Computerized Office Assistant is a Diploma program (100% Online) offered by CDE Career Institute in Paterson, NJ. The program takes 39 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $11,369.
Program Overview
Clock Hours: 930 The Computerized Office Assistant program is a 100% online diploma program designed to provide comprehensive training in the skills necessary to work in a modern office setting. This program is approved for Title IV federal financial aid, meaning eligible students can receive Pell Grants and federal student loans. This program will prepare students for entry-level office positions in a variety of organizations. Job titles associated with these types of skills include, but are not limited to: Secretary; Receptionist; Administrative Assistant; Office Assistant; Bookkeeping Assistant and Office Clerk. *While CDE CAREER INSTITUTE actively assists students in their job search, we cannot guarantee employment to any student. If local employment opportunities are not available, relocation may be necessary.
Fill out the form below and an admissions advisor will contact you with more information about enrollment, financial aid, and class schedules.
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 to graduate from the program. While attendance is not calculated into individual course grades or the overall GPA, students must be scheduled for a minimum of 90% of the program’s total clock hours through scheduled attendance or make-up sessions, achieve a minimum attendance rate of at least 67%, and receive a final grade for all courses in order to graduate from the program. There will be no charge for make-up sessions.
For admission into the program, an applicant must be a high school graduate or possess a GED. No prior experience is required.
Admission Requirements and Process
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 to graduate from the program. While attendance is not calculated into individual course grades or the overall GPA, students must be scheduled for a minimum of 90% of the program’s total clock hours through scheduled attendance or make-up sessions, achieve a minimum attendance rate of at least 67%, and receive a final grade for all courses in order to graduate from the program. There will be no charge for make-up sessions.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- GED
- Personal interview
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
School Information
Campus Location
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Paterson Branch Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 14 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 95.5% rather than 100%.
Program Schedule
The Computerized Office Assistant program is 930 clock hours and can be completed in approximately 39 weeks.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Financial aid encompasses all funding that a student receives because of their enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Such financial aid includes, but is not limited to, Federal Direct student loans, Pell grants, Workforce Development Agency funds and employer reimbursement.
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Career Outcomes
CDE Career Institute offers graduates lifetime job placement assistance. We are committed to helping you reach your career goals by offering relevant training. Relationships with local employers keep us alert to developments in the labor force that include the jobs and skills that are most in demand.
Graduates of our 100% online programs — Medical Billing and Coding and Computerized Office Assistant — are prepared for high-demand careers in healthcare administration and office management.
For students enrolled in any program, placement assistance begins with skill and interest evaluation upon enrollment. Students will receive assistance in securing employment and moving into new positions as they move along their career path. While placement assistance services are available to all students enrolled in a program, CDE Career Institute cannot guarantee employment to any student.
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- Medical Transcription / Insurance Billing Specialist
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- Medical Transcription / Insurance Billing Specialist
- Computerized Office Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
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- MTIB, COA, MOA & PC Application
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What to expect as a CDE Career Institute student
CDE Career Institute offers a Computerized Office Assistant diploma program that is delivered entirely online, providing students with the flexibility to pursue comprehensive training in modern office skills from any location. This 930-clock-hour curriculum is specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions within a variety of organizational settings. By removing the need for physical campus attendance, the program accommodates students who require remote learning options while still receiving rigorous vocational instruction. The structure allows learners to engage with the material at their own pace, supported by the institute’s commitment to accessible education for those seeking to enter the administrative workforce.
Students enrolled in this program will develop a robust set of technical and business competencies essential for contemporary office environments. The curriculum focuses heavily on mastering Microsoft Office applications and QuickBooks, ensuring graduates possess the digital literacy required for daily administrative tasks. In addition to software proficiency, the training covers broader business skills that enable students to function effectively as secretaries, receptionists, administrative assistants, office clerks, or bookkeeping assistants. This blend of software expertise and general business acumen ensures that graduates are well-equipped to handle the diverse responsibilities associated with these job titles.
