Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant Training

If you're independent, want to be your own boss, or want to start a career that allows you to work from home, our online Virtual Assistant Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the next step. With flexible, self-paced courses, you'll learn what it takes to become a virtual assistant on your schedule, from home.

  • Online virtual assistant training can prepare students to work independently from home, operate their own virtual assistant business, work as a virtual assistant freelancer, or find assistant opportunities through staffing companies.
  • Our virtual assistant courses cover topics designed to help students prepare to start a business and build a career as a virtual assistant - including web writing, communication, presentation, and independent contractor management skills.
  • Lessons in the virtual assistant classes include expert content from Lisa Morosky, author of the popular eBook, The Bootstrap VA: The Go-Getter's Guide to Becoming a Virtual Assistant, Getting and Keeping Clients, and More!
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $240 Ends 12/17/2024

Cost of Program

$749

$989 Save $240

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

virtual assistant with headset works at her desk.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to develop effective strategies for building and managing a successful freelance career as a virtual assistant.
  2. How to create a business plan for an internet-based profession, including navigating the tools necessary to build an online business.
  3. How to write effectively and professionally for business, including writing for the internet and traditional media outlets, building basic Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint skills, and creating effective online presentations.
  4. How to set up and manage social media accounts for business and professional purposes, including learning how search engine optimization and analytics work and how these can support business goals.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Virtual Assistant Career Outcomes

Virtual Assistant

AVG SALARY*

$47,516/yr


Our online Virtual Assistant Training is designed to prepare students to start a business, obtain work, and build a career as a virtual assistant. This career can be perfect for someone who wants to be independent, start a new career or a part-time business on the side, or work remotely.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Penn Foster Career School is not approved or regulated as a school by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Virtual Assistant Course Curriculum

  • 6 courses
  • 37.0 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 26 exams
  • 3 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 5 months
  • Average time = 10 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Our Virtual Assistant course curriculum covers topics designed to help students prepare to start a business and build a career as a virtual assistant - including web writing, communication, presentation, and independent contractor management skills. Your online classes include:


  • Written Communication and Presentations
  • Using Social Media and Web Tools
  • Managing Time and Clients
  • Working as a Contractor

Show Full Curriculum

Virtual Assistant Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Virtual Assistant Career Diploma Program can help prepare you for the first step in your work-from-home career. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Angela N.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I am a working mother with a husband and 2 daughters so this was convenient for me. It has given me more computer skills and built my confidence.”

Need to provide training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Learn More

Virtual Assistant Training Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Virtual Assistant Training. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $240 Ends 12/17/2024

Cost of Program1

$749

$989 Save $240

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $40 Ends 12/17/2024

Cost of Program1

$949

$989 Save $40

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$989

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Virtual Assistant Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

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Virtual Assistant Courses FAQs

What is the average job description for a virtual assistant?

Since many virtual assistants work for themselves and network to find job opportunities, there's not necessarily a standard job description. However, most virtual assistants do have many of the same responsibilities no matter where they work or who they work for. As a virtual assistant, you'll complete administrative tasks for clients such as placing calls on behalf of the company, scheduling meetings and appointments, maintaining a client's schedule, and working with vendors for deliveries. You'll also be responsible for tasks such as creating presentations and documents, compiling reports from raw data, and more.

How do I become a successful virtual assistant?

Becoming a virtual assistant doesn't require a college degree, but to be successful in the role, it's important you have certain skills that are relevant to the variety of tasks you'll be expected to complete. As a virtual assistant, you'll need to have strong written and verbal communication skills, understand how to use computer applications like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, and know how to market yourself as a freelancer or independent contractor. Through our online Virtual Assistant Training Program, you'll develop these skills on your schedule, from home.

What is the average salary for a virtual assistant?

The average salary for a virtual assistant can vary depending on several factors. Many virtual assistants work on a project-by-project basis or as freelancers, meaning that they are paid a fee for each project rather than a salary. Depending on experience and skills, freelance virtual assistants can charge anywhere from $15.56 to $23.56 an hour or more. However, according to data from PayScale, the average annual salary for virtual assistants working regularly with clients and on projects was $49,194 per year in 2022.*

What skills does a virtual assistant need?

A successful virtual assistant should have strong communication, organization, and time management skills. As someone who more often than not works remotely from a home office, you'll need to be able to effectively manage your time and stay organized to ensure you complete all the work your clients expect. Additionally, you should have strong computer skills and an understanding of social media in order to build an internet presence and attract new potential clients.