Graduates with an Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology will find employment opportunities in organizations ranging from education and health, to legal and business services, as well as firms engaging in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and communications. Banks, insurance companies, and medical facilities are important employers, as are federal, state, and local government agencies.

Careers for the OST graduate will continue to evolve with new office automation and organizational restructuring. Organizations employ administrative assistants to perform and coordinate office activities and to ensure information is disseminated to staff and clients. Managers, professionals, and other support staff can rely on OST graduates to keep administrative operations under control.

Knowledge of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management, is essential to most employers. Because employees must be tactful in their dealings with many different people, employers also look for good interpersonal skills. Discretion, good judgement, organizational ability and initiative are especially important for higher-level positions.

Students in the OST program may elect to specialize in either the executive, legal, or medical areas requiring knowledge of the technical terminology and procedures needed for the respective fields. Responsibilities could include conducting research, preparing statistical reports, training employees, and supervising other clerical staff.

Legal secretaries prepare correspondence and legal documents such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney. They may also review legal journals and assist with legal research.

Medical secretaries assist physicians by preparing correspondence, recording simple medical histories, and arranging for patients to be hospitalized. They need to be familiar with insurance rules, billing practices, and hospital or laboratory procedures.

Students planning to continue their studies at a four-year institution after completing this program will work with their advisors concerning transferability of credits.

The Office Systems Technology program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).