The learning experience is supported by financial aid opportunities, as the program is approved for Title IV federal financial aid. Eligible students can access Pell Grants and federal student loans to help manage the cost of their education, making the pursuit of a vocational diploma more attainable. The enrollment process is structured to guide students through clear steps, beginning with an admissions interview and the signing of an enrollment agreement. Following these initial steps, students set up tuition through financial aid or a payment plan and attend an orientation before commencing their classes, ensuring they are fully prepared for the academic journey ahead.
CDE Career Institute actively supports students in their transition from education to employment by assisting with job search efforts. While the institute does not guarantee employment to any student, it provides guidance to help graduates find suitable positions in their local areas. The program acknowledges that if local employment opportunities are limited, students may need to consider relocation to secure a role in their new field. This support system is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional application, helping students navigate the job market with confidence after completing their diploma.
The program is part of a broader catalog of vocational offerings at CDE Career Institute, which includes both online and campus-based options across different locations. The Computerized Office Assistant program stands out as a dedicated online track, distinct from campus-only programs like Medical Office Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing. This distinction allows students to choose a learning format that best fits their lifestyle and career goals. By focusing on specific vocational objectives, the program encourages students to develop practical job skills that directly enhance their employability and prepare them for a successful career in administrative support roles.
Curriculum
The Computerized Office Assistant program is a comprehensive, 100% online diploma course designed to equip students with the technical and administrative skills necessary for entry-level office positions. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics, including microcomputer keyboarding, business writing, and professional communication. A significant portion of the training focuses on mastering essential software applications, specifically the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) as well as Adobe Photoshop. Additionally, students receive instruction in accounting fundamentals and QuickBooks, ensuring they are proficient in bookkeeping tasks commonly required in modern business environments.
Training is delivered entirely through an online platform, emphasizing practical application over theoretical instruction. The program utilizes interactive online exercises and simulated office environments to help students apply business software and communication skills in realistic scenarios. This hands-on approach allows learners to develop proficiency in email essentials, telephone etiquette, and customer service fundamentals without the need for physical classroom attendance. The structure is intensive, consisting of 930 clock hours spread over approximately 39 weeks, accommodating students seeking rapid skill acquisition for careers as secretaries, receptionists, administrative assistants, or office clerks.
Upon completion, students will possess a robust skill set that includes advanced proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet management, database administration, and presentation design. They will also be prepared to handle professional responsibilities such as business grammar, etiquette, and job readiness strategies. The program is designed for individuals with a high school diploma or GED, requiring no prior computer or office experience. Graduates are prepared to enter various sectors, including corporate offices, hospitals, and schools, with the confidence to perform duties ranging from data entry to complex administrative support.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Microcomputer Keyboarding | 120 |
| Introduction to Windows | 24 |
| Managing Windows | 24 |
| Word Basic | 30 |
| Word Intermediate | 30 |
| Word Advanced | 30 |
| Business Writing Basics | 30 |
| Excel Basic | 24 |
| Excel Intermediate | 30 |
| Excel Advanced | 30 |
| Access Basic | 30 |
| Access Intermediate | 30 |
| Access Advanced | 30 |
| PowerPoint Basic | 30 |
| PowerPoint Intermediate | 24 |
| Outlook Basic | 24 |
| Outlook Intermediate | 30 |
| Outlook Advanced | 30 |
| Adobe Photoshop | 30 |
| Accounting Fundamentals | 48 |
| QuickBooks | 48 |
| Business Grammar Basics | 48 |
| Business Etiquette | 24 |
| Email Essentials for Business | 24 |
| Telephone Essentials for Business | 12 |
| Customer Service Fundamentals | 12 |
| Communication for Professionals | 24 |
| Job Readiness Skills/Managing Your Career | 24 |
| Totals | 894 |
School Information
Campus Location
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Paterson Branch Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 14 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 95.5% rather than 100%.