If working from home or travelling while earning an income appeals to you, the flexibility offered by becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) is ideal. This online professional development course is designed to help you launch your career as a Virtual Assistant.
The Virtual Assistant Program is an introductory course that will take you through the process of starting your own business and provide you with the tools and techniques that are required to be successful as a VA.
In this online virtual assistant course, you will discover the Virtual Assistant industry, the tools of the trade, how to develop your niche, financial management fundamentals, hone your communication and organisational skills, learn how to manage multiple tasks and gain a range of business skills designed to help you succeed as a virtual assistant. You will also undertake business planning, develop your services and pricing and learn how to successfully market your virtual assistant business.
Upon completion of this course, you will be equipped with the confidence and skills necessary to successfully launch your own Virtual Assistant business.
Course Structure
Unit - Virtual Assistant Program
Unit 1 – Introduction to the Virtual Assistant Industry
- Virtual Assistant (VA)
- Industry growth factors
- Benefits of remote work for businesses
- Demand for flexible support services
- COVID-19 and beyond
- Industry competition
- Skill development
- Digital economy
- Historical development
- Roles and responsibilities
Unit 2 – The Australian Virtual Work Landscape
- Australian business environment
- Virtual Assistant trends
- Regulations for remote workers
- Taxation requirements
- ABN and GST
- Business deductions
- Superannuation
- Privacy and data security
- Insurance
Unit 3 – Tools of the Trade
- Tools and technologies
- Essential hardware
- Essential software
- Productivity suite
- Project management software
- Communication software
- Time-tracking software
- Email management
- File sharing and storage
- Calendar management
- Security software
- Accounting software
- Social media software
- Industry-specific applications
Unit 4 – Skill Building and Improvement
- Communication skills
- Organisational skills
- Effective written communication
- Verbal communication
- Task management
- Prioritisation and time management
- Technical skills
- Ongoing skill development
- Online communication tools
- Networking and collaboration
- New tools and applications
- AI/ChatGPT
Unit 5 – Developing Your Niche
- Self-reflection
- Market research
- Skill development
- Positioning and branding
- Targeted marketing
- Continuous learning
- Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
- Skill inventory
- Feedback and validation
- Passion and interest exploration
- Skills-interest alignment
- Continuous development
- Exploring niche areas
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Writing work
- Content writing and copywriting
- Social media management
- Content writing and copywriting
- Design work
- Email marketing
- Customer support
- Administrative tasks
- Marketing work
- Technical work
- Bookkeeping work
Unit 6 – Marketing Your Virtual Assistant Business
- Showcasing your talents
- Portfolio websites
- Defining your brand
- Finding your brand identity
- Defining your target audience
- Business name and brand identity
- Common branding mistakes
- Creating a logo
- Planning your website structure
- Crafting compelling content
- Domain names
- Website platforms
- Networking and industry connections
- Professional associations
- Online communities
- Leveraging social media
- Collaborating with peers
- Mentors and coaches
- Social media and visibility
- Consistent brand identity
- How to get clients
- Your message
- Client pain points
- Client attraction funnel
- Networking
- Building relationships
- Analysing and adjusting
- Content marketing
- Content creation
Unit 7 – Virtual Assistant Financial Management
- Financial management
- Pricing your services
- Evaluating skills and experience
- Market rates
- Costs of doing business
- Assessing your value
- Pricing models
- Packaging rates
- Subscriptions
- Tiered packages
- Project-based pricing
- Tax obligations
- Financial recordkeeping
- Professional advice
- Regular reporting and payment
- Ongoing education and compliance
- Accounting software
- Invoicing tools
- Expense tracking Apps
- Time-tracking tools
- Financial analytics platforms
- Payment gateway services
- Budgeting and financial planning tools
Unit 8 – Virtual Assistants and the Law
- Business structure
- Contracts and service agreements
- Intellectual property
- Confidential and non-disclosure agreements
- Termination and dispute resolution
- Liability and indemnification
- Governing laws
- Reviews and revisions
- Privacy and data protection
- Tax compliance
- Insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Cyber liability insurance
- Business equipment insurance
- Income protection insurance
- Codes of Conduct
- Data privacy
- Understanding privacy laws
Unit 9 – Starting Your Own Business
- Developing a business plan
- Business planning and strategy
- Defining your niche and target market
- Define vision and goals
- Competitive analysis
- Develop service offerings
- Marketing and branding strategies
- Business infrastructure
- Building an online presence
- Marketing and promotion
- Client acquisition
- Relationship building
- Pricing and financial management
- Continuous learning and professional development
- Scaling and growth
- Hiring and managing others
- Streamlining and automating processes
- Strategic partnerships
Unit 10 – Working With Clients
- Client onboarding process
- Welcome packages
- Discovery calls
- Service agreements and contracts
- Communication channels
- Onboarding documentation
- Kick-off call
- Keeping organised
- Regular checkins
- Continuous improvement
- Setting expectations
- Defining project ccope, timelines, and deliverables
- How to ask for testimonials
- Client payment issues
Study Hours
Estimated duration 30 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I found the program easy to navigate and liked being able to access tutors.
E. Lanyon, Crib Point, VIC | Certificate of Business Administration – Virtual Assistant
It was good and fulfilling for self-study experience.
Sinead | Scoresby, VIC | Virtual Assistance Program
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Virtual Assistant
- Email Marketing Manager
- Transcriptionist
- Social Media Specialist
