Business technology programs prepare students to be competitive office workers in a business setting. These students receive training in several areas that allow them to be the backbone of a business and its operations. They organize the functions of the office as well as handling all reception and general office work. They learn technology used in the office which includes hardware and software. They also learn other fundamental skills used by secretaries and administrative assistants such as writing, calculations, procedures, and keyboarding. Specializations are available such as accounting, computing, legal administrative assisting, etc. Most programs award certificates or associate degrees.

Technology and business are integral parts of each other. Most businessmen and women need to have a solid knowledge of technology, or hire someone who does. Secretarial work is really the backbone of a business. The administrative assistants and secretaries of the world do all the behind the scenes work that keeps the business world functioning. Their training is fundamental to how a business functions. Many people think they can do this kind of work with little training, but business technology programs training will give an edge to a candidate and put them far above other applicants.

The training of business technology programs includes basics of office administration such as computer hardware, software usage, keyboarding, business math, business English, customer relations, and office procedures. In addition, they also learn more in depth skills like accounting, law, business management, administration, etc. Some programs may provide apprenticeship experiences as well. They may also provide job placement services after graduation. Specializations give extra training in one specific area. This further prepares the student to excel in their chosen area and qualifies them to directly enter the workforce. This type of applied training means students know what they need to know in order to work now, they do not need extra on the job training as do many other more theory based business programs.

Business technology programs are trade and application based educations. They take far less time than traditional university programs in business. They do not require general education classes that have little to do with business technology. Students learn the inner workings of the business office and in less than a year are ready to work on a high level of responsibility. Some certifications take less than six months to complete. Other programs may take up to a year. The time involved depends upon whether the student is full time or part time, and if they choose a specialty.

Different tracks in business technology programs include office assistant, which is a position that takes care of general office work; accounting assistant which is more focused on bookkeeping; administrative assistants which are leaders in the office; and legal administrative assistants, which prepares a student to join a legal support staff at a junior level. Whatever track a student prefers, the training is excellent and enables them to step right into responsibilities and earn a good living.