Office assistants perform a variety of duties around the office, including clerical and administrative work as well as data entry. Although you do not need any degrees at all (except a high school diploma) to perform this type of work, you can increase your salary by getting a degree. Although computer office assistant education programs can be hard to find, there are many online schools that offer an associate's degree to those who wish to become office assistants. These programs will teach you valuable skills that can help you retain your position during a time in which companies are trying to outsource as much of their clerical work as possible.

You do not need to get a bachelor's degree to become an office assistant. In fact, few schools offer any sort of degree for office assistants at all. Most online programs offer certificates or associate's degrees. These degrees will allow you to take on more responsibilities and keep up with the times. You might also consider getting an Associates in Business Office Administration or Business Management. These courses will teach you how to use common programs, dictation, shorthand, accounting, finance, customer service skills, and other subjects essential to a computer office assistant education.

To give some perspective, an office clerk only earns $22,000 per year. Office clerks and receptions have little responsibility compared to administrative assistants, but also have little autonomy. While companies appreciate good receptionists, the pay might not be enough to support oneself. Data entry clerks enter data into databases. Although data entry clerks might work for insurance companies, hospitals, or credit card companies, the nature of the work does not change. Data entry clerks can expect to earn $28,000 per year. Administrative assistants have more responsibilities and are paid accordingly. While the average administrative assistant earns $35,000 per year, the best administrative assistants can earn as much as $54,000 per year. To reach this level, you will need a degree. Fortunately, computer office assistant education is inexpensive and fast.

An associate's degree in Business Administration will generally take two years or less. Online programs will allow you to learn at your own pace and are a good choice for those who are already employed. If you would like to learn in a traditional classroom environment, try your local community college. Many community colleges offer a Business Administration program that should provide you with a solid foundation. Computer office assistant education does not have to be difficult or time consuming.

There are many schools that offer a good computer office assistant education. Online schools include South University Online, Sanford-Brown, Virginia College, Anthem, Strayer University, the University of Phoenix, Herzing University, Ashford University, Westwood College, DeVry University, Kaplan University, and ITT Technical Institute. You will need to choose the program that best suits your needs. Look for a school that offers the courses you will need as an office assistant. For example, your program should offer accounting, finance, computer information systems, and other business courses. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to begin your office assistant career.