CAREER TRAINING – GROSSMONT COLLEGE
BUSINESS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY (BOT) DEPARTMENT
Perhaps you’ve been out of the workforce for a while or recently displaced as result of the economy. This may be your opportunity to refresh or train your skills for a new career. The Business Office Technology (BOT) department at Grossmont College offers a variety of certificate programs and degrees, some of which can be earned within a semester via instructor, online and flex lab methods of delivery.
The BOT curriculum prepares students for employment and advancement in today’s technology intensive office. The curriculum has been planned to accommodate various needs and career paths. In addition to office skills, students will acquire proficiency in using computers and current software to perform a variety of essential administrative functions. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with management in all types of business environments.
Students wishing to earn a certificate or degree in BOT select an area of emphasis in either Administrative Assistant (A.A.) or Executive Assistant (E.A.). The A.A. degree is designed for students who wish to acquire the skills necessary for entry to mid-level administrative support position. The E.A. curriculum is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for a mid to upper level administrative support position. This degree also prepares students to take the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification examination.
Certificate programs include: Office Professional, Office Assistant I and II, Healthcare Documentation Professional (formerly Medical Transcription), Virtual Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Office Software Specialist I and II. Career opportunities include positions such as event coordinator, account assistant, desktop publishing specialist, virtual office management, receptionist, and healthcare documentation specialist.
The key to a successful career is the right training! The Healthcare Documentation Professional certificate is under the guidance of Karen Fox, CMT. Students learn the technology needed to succeed as a medical transcriptionist, and job placement is available upon graduation. For more information about this program, visit us on the web at www.grossmont.edu/bot (click on the “medical transcribing” link). Contact Karen.Fox@Foxtx.net or 619-527-9362
The computer flex lab offers an environment in which students can select from courses ranging from basic keyboarding to comprehensive level hands-on applications. Learners arrange their schedules based on personal calendars, putting in a minimum number of hours weekly. Students may add up to the 11th week of the semester.
Additionally, online courses exist for those who wish to learn from home. Internet learning is strictly web (no face-to-face). Instructor-led courses are also available. The fall schedule is posted online: https://wa.gcccd.edu/ . One can apply and enroll online. Classes begin Monday, August 25, however some will be starting a few weeks into the semester.
The Office Professional Training (OPT) program offers free (for those who qualify), intensive training for 20 weeks, starting July 31. OPT provides the choice of three tracks: accounting, insurance and general office support. Students enroll in units: keyboarding, office procedures, filing, MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Business English, and job search strategies.
OPT graduates benefit from job placement and internship opportunities upon successful completion of certificate requirements. Entry-level wages range from $10-15/hour, depending on the location and duties. CalWORKs recipients are encouraged to apply by contacting Janell at: 619-644-7247. Visit the website: www.grossmont.edu/bot/opt.htm.
To learn more about careers in BOT, view the department website: www.grossmont.edu/bot or call Linda Sniderat 619-644-7816 or linda.snider@gcccd.edu.
Linda Snider is the BOT Coordinator/Instructor at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, 92020.