CONTACT: Rollie Cox * (608) 246-6491 or Robin Gee * (608) 243-4378
The administrative support field will grow overall by about 12.5 percent through 2014 with most new positions developing in the medical support area and in those demanding increased responsibility, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand is strongest for well-trained workers with specialized skills and technical savvy.
In response to these trends, Madison Area Technical College (MATC) has developed two new business technology certificates in Basic Medical Reception Skills and Project Management to provide office personnel the additional training needed to compete for the higher-paying jobs in this field. In addition, MATC is moving more of its courses online and offering accelerated and evening classes to accommodate those already working in the field who want to learn new skills to advance in their careers.
Salaries, too, have been on a steady rise to attract those with top-level skills in the field. Annual salaries for executive assistants and those with advanced technical duties range from $32,000 to $40,000, up 8.8 percent over last year, and medical receptionists’ salaries have risen by 4.3 percent to a range of $28,750 to $35,500.
In a recent article for OfficePro, the magazine of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Diane Domeyer, executive director for OfficeTeam, reports those with advanced skills and training have a clear advantage.
“As hiring in many industries continues to pick up, companies are boosting starting salary levels to attract the best candidates,” she says. “Administrative professionals with advanced skills – particularly technology proficiency – and relevant work experience will be able to command the highest compensation.”
Two MATC degree programs, the Administrative Assistant Associate Degree Program and the one-year Business Software Applications Specialist Program are available completely online as are several classes in computer software. As the demand for bilingual (Spanish/English) speakers also increases, the college has added bilingual courses and certificates in computer software and other office-related skills. In addition, the college has added accelerated and self-paced course options designed to better fit the schedules of students already working in the field.
Many of these students say that advanced degrees and training are key. “We know from our online Administrative Assistant students that they are interested in climbing the corporate ladder and that earning an associate degree will help them attain that goal,” says Gerri Wicklund, an instructor in the MATC Administrative Assistant Program.
For more information on MATC business technology programs, certificates and courses, see the MATC Business Technology Website at http://matcmadison.edu/businesstech or call (608) 246-6369.
MATC is one of the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s 16 colleges. It provides “real world smart” education through a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well as customized employee training. MATC offers associate degrees, vocational diplomas and certificates, and non-degree courses in more than 140 programs of study. The college serves all or parts of 12 counties located in south-central Wisconsin and offers instruction through five campuses and numerous community locations throughout the district.
