Executive Assistant Diploma
About the Executive Assistant Diploma
The Executive Assistant Diploma builds on your organizational, computer & communication skills while preparing you for the next level of assisting in and managing an office environment.
Students will gain essential skills in office procedures, computer software training, accounting, human resources, business & contract law, cross-cultural awareness and project & event planning. Through work-integrated learning & mentorship, students will get a chance to apply these skills in real-world situations.
Graduates of the Executive Assistant diploma are ready to take the initiative to apply exceptional verbal & written communication, relationship building, diplomacy & leadership skills and political acumen to provide senior executives with the support to function as effectively as possible.
Work-integrated Learning
This program includes two practicums.
During the first practicum, students will apply administrative professional skills such as filing, typing, answering phones, drafting emails and basic accounting.
In the second practicum, students will shadow an Executive Assistant, working directly for an executive or senior manager, to apply the skills learned in an office setting.
Further Study
The Executive Assistant Diploma may transfer to other Business and Administrative Professional programs in Alberta.
Related Careers
Executive Assistant
Operations Coordinator
Office Coordinator
Office Associate
Administrative Specialist
Administrative Manager
Office Manager
Project or Event Coordinator
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Intakes
Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance.
Important dates may change .
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Executive Assistant must have a minimum of 50% in or equivalent:
ELA 30-1
OR
A minimum of 65% in or equivalent:
ELA 30-2
OR
A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.
OR
Certificate Entry Admission
Successful completion of RDP’s Administrative Professional Certificate program, or equivalent from an accredited Canadian public post-secondary institution
Successful completion of RDP’s Business Certificate program, or equivalent from an accredited Canadian public post-secondary institution
When receiving admission based on completion of a Certificate, this pathway may require additional coursework for diploma completion. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that prerequisites are met for course selection.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted.
All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfers
Students may receive Recognition of Prior Learning in some courses where the learning of skills, knowledge or competencies have been acquired through work, formal and informal education or training, or self-study.
Recommended for Practicum Placements
While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations.
Information about obtaining Police Information Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program.
Recommended for Online Learners
While not an admission requirement for the program, to be successful, students should have basic computer skills, such as the ability to function independently on basic computer software programs and to carry out basic internet navigation.
Program Costs
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
Two work placements are required.
The first placement occurs after the first year of courses and consists of 120 hours (APRO 170).
This practicum focuses on applying administrative professional skills such as filing, typing, answering phones, drafting emails, basic accounting, etc.
The second placement (BUS 2290) occurs in the last semester of the second year and consists of 90 hours.
This practicum focuses on applying Executive Assistant skills in an appropriate setting. The student will shadow an Executive Assistant, working directly for an executive or senior manager, to experience the pressures and interpersonal skills relating to this position.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.