Mission:

Students successfully completing the Network Technology curriculum will develop professional skills that prepare them for immediate employment in the field of computer network support and administration. In developing these skills, students will:
        • Install, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks using industry
           standard hardware and software technologies.
        • Manage, maintain, and secure common network services using industry
           standard network operating systems and protocols.
        • Prepare to take the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+,
           Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPI Level I), Microsoft Certified
           Systems Administrator (MCSA), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) and
           Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exams.

Career Paths:

 Network technicians are not limited to any one type of position; however, many become employed as:

• Computer/Network Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Help Desk Support
• PC Hardware Technicians
• Independent Consultant

The Industry:

Computer networking has become one of the most dynamic industries in the past few years and is transforming our lives. It has redefined the Age of Information, spawning vast networks of commercial databases and giving rise to the Internet and its World Wide Web. As the industry matures, products and technologies become increasingly complex, introducing an ever-increasing risk of connectivity and stability problems. Consequently, demand is growing for computer network technicians who are capable of effectively applying, managing, maintaining and advancing computer network technology. Computer professionals need the best training, including extensive hands-on experience with networking equipment and continuous knowledge acquisition for extending skills and strengthening professional options.

As technology becomes more sophisticated and organizations continue to adopt and integrate advanced technologies, computer support positions are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations. Network technicians may work within an organization or for a computer support company and usually maintain offices but are rarely confined to them. They usually work about 40 hours per week. However, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. As networks expand, more work, including technical support, can be done from remote locations.

Network technicians will find themselves involved in a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and users;
• Designing, installing, and supporting an organization's LAN, WAN, network segment, or Intranet system
• Maintaining network hardware and software, analyzing problems, and monitoring the network to ensure availability to system users; and
• Implementing, testing, coordinating, and securing computer databases.

As the availability of virtually all aspects of a business become digital, network technicians are also increasingly planning, coordinating, and implementing network security. Network technicians can expect to find an abundance of employment opportunities. However, hardware and software vendors, telephone companies, state and federal governments, and colleges and universities are among the top employers.

The Program: