LCC Offers Computer Network Technician Program

At theCNT / 3Com announcement LCC Vice president, Development & Enterprise Bill Persley (left) with 3Com Canada's Ric Walford, Director of Network Consulting and Darrell Clarke, Territory Manager and LCC's Electronics instructor Deryle Generous (seated) with the donated equipment.

April 28, 1999 - Lethbridge Community College has joined with communications giant 3Com, to offer a new Computer Network Technician (CNT) one-year certificate program starting this September. Earlier this month the College received approval from Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development to offer the new program. LCC is the first Canadian college to partner with 3Com in delivery of educational programs.

The CNT program will provide entry level skills in computer network design, installation and maintenance. The curriculum includes software, network architecture, devices and cabling installation and operating systems. It will prepare graduates to successfully write a number of certification exams from the National Association of Communications Systems Engineers (NACSE). As with other electronics programs an extensive laboratory component is a key part of the delivery.

3Com, a major voice, data and video communications corporation, is assisting the College in developing more than half the curriculum. 3Com will also assist in providing specific teaching materials, and staff development opportunities as well as advice and support related to identifying practical work-experiences and potential employers. 3Com has also donated approximately $20,000 in networking hardware, through the TEC 2000 $4 million capital campaign, to support of the CNT program.

The CNT program will be offered in two 16-week semesters, starting this September. Proposed enrolment for the first year is 20 full-time students, building to 40 students by the 2001-02 academic year. In order to fast-track delivery, the College will offer the program as a cost-recovery program, meaning that no provincial funding will be available.

Founded in 1979 by Ethernet co-inventor Robert Metcalfe, 3Com is a world-wide developer of data, voice, and video communications systems. They have more than 13,000 employees in 160 countries and 200 million customers worldwide. Their 1998 sales were $5.4 billion (US). They are headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

The Computer Network Technician program will prepare you for a career in planning, designing, installation, maintenance and administering advanced computer networks. Courses cover network software, network architecture, devises and cabling installation and operating systems. You will also be able to write the NACSE Senior Network Specialists (NSNS) certification exam from the National Association of Communications Systems Engineers (NACSE). As with other electronics programs, an extensive laboratory component is a key part of delivery.

• IMPORTANT DATES
• ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• PROGRAM FEES
• PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
• GRADUATION
• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
• CURRICULUM
• COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

• TO THE PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SITE

• BACK TO THE ON-LINE CALENDAR

IMPORTANT DATES

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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New students are accepted into the Computer Network Technician program in the Fall term only.

Entrance to the Computer Network Technician program is on a competitive basis as determined by:

1. academic preparation;
2. related work experience; and
3. vocational interest.

Academic Requirements
Applicants are required to have an Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent, with credit in Math 30 or 31 or a minimum of 65% in Math 33, or equivalent. Credit in English 30 or 33 or equivalent.

Alternate Admission applicants are required to achieve a minimum 60th percentile on the Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra and Sentence Skills sections of the Computerized Placement Test or equivalent. Typing or keyboarding skills are recommended.

Non-academic Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a personal resume and complete a questionnaire which outlines:

1. their work experiences;
2. additional education and/or training and certification qualifications in electronics and computers;
3. their motivation to seek entry to a career in computer networking; and,
4. companies and persons in the networking field they contacted for career information.

An interview with a program person is required. The interviewer assesses the ability, experience and sincerity of the applicant using a standardized score format.

Medical Requirements
No physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry into the program. Applicants should have their colour vision tested. Although colour vision deficiencies usually do not prevent a successful career in networking, some employers may require full colour vision.

• Typical work environments require mobility, moderate dexterity and