Schools throughout the U.S. offer office management associate's degree programs. Sanford-Brown offers an Associate of Applied Science in Business Office Administration degree program. Other schools that offers similar degrees include Kaplan University, which offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration. Virginia College, which has campuses throughout the southeastern states, offers an Associate of Applied Science Medical Office Management degree and also offers an online Associate of Applied Science Office Administration degree program. Local community colleges may have similar degree programs as well.
With an office management associate's degree, you might get a job as an administrative assistant or secretary. These professionals perform a variety of office tasks that help to make an office run more smoothly. The tasks performed may include meeting planning, project management, research and file organization. You may train new staff members as well. Duties vary depending on job title. In these jobs you use a variety of office equipment, including fax machines, computers, copiers, scanners and telephones.
A graduate with an office management associate's degree may be hired as an office manager or supervisor. Workers in this field supervise office staff and make sure that an office is running efficiently. You may be hired at an entry-level position and then advance with promotion to an office manager's job. Employers often want an office manager to have at least an associate's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in office manager jobs until 2018. Job prospects are best for those with current computer skills and for those with leadership skills.
After completing the office management associate's degree program, a graduate may get a position as an office clerk. Jobs within this field are expected to grow. The job duties vary depending on the office. Some duties may include maintaining records, making travel arrangements and inventory management. An office clerk may also create spreadsheets, make deals with vendors and order office supplies. Knowledge of office machines and current computer programs is important for this job. A file clerk with an office management associate's degree may eventually be promoted to a supervisory position or to another job, such as administrative assistant.