Office Administration Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Administrative Assistant Concentration
- Bookkeeping Assistant Concentration
- Medical Office Assistant Concentration
Certificate of Completion
- Bilingual Office Specialist Option
- General Office Assistant Option
- Medical Billing
- Medical Transcription
- Bookkeeping
Because today’s business world is constantly being transformed by new information processing technologies, employment opportunities in office careers are on the rise. The smooth functioning of today’s automated office depends on the support of well-trained administrative, bookkeeping, and medical office assistants.
If you find satisfaction in working as a team member, are well organized, and enjoy meeting and helping new people, Office Administration Technology could be the right program for you. Students may obtain a general office assistant certificate of completion in as little as one year and then begin earning money while studying for their associate of applied science degree.
In the second year of the associate of applied science degree program in Office Administration Technology, you can prepare for a more challenging position as either a general administrative assistant, bookkeeping assistant, or medical office assistant. You will learn to use state-of-the-art technology, become familiar with various up-to-date software applications, and become proficient in a specific area of study.
The work settings where program graduates find employment are as varied as the organizations themselves. They include educational institutions; federal, state, and local government offices; medical facilities; financial institutions; corporate settings; and small and large businesses. Not only are the work settings varied, but so are the positions within each organization. Current salary ranges can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook at the U.S. Department of Labor web site: http://www.bls.gov.
Office Administration Technology Certificates
Two Office Administration Technology certificate options are available.The General Office Administration Technology option prepares students for receptionist, clerk-typist, or other entry-level positions.The Bilingual Office Specialist option qualifies students for positions requiring Spanish-English language proficiency. Also available are 18-credit specialized certificates in Medical Billing and Medical Transcription. Coursework for the certificates are applicable toward the Office Administration Technology and/or Health Information Technology associate of applied science degrees with the exception of the OATS 170 Office Communications in Spanish I and OATS 171 Office Communications in Spanish II courses. In addition, the Office Administration Technology program also has a 27-credit Bookkeeping certificate. The coursework for this certificate are fully applicable towards the Office Administration Technology-Bookkeeping associate of applied science degree.
Office Administration Technology (Administrative Assistant) - Associate of Applied Science
Office Administration Technology (Bookkeeping Assistant) - Associate of Applied Science
Office Administration Technology (Medical Office Assistant) - Associate of Applied Science
Bookkeeping - Certificate of Completion
Office Administration Technology - Certificate of Completion
OATS 101. Keyboarding Basics
3 Credits (2+2P)
Covers the skills necessary to touch type on the computer keyboard using correct techniques. This includes the development of speed, accuracy, and formatting of basic business documents. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the correct operation of the alphabetic, numeric, symbol keys, space bar, shift keys, and return (enter) keys.
- Have a thorough knowledge of correct hand position and posture for accurate keyboarding.
- Keyboard words, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly, quickly, and accurately using the touch typing method.
- Have the ability to keyboard with speed and accuracy.
- Perform keyboarding and basic formatting functions to create professional business documents.
OATS 102. Keyboarding: Document Formatting
3 Credits (2+2P)
Designed to improve keyboarding speed and accuracy; introduce formats of letters, tables and reports. A speed and accuracy competency requirement must be met.
Prerequisite: OATS 101 or consent of instructor.
OATS 105. Business English
3 Credits (3)
Training and application of the fundamentals of basic grammar, capitalization, punctuation, basic writing, sentence structure, and editing skills. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and apply the rules for each of the parts of speech.
- Construct four basic sentence patterns.
- Apply punctuation, capitalization and numbers style to writing proficiently.
- Utilize proofreader’s marks in the editing of business correspondence.
- Make use of appropriate reference materials to locate answers to language questions.
OATS 106. Business Mathematics
3 Credits (2+2P)
Mathematical applications for business. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Prerequisite(s): CCDM 103 N or adequate score on math placement exam.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply fundamental concepts to personal and business math operations.
- Maintain a checkbook.
- Solve percent and percentage applications.
- Calculate discounts, markups, and markdowns.
- Calculate wages, salaries, deductions, and net pay.
- Compare various borrowing options and identify the most cost effective option.
- Interpret consumer loans and credit card accounts.
- Compare various home ownership options.
- Calculate taxes and identify insurance options.
