April 23-29, 2023, is recognized as Administrative Professionals' Week and it is time to celebrate the many contributions they bring to organizations.

Administrative professionals assist organizations by utilizing a variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities. They also go by many names: a receptionist, secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant, or office manager. Regardless of the title, or whether they work on the front line or behind the scenes, administrative professionals are vital to the success of our College and every organization.

An administrative professional’s tasks may include business communications, customer service, word processing, reporting and data entry, office machine operation and maintenance, office management, public relations, office accounting, filing, and records management.

Adaptability and life-long learning are a must. While some tasks have changed due to technology, the role of the administrative professional will never go away. There will always be the need to serve both the internal and external customers of an organization.

Minnesota West offers four-degree options to produce skilled administrative professionals that will effectively support and assist the operations of organizations in our communities:

Receptionist, Certificate (17 credits)

Administrative Assistant, Diploma (35 credits)

Administrative Assistant, AAS (60 credits)

Office Management, AAS (60 credits)

The programs are offered in an online format providing the flexibility needed to fit into your busy schedule. They allow for either a fall or spring start date which allows you to get started on your educational journey when the time is right for you. You can achieve your personal goals at your pace by choosing between part-time or full-time status. The programs incorporate current and emerging technologies ensuring you are prepared for today’s work environment.

Instructor Angela Hoffman shares her professional and online learning experiences with students enrolled in her courses. Hoffman said, "As a faculty member and program advisor, I pride myself in engaging with my students and assisting them from start to finish along their educational journey."

Vania Fleace, Worthington, MN, has been pursuing her Administrative Assistant A.A.S. degree online and is scheduled to graduate in May. Fleace said, "The Administrative Assistant A.A.S. degree has given me the confidence and preparation for the daily tasks in my career. I work as a secretary in a school district and felt this program was a good fit. The flexibility so I could continue working full-time and the direct support from Minnesota West made it easier to accomplish. Online learning can be challenging at times, but Mrs. Hoffman was always there to answer my questions and a great mentor."

In the Spring of 2022, Carmen Elston graduated with an Administrative Assistant Diploma. "The year my youngest child graduated from college, I enrolled at Minnesota West. The program allowed me to attend part-time and full-time to complete my Administrative Assistant Diploma. Flexibility was key for me to fit college into my life. The tuition made it an affordable choice and investment with many campus scholarships to apply for. Communication was important and made me feel connected as a student with the college. My peers were all very encouraging and supportive. Minnesota West gave me opportunities to engage as an online student. It was a great experience partaking in student advisory and consultation groups, serving as a student representative for the Administrative Support Program Advisory Board, and entering a poetry contest to be published. I gained knowledge in professionalism, business communications, customer service, and networking. I found it empowering to gain my new skills and to attain my dream," said Elston.

Current student Anna Waybright, studying abroad, said "One of the main highlights of Minnesota West was the fully-online degrees available. I chose the Administrative Assistant A.A.S. degree for portability. I was offered in-state tuition rates for Military families, which made it a great choice. I knew the course offerings would help me develop the skills I needed. Part-time flexibility and transferring to full-time made life and school balance much more manageable. Regardless of your career choices after graduation, the skills and knowledge from this program can be applied to anything. Instructor Mrs. Hoffman didn't let me give up, kept me motivated, supported and understood my needs and I am on my way to the finish line."

Minnesota West’s programs have been nationally recognized. We were the #7 online Associate Administrative Assistant Program in the nation for 2020 by BestColleges.com. In 2021, we were also listed as one of the Best 24 Administrative Assistant Associate Degree Programs in the nation by BestValueSchools.org.

For more information about the Administrative Support Programs at Minnesota West, please contact Angela Hoffman angela.hoffman@mnwest.edu or 507-372-3404.