 109 - Keyboarding/Desktop Publishing II, advancing typing and desktop publishing capabilities. APRO 137 - Advanced Excel introduces students to spreadsheet management and data analysis tools. APRO 145 - Bookkeeping II continues financial training with more complex concepts, and APRO 155 - Office Communications II further refines professional writing and communication techniques. APRO 190 - Work Experience offers students hands-on practice in an actual office setting, applying what they’ve learned in a supervised environment. Finally, APRO 210 - Payroll Compliance Legislation equips students with knowledge of payroll systems, legislation, and reporting requirements—essential for administrative roles that involve human resources or finance responsibilities. This combination of technical instruction, practical experience, and professional development ensures graduates are workplace-ready for a variety of administrative positions in business, education, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. The program’s flexible delivery model also allows students to complete coursework online or in-person, making it accessible for those balancing other life commitments while pursuing a new or upgraded career path.