They keep business functions and processes running smoothly by ensuring a seamless operation of IT infrastructures. From server and client configuration and maintenance to access controls to network services and application resource requirements, the role necessitates a wide range of in-demand career skills. As tech experts, they draw an average salary of $80,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with a six percent annual growth rate anticipated through 2026, it’s clear that system administration is here to stay.
If you are keen on working with computer networks on a daily basis, becoming a systems administrator (or SysAdmin) could be your next step.
While most employers prefer systems administrators with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer and information technology, adding IT system administrator certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ demonstrates that the candidate has the skills to be successful as a systems administrator. Systems administrators can, additionally, advance their careers by becoming computer network architects.
ICOHS College prepares each student to develop the technical and professional skills needed to install, manage, and troubleshoot software in today’s market.
From fundamentals to advanced skills, the IT Systems Administrator program is designed to cover 4 of the most popular and high demand IT certifications such as:
Program Eligibility:
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The Network Technician Certification Program will prepare you for your career by attaining the necessary technical skills to pass various industry certifications such as:
CompTIA Server+ is a global certification that validates the hands-on skills of IT professionals who install, manage and troubleshoot servers in data centers as well as on-premise and hybrid environments.
CompTIA Server+ is the only certification that can ensure that IT professionals at the administrator level are able to perform their tasks in any environment because it is the only certification not restricted to a single platform.
Passing the CompTIA A+ exam demonstrates a core set of skills pertaining to information technology.
CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.
CompTIA Network+ tests your ability to securely establish, maintain and troubleshoot essential networks security.
Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates to support networks on any platform. CompTIA Network+ is the only certification that covers the specific skills that network professionals need.
CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
Security+ incorporates best practices in hands-on troubleshooting, ensuring candidates have practical security problem-solving skills
180 Hours
This module provides students with IT fundamentals. Students learn foundational concepts related to computer hardware and software, networking, databases, programming, information systems, and data security. The course includes a number of hands-on labs to reinforce the concepts students are learning.
Students will learn computer components and specifications, how to troubleshoot PC hardware problems, and understand how to solve computer maintenance issues. This course is designed to prepare you to pass the CompTIA A+ certification, which is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles.
270 Hours
This module covers all the objectives of the CompTIA Network+ certification test. The topics of focus will include networking devices, media, media specifications, networking theory, troubleshooting, policies, fundamental security, network operations, TCP/IP protocols, and tools.
CompTIA's Network+ validates the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot, configure, and manage wired and wireless networks found in companies around the world. CompTIA Network+ certifies a professional level understanding of emerging technologies including cloud and virtualization technologies.
270 Hours
CompTIA Server+ certified candidates can work in any environment because it is the only vendor-neutral certification covering the major server platforms. It is the only industry certification that covers the latest server technologies including virtualization, security, and network-attached storage.
CompTIA Server+ certification validates the skills necessary to be a server administrator. Successful candidates will have mastered the following concepts: 1. Virtualization 2. Storage 3. Security 4. Security
90 Hours
Learn the skills required to be an entry-level computer and network security technician. Completion of this course identifies the student as a knowledgeable professional in the field of security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT.
Security threats are increasing in number and severity and the gap between the need for security professionals and qualified IT personnel is the largest of any IT specialty. Even in a troubled economy, most businesses plan to maintain or increase their investment in security.
Tuesday – Thursday
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday – Thursday
5:45 PM – 10:15 PM
The theoretical, lecture, online lab functions, and lab simulators are online. This allows remote students, or those who need the most schedule flexibility to complete assignments by their weekly deadlines. The program sets attainable learning objectives for students and outlines explicit deadlines for reading assignments, quizzes, labs, and other assignments.
*Course schedule is subject to availability. ICOHS College is a Clock Hour school, and the ability to complete the program is based heavily on attendance (online or in person). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of course hours to pass each class and graduate.
A certified system administrator fixes computer server problems. These individuals are responsible for organizing, installing, and supporting an organization’s computer systems. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, and other data communication systems.
Each IT student receives a laptop to support their studies and future career! The laptop is for the student to keep and use for online assignments, tests, and projects.
Our two IT programs are delivered in 2 ways: Online or Hybrid (online with on-campus labs). Fostering two modalities in education deliveries allows ICOHS College to cater to different types of learners.
The online delivery is entirely online. The theoretical, lecture, online lab functions, and lab simulators are online that will allow remote students, or those who need the most schedule flexibility to complete assignments at their convenience. However, the program sets attainable learning objectives for students, outlines exactly what reading should be completed, and gives explicit deadlines for the quizzes, labs, and other assignments for students to know exactly when to complete your assignments.
The Lead Instructor carefully monitors a student’s progress on a weekly basis. If one is falling behind or needs extra help, time will be set aside to ensure they have the support they need to meet the learning outcomes for their classes.
Mentorship hours: This is a time set aside for the instructor and student to connect to ensure students are on track, and answer questions they may have. Weekly learning objectives are expected to be met as outlined in the syllabus.
Type of Students: Students out of town and only looking to do their whole program online must have weekly check-ins with their instructors. They have to work independently and be disciplined to turn in assignments on time.
Benefits for Online Delivery: Convenience of studying from your own space and not worrying about transportation or time schedule. If you have a busy schedule or do not have daycare, this is the ideal delivery. In addition, if you need extra time to understand a concept, you may take longer to review the lessons.