OATS 110. Records Management
3 Credits (3)
Principles, methods and procedures for the selection, operation and control of manual and automated records systems.
OATS 120. Accounting Procedures I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Business accounting principles and procedures. Use of special journals, cash control, and merchandising concepts. Reports for sole proprietorships.
OATS 121. Accounting Procedures II
3 Credits (2+2P)
Continuation of OATS 120, emphasizing accounting principles and procedures for notes and interest, depreciation, partnerships and corporations, cash flow and financial statement analysis. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
OATS 140. Payroll Accounting
3 Credits (2+2P)
Payroll procedures including payroll tax forms and deposits. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
OATS 150. Medical Terminology
3 Credits (3)
Understanding of the basic elements of medical words. Use of medical abbreviations. Same as NURS 150 and OEHO 120. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Crosslisted with: NURS 150, AHS 120 and HIT 150. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
OATS 169. Spanish Grammar for Business Administration
3 Credits (3)
Introductory course in Spanish grammar and practical business terms required for the proper application of fundamental oral and written business communication skills for Spanish speakers in the field of business administration. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite(s): Spanish-speaking ability and computer keyboarding ability.
OATS 170. Office Communications in Spanish I
3 Credits (3)
Develop oral and written communications skills of native or near-native speakers of Spanish. The student will learn basic letter writing skills, customer service techniques, and telephone etiquette in Spanish. Spanish speaking ability is required to enroll in this course. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 171. Office Communications in Spanish II
3 Credits (3)
Develop oral and written communications skills of native or near-native speakers of Spanish. Emphasis placed on learning the office assistant's role within the office environment. Compose complex business correspondence and learn to make international travel arrangements. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Prerequisite(s): OATS 170, Spanish speaking ability.
OATS 191. Taking Minutes & Proofreading
3 Credits (3)
Preparation and practice producing minutes suited for different meeting types and purposes. Provides strategies to prepare for meetings, to record proceedings, and to transcribe minutes while incorporating proofreading skills practice. Topics include legal requirements, meeting types, minute formats, and duties/expectations of the minute taker and the meeting chair. Graded: S/U. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 202. Keyboarding Document Production
3 Credits (2+2P)
Further development of keyboarding speed and accuracy. Production of complex letters, memos, tables, reports and business forms. A speed and accuracy competency requirement must be met. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 203. Office Equipment and Procedures I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Office organization, telephone techniques, equipment and supplies, handling meetings, human relations, mail procedures, and travel. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 205. Accounting Software I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Introduction to accounting software. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite(s): Working knowledge of computers and accounting or consent of instructor.
OATS 207. Machine Transcription
3 Credits (2+2P)
Creating office documents using transcribing equipment and word processing software. Emphasis on proofreading, editing and grammar. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Prerequisite(s): BOT 105.
OATS 208. Medical Office Procedures
3 Credits (2+2P)
Current computerized and traditional administrative medical office procedures will be introduced. Practical knowledge on managing required record keeping in a medical office environment will be emphasized. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Prerequisite(s): HIT 150 or AHS 120, and computer keyboarding ability or consent of instructor.
OATS 209. Business and Technical Communications
3 Credits (3)
Effective written communication skills and techniques for career success in the work place. Composition of letters, memos, short reports, forms, and proposals, and technical descriptions and directions.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1110G and computer keyboarding ability or consent of instructor.
OATS 211. Information Processing I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Defining and applying fundamental information processing concepts and techniques using the current version of leading software. May be repeated up to 6 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 213. Word Processing I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Operation and function of a word processor. Specific equipment to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Prerequisite: OATS 101 or keyboarding proficiency.
OATS 214. Word Processing II
3 Credits (2+2P)
Advanced operation and functions of a word processor. Specific equipment to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Prerequisite: OATS 213 or consent of instructor.
OATS 215. Spreadsheet Applications
1-3 Credits
Use of spreadsheets to include graphics and business applications. Same as OECS 215. May be repeated under different subtitles listed in the Schedule of Classes.
OATS 217. Powerpoint Presentation
3 Credits (3)
Comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning and applying basic and advanced features of PowerPoint. These include text enhancements, objects, fills, colors, animation, charts, sound, video, and hyperlinks. Students demonstrate appropriate audience and communication tools to deliver presentations.
