This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2004-2005 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version.
In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the
on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this course calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2004 to Aug. 31, 2005.
Applied Business Technology
Offered at Langley and Surrey Campus
Limited part-time (weekends) at Surrey Campus
Note: Not all courses are offered each semester.
Limited Enrolment
Description
This is a diploma program, which students may also exit at either
the certificate or citation level
The two-year diploma program prepares students for advancement
in office careers, and/or for direct transfer into the third year of the
Kwantlen Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in
Entrepreneurial Leadership. The first year of this program is the
Applied Business Technology certificate.
The first year of study provides students with excellent workplace
skills of an intensive, practical nature. The curriculum provides a
background in Business Communications, Bookkeeping Basics,
Computer Competency, Office Dynamics, and Word Processing,
as well as courses specific to the specialty option selected by each
student. These options are Administrative Assistant, Legal
Secretarial, or Medical Office Assistant. Students may exit the
program at the certificate level with skills appropriate to the office
workplace.
Student Profile
Students that are recent high school graduates or are mature
students with or without higher education. Students have a large
variety of previous work experiences. Some students are seeking
entry to the workforce, some are upgrading office skills, some wish
for a change in career path, and others have completed higher
education and are seeking a hands-on, learning environment with a
practical focus.
Admission Requirements
A minimum “C” grade in English 12, or Communications 12 or
TPC 12, or 213 Cb-TOEFL with Writing Band 4, or Kwantlen
Placement test into ENGL 1099 or (ABEE 0081 or PSPE 1081) or
or ELST 0381. Some keyboarding skill is recommended. Upon
acceptance into the program, the student is required to choose one
of the specialized program options.
Citation
Completion of the five core courses the ABT Certificate program
will qualify a student for the ABT Citation. These courses are
available both during the day and in the evening on a part-time
basis at selected campuses. Not all courses are available each
semester during the evening; day classes are only available at the
Surrey and Langley campuses. Priority registration in the day
courses is given to full-time certificate students.
The Applied Business Technology program prepares students for
general and specialized administrative support positions in business
and institutional offices. All graduates will have up-to-date skills in
current office software and procedures, business communications
(written and oral), and bookkeeping. Graduates of the four
specialty options will have skills specifically required for success in
their chosen field. The program promotes development of skills
used in teamwork, problem solving, and decision making which are
vital for success in today’s workplace.
Note: Students must declare the specialty program upon initial
application; however, changes may be permitted after completing
one semester based upon space availability.
The first semester courses are common to all specialty options. In
the second semester students follow the course work of their
designated program. Not all options or all courses are available at
every campus each year. Specialty Options are available in the
following:
Administrative Assistant – prepares students for a wide variety
of office careers.
Legal Secretarial – prepares students to assist lawyers in legal
offices and government agencies.
Medical Office Assistant – prepares students to assist a
physician in medical office functions.
Content
All specialty certificates require the same five core courses during
which students develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for
success in any business office. Upon completion of specific
prerequisites, students may enroll in the courses specific to the
option that they have chosen.
The Administrative Office Systems Program prepares students for
exciting and varied office positions. Graduates of this program will
demonstrate proficiency in computer applications and will be able
to assume administrative positions within a variety of companies
and institutions. Up-to-date software is used, and the emphasis is
on transferability of skills and understanding of concepts and
processes. Advanced word processing, electronic spreadsheets,
databases, accounting software, and desktop publishing will be
studied with emphasis on their business application.
The program places emphasis on skills in communication,
interpersonal relations, teamwork, administrative procedures, oral
and written presentations, meeting management, problem-solving
and decision making; these skills are identified as vital for success in
today’s workplace.
Today, office support workers are assuming greater responsibilities,
and they are expected to have greater and more varied skills. The
job outlook is very good for well-prepared graduates. Careers are
available in many different businesses; graduates may assume
positions as administrative assistants, sales assistants, marketing
assistants, research assistants, secretaries, receptionists, or office
clerks. The responsibilities vary greatly depending on market needs,
the needs of the firm, and the education, skills and initiative of the
graduate. Some graduates may prefer to establish their own office
support contracting service.
Opportunities exist for graduates to continue their education
through the Applied Business Technology Diploma.
Legal Secretarial Option
This option provides students with education in basic legal
secretarial procedures required in today’s legal offices. Subjects
covered will include general office procedures, wills and estates,
corporate records, civil litigation, family law, and conveyancing. In
addition, students will become knowledgeable in word processing
skills.
Upon graduation, most students will obtain employment in legal
offices, notaries public offices, government offices, or legal
departments of large corporations.
With additional education some graduates go on to become
paralegals.
Medical Office Assistant Option
The Medical Office Assistant program prepares students for
employment in a variety of health care settings that are more
challenging than ever. Graduates are able to demonstrate the
necessary skills for efficient office management. Students learn
medical terminology and hands-on clinical procedures and skills.
Up-to-date computerized medical billing software and current
Medical Services Plan Schedules are used to simulate actual billing
experiences for today’s office.
The program places emphasis on interpersonal skills, teamwork,
critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written
communications; these skills are vital for success in today’s
workplace.
The health care industry is one of the largest industries in Canada
and the Medical Office Assistant is valued as an Allied Health
Professional. The Medical Office Assistant program prepares
students to perform administrative and/or clinical functions in a
variety of health care settings that are now more challenging and
rewarding than ever before. They may conduct limited laboratory
procedures, assist physicians in the examination and treatment of
patients, and perform tasks necessary for efficient office operation.
They are invaluable members of the health care team in ensuring a
smooth-running clinical environment.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of Semester 1, students are awarded
an Applied Business Technology Citation. An Applied Business
Technology Certificate indicating the specific option is awarded to
students who have successfully completed Semesters one and two.
A diploma in Applied Business Technology is awarded after
completion of an additional 30 credits as described below.
Diploma
The ten additional courses required for the diploma will provide
students with enhanced knowledge, skills, and attitudes for the
various office workplaces they have chosen. They will be better
prepared for advancement and for supervisory positions with
enhanced communication skills and knowledge of management,
organizational behaviour, marketing, microeconomics, human
resource management, project management, and administrative
management. Students also have the opportunity to select from a
group of optional courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates find employment in a wide variety of business, medical
and legal offices and departments. They may be considered for
entry-level supervisory and office management positions in both
the public and private sector.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the ABT Certificate/equivalent
Content
To be eligible for transfer to the Bachelor of Business
Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership Degree, the
prescribed bridging courses must be taken within the optional
course choices.
