Secretary and administrative assistant: high school diploma, office software, a few weeks of on-the-job training
High school graduates who are comfortable with word processing and spreadsheet programs usually qualify for entry-level jobs and learn their duties over a few weeks on the job. Legal and medical secretaries may train for several months; executive assistants typically need several years of administrative experience.
For: Organized people who like keeping an office running: documents, schedules, records and helping a team.
Route 1: High school diploma → office software → on-the-job training Typical
A bachelor's degree typically is not required. Temporary placement agencies also may provide training in word processing, spreadsheet and database software.
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Start here
High school diploma
Be comfortable with word processing and spreadsheet programs.
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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A few weeks
On-the-job training
Administrative procedures, including how to prepare documents.
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Secretary or administrative assistant
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Office procedures course → legal or medical secretary Specialized
Some community colleges and technical schools offer courses in office procedures and in the terminology and practices of medical and legal offices.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Optional
Community college or technical school course
Industry-specific terminology and practices.
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Several months
On-the-job training
Medical and legal secretaries may train for several months.
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Legal or medical secretary or administrative assistant
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Office jobs → executive administrative assistant Moving up
Employers may prefer candidates for executive positions who have taken some college courses or have a bachelor's degree.
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Start here
Secretary or general office clerk
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Several years
Experience in other administrative positions
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Executive secretary or executive administrative assistant
BLS
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.