Prerequisites: OATS 211 or ability to demonstrate keyboarding and Windows proficiency.
OATS 218. Information Processing II
3 Credits (2+2P)
Advanced information processing techniques using current version of leading software. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: OATS 211 or consent of instructor.
OATS 220. Internship in Business Office Technology
2 Credits (2)
Experience in a supervised office position. Student must work at least eight hours per week. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.
OATS 221. Internship I
1-3 Credits
Work experience that directly relates to a student's major field of study that provides the student an opportunity to explore career paths and apply knowledge and theory learned in the classroom. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Students are supervised/evaluated by both the employer and the instructor. C- or better in the course is required. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to: BOT,HIT. majors. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 222. Internship II
1-3 Credits
Continuation of OATS 221. May be repeated up to 6 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to: OATS & HIT majors. Graded: S/U Grading (S/U, Audit). Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite(s): OATS 221 and consent of instructor.
OATS 223. Medical Transcription I
3 Credits (2+2P)
Concepts in medical transcription are introduced on how to produce a variety of reports required in a medical office or facility utilizing accurate medical terminology, spelling, grammar, and document formatting. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
Prerequisite(s): HIT 150 or AHS 120 and HIT 158 and OATS 209.
OATS 228. Medical Insurance Billing
3 Credits (2+2P)
Comprehensive overview of the insurance concepts and applications required for successfully and accurately completing and submitting insurance claims and reimbursement processes for various insurance carriers, both private and government, will be emphasized. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
OATS 233. Advanced Medical Transcription
3 Credits (2+2P)
Builds upon the concepts introduced in Medical Transcription I providing greater understanding of how to produce advanced reports dictated by physicians with increasing speed and accuracy. Emphasis will be on proofreading and editing of operative reports, patient history and physicals, office notes, labor and delivery reports, consultation reports, discharge summaries, and other medical reports. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
OATS 239. Personal Development
3 Credits (3)
Development of a marketable, employable office systems person, to include interview, voice, manners, and apparel.
OATS 240. Introduction to Individual Taxation
3 Credits (3)
Overview of Individual Federal Taxation; awareness of tax problems pitfalls and planning opportunities; focus on individual personal financial concerns and tax planning. One semester of accounting principles/procedures is recommended.
OATS 241. Auditing and Business Issues
3 Credits (3)
Introduction to basic auditing concepts, the purpose for the auditing process, and requirements of persons assisting with the audit process. The course will also deal with issues of business law including contracts, sales, torts, strict liability, and business ethics. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses only.
OATS 244. Tax Preparation
3 Credits (3)
Introduces basic federal and state tax codes for preparing individual income tax returns. Emphasis on use of tax software.
Prerequisite: keyboarding proficiency.
OATS 250. Electronic Office Systems
3 Credits (2+2P)
Management of the electronic office. Office use of computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanner concepts will be covered.
Prerequisite: OATS 211.
OATS 255. Special Topics
1-4 Credits
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
OATS 260. Bookkeeping Simulation Capstone
3 Credits (2+2P)
Refines the professional and technical skills students have learned while completing the Bookkeeping Assistant Option curriculum by demonstrating how coursework ties together. Designed as a bookkeeping assistant capstone course.
Prerequisite(s): OATS 121 or ACCT 2110, OATS 140, OATS 205, and OATS 244, or consent of instructor.
OATS 270. Office Administration Technology Capstone
3 Credits (2+2P)
Refines professional skills learned in the BOT program and ties all BOT coursework together. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to Community Colleges campuses
Prerequisite(s): OATS 102 or OATS 129; and OATS 120; and OAT S 209 or ENGL 2210G; and OATS 211 or OECS 211.
Learning Outcomes
- Construct professional, error-free business documents that demonstrate appropriate formats and ideas in clear, concise, and correct written and spoken language.
- Utilize effective administration skills to enhance the productive operation of the workplace.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and workplace ethics for the professional office environment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of productivity software in business applications
OATS 298. Independent Study
1-3 Credits (1-3)
Individual studies directed by consenting faculty with prior approval of department head. sophomore standing with 3.0 GPA. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Varies
Name: Jessica Arellano
Office Location: DAEM 100O
Phone: (575) 527-7579
Email: jarellano@dacc.nmsu.edu
Website: https://dacc.nmsu.edu/bot/