Business & Information Technology Division

Computers: Computer Network Technician

Janet Evelyn-Dorsey
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8240

John Cook
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8611 or 8421

Program Summary

The Computer Network Technician program is designed to prepare students for careers in computer network technology, help desk services , and PC repair. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience as well as theory. All network and PC courses are 50% lab. Seniors will complete either a topics course or fieldwork. This program prepares students (along with some additional study) for A+ Certification, Network+ Certification and Microsoft Certification in Windows 2000 Professional and Server. Graduates are prepared to:

• Perform the day-to-day tasks of administering a heterogeneous PC network consisting of Microsoft, Novell and Unix operating systems
• Plan and install a PC network
• Perform help desk functions to support network users, including training and problem solving
• Build, repair and upgrade PCs

Program of Study at Herkimer

Click Computer Network Technician for the current program of study page.

Skill Requirements

Persons interested in becoming a network or systems administrator must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills because troubleshooting and helping others are vital parts of the job. The constant interaction with other computer personnel, customers, and employees requires computer support specialists and systems administrators to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, or in person. Strong writing skills are useful when preparing manuals for employees and customers.

Nature of the Work

Computer network technicians or computer systems administrators design, install, and support an organization's LAN (local-area network), WAN (wide-area network), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. These workers gather data to identify customer needs and then use that information to identify, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. Administrators also may plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Job Outlook

Computer support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2002-12 period. Median annual earnings of network and computer systems administrators were $54,810 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,290 and $69,530. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,440. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of network and computer systems administrators in 2002 were:

From the US Dept of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Graduates find employment in business and industry, government, education and health fields. While not designed as a transfer program, our graduates are accepted into private colleges such as Rochester Institute of Technology and state colleges such as SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome.

from: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook