Every network requires a team of professionals to plan, build, maintain, and expand it, Certified, IT professionals have a passport to the global work place. The Academy prepares you for industry certification in CompTIA A+ and Cisco using a blended learning model that combines curriculum, assessment, and instruction to improve student learning. Preparation for networking and information technology (IT) jobs and higher education in engineering, computer science, and other fields, this program offers:
- Rigorous course curriculum, learn in labs using the latest technology.
- Know how you are doing as you go, and review challenging concepts.
- Both independent study and personalized instruction.
- Experienced, certified instructor.
- Hands-on experience in labs working with others.
- Route to industry certifications.
The GACTC integrates the first four semesters of the Cisco curriculum, amounting to 280 hours, into its Computer Technology/Cisco Academy program. The Cisco Academy approach takes advantage of a combination of web-based, instructor-led, and hands-on laboratories to teach students networking and information technology. Today, there are more than 6400 Cisco Academies in all 50 states and 116 other countries involving more than 135,000 students. By successfully completing the 280 hours of instructions, students are prepared to qualify themselves as a Cisco Certified Entry-Level Technician (CCENT) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) passing the appropriate Cisco certification examination. Successful students may continue in semesters five through eight at selected postsecondary institutions to attain further certification as a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
Job Outlook
Through attaining CCNA certification, an individual becomes recognized as a technician possessing particular skills and competencies that qualify him or her for well-paying jobs involving high-level responsibilities. A popular website to investigate career opportunities for CCNA's and other technology professionals is dice.com. The employment opportunities for networking technicians and professionals continues to improve in spite of evidence of other economic turndowns.
Further Eduction Opportunities
Further education opportunities exist at technical schools, junior colleges, most Commonwealth campuses, and at accredited four-year colleges and universities. The next logical progression from CCNA is to Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Programs leading to CCNP certification are offered at area colleges including Cambria County Area Community College and Mount Aloysius College.
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