The hybrid delivery includes online theory and practice assignments with on-campus labs. This is recommended for local students, as it requires them to arrive on campus weekly to complete their coursework. The number of hours will depend on the student’s speed at grasping the learning objectives set for the week. Students who cannot complete on-campus work one day a week may be asked to enroll online instead. Once committed to the Hybrid delivery, students cannot switch back and forth with Online delivery.
Lab hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30 am-4:00 pm.
Students can come during those times to receive their lab assignments and complete them with peers or on their own. It is recommended that students complete the reading and quizzes for the week prior to attending Lab to ensure their success. Labs are often built on the week’s reading and assignments. On online days, there is optional time with an instructor as needed for students to ask questions, receive technical support, or get further explanation of a topic they might want assistance with.
Mentorship hours: This is a time set aside for the instructor and student to connect to ensure students are on track, and answer questions they may have. Weekly learning objectives are expected to be met as outlined in the syllabus.
Type of Students: Students living within a 25-30 miles radius can come to campus for hands-on training. They must know how to work independently and be disciplined to turn in assignments on time.
Benefits for Hybrid Delivery: This is having the best of both worlds because you can work independently and get hands-on training in person. Great for people with a busy schedule but who do not want to study independently entirely.
Prior to 1/1/2022, all VA students could receive funding as if they were at an on-campus program, regardless of the delivery. This is under special COVID-19 guidance for the VA.
After 1/1/2022, VA funding is distributed in the following ways:
Online-delivery students: Students enrolled in the Online-only program will receive VA funding for Online-only delivery, which is around 50% for living allowance.
Hybrid-delivery students: Students in the Hybrid program can receive their full local/on-site benefits and funding if they regularly attend the on-campus labs. Students who miss too many on-campus days may fail a class for lack of attendance for required on-campus time.
Please note: Currently, the VA does not fund Bootcamp certificates. Students must enroll in the complete program for consideration.
Online delivery students are expected to read the assigned chapters and complete the assigned quizzes, labs, and other deliverables by the dates given. Typically, there is a deadline on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but they can be completed any time before those days.
An instructor is assigned to the class that will be available via email (response within one business day) for questions or concerns. The teacher will establish a schedule to meet with all students taking the same class. Earlier in the program, meetings might occur a few times a week, and they might scale back as students become more confident in the source material. These meetings are optional for students but highly recommended.
If students are missing assignments or falling behind and receiving poor grades on the projects, the teacher will reach out to them requesting a meeting to discuss their progress and help coach them through some topics they might be struggling with. This meeting is mandatory.
Hybrid delivery students are expected to read the assigned chapters and complete the assigned quizzes, labs, and other deliverables by the dates given. Typically, there is a deadline on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but they can be completed any time before the deadline. The Labs are on campus and typically require 4-6 hours to complete. Students will have an assigned lab day for their cohort to come together and complete lab assignments with the instructor. These lab days are mandatory. If students are not able to complete lab assignments on the assigned lab days, we can arrange another day of the week to complete the same. Currently, the Lab is only available Monday-Thursday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. We do not have evening labs at the moment. Once we have more students, evening labs will be available.
An instructor is assigned to the class that will be available via email (response within one business day) for questions or concerns. The teacher will establish a schedule to meet with all students taking the same class. Earlier in the program, meetings might occur a few times a week, and they might scale back as students become more confident in the source material. These meetings are optional for students but highly recommended.
If students are missing assignments or falling behind and receiving poor grades on the projects, the teacher will reach out to them requesting a meeting to discuss their progress and help coach them through some topics they might be struggling with. This meeting is mandatory.
Please note that your online delivery may have a different instructor than your onsite instructor. However, both instructors will follow the same syllabus and learning objectives.
A Bootcamp certificate is a short program that is focused on certification of only one type. Our Bootcamps range from 5 weeks to 15 weeks, depending on the certification.
Bootcamp students will need to attend orientation.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate credential is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications. This certification is designed for people looking for entry-level employment in information technology.
The MSCA credential will be retired on Jan. 31, 2021.
The system administration certifications offered at ICOHS college prepare students for a successful career in the field. Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for the CompTIA trio as well as CompTIA Server+.
Those who wish to earn additional credentials can also sit for the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Exam. Other certifications that help demonstrate core system administration skills include the Oracle Linux System Administrator and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.
After completing our IT Systems Administrator training, students will be able to pursue various careers in the computer industry. Certificate holders may choose to work in an office environment managing system software or work independently.
As a professional, you will need to implement and manage computer software and operating systems, troubleshoot network problems, and even perform basic network security. Support specialists are not necessarily bound to the 9-5 work schedule. If preferred, professionals may choose to work nights, weekends, or other time slots outside of traditional office hours.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Despite limited employment growth, about 24,900 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
ICOHS College offers lifetime job assistance. We offer our students support in resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and access to our list of partners and companies that want to hire them! So regardless of how long ago a student has graduated, they can always return to ICOHS College for job assistance.
Although we cannot guarantee a job, as the actual interview and determination are up to the employer, we will support them throughout the process.
Our Career Services team is constantly in contact with businesses and organizations that are looking for new staff. We send out timely email notices of internships and openings, and we help you prepare for your application!
At any time during and after your program, you can send us your resume and cover letter for feedback and editing, and we will always make time to do mock interviews and train you to get the job you want.
Note: Self-employment is a common vocational objective after completion of this program.
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