Program Description
ACC offers an associate in arts (AA) degree, four two-year associate in applied science (AAS) degrees, and two one-year certificate programs that focus on specialty areas in the field of business information systems (BIS).
They include:
- AA in BIS — Executive Assistant
- AAS in BIS — Administrative Professional
- AAS in BIS — Medical Information Specialist
- AAS in BIS — Office Information Technology Specialist
- Certificate in BIS — Business Services
BIS — Executive AssistantExecutive Assistant Program Curriculum
This AA degree program is a good match if you are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum blends office computer application and business-related courses with core education courses such as science, math, humanities, arts, and social science.
Executive assistants provide high-level administrative support for an office and typically work for only one or two top executives in an organization. They often handle more complex responsibilities, such as reviewing incoming documents, conducting research, and preparing reports. Some also supervise clerical staff. This program may be altered to meet individual goals and transfer plans.
BIS — Administrative Professional
Administrative Professional Program Curriculum
This AAS degree program prepares students to begin work as an administrative professional in a traditional setting as part of the general support staff. Administrative professionals perform a variety of clerical and administrative duties that are necessary to run an organization efficiently. Using the latest developments in information technology as they relate to the management of the modern office, the program provides an extensive background in learning the functionalities of office computer applications.
Your responsibilities may also include some bookkeeping, working with vendors, and managing stockrooms. Specific job duties vary by experience, job title, and specialty.
BIS — Medical Information Specialist
Medical Information Specialist Program Curriculum
The BIS — Medical Information Specialist is an AAS degree program that blends administrative skills and medical knowledge for work in both large and small hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. In addition to general business and computer application courses, you are trained in medical terminology, medical transcription, records management, medical coding and billing, and office management procedures.
As a medical information specialist, your job is to ensure that complete and accurate records are kept for each patient. Your responsibilities may include organizing, analyzing, and maintaining medical information, preparing statistical reports, coding patient medical information, and providing data to regulatory agencies.
BIS — Office Information Technology Specialist
Office Information Technology Specialist Program Curriculum
This AAS degree program prepares you to work within an office of information technology department as a support service provider to in-house users of computer hardware and software. In addition to the office computer application courses, you will take additional courses with an emphasis on the operating system, web design, PC repair and maintenance, and IT professional practice management.
Your responsibilities may involve installing and upgrading hardware and software, providing end-user support, supporting computer networks, and maintaining Internet sites.
BIS — Business Services
Business Services Program Curriculum
This one-year certificate program is designed to provide you with entry-level job skills needed for the modern office environment. You are introduced to a variety of office computer applications and office skills. Your job responsibilities may include greeting and receiving visitors, answering the phone and e-mail messages, making appointments, preparing documents, filing, handling the mail, distributing messages, and performing simple bookkeeping tasks.
Certification
ACC students have the opportunity to earn five Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications right here in Alpena at no additional cost! ACC graduates from the BIS programs who have earned MOS certifications have come back to tell instructors that the certifications are what helped them land their jobs. Earning one or more certifications in addition to your degree will make your resume stand out, assist you in being hired, and very likely earn you higher wages. Holding a MOS certification can earn an entry-level business employee as much as $16,000 more in annual salary than uncertified peers.*
* Anderson, Cushing, and John F. Gantz. Skills Requirements for Tomorrow’s Best Jobs: Helping Educators Provide Students with Skills and Tools They Need. IDC/Microsoft.
Special Opportunities
If you have previous experience, you may be eligible for advanced placement in certain courses through competency testing. ACC also has articulation agreements with area high schools that allow you to earn credits toward your business information systems degree or certificate.
Career Options
Employment of executive assistants and administrative professionals is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2029. Employment of office information technology specialists and computer support specialists is expected to grow much faster than the average. Individuals who also have certifications will have the best job opportunities.
Your average salary depends on the size, type, status (private vs. public), and location of your employer, as well as your skill and experience level. The median annual earnings of executive assistants were $63,110 in 2020*. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants were $40,990; computer support specialists were $55,510, and information clerks were $36,920 for this same time period.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2019-20 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh (August 26, 2021).
Contact the BIS ProgramSusan Cook
Instructor
cooks@alpenacc.edu
989.358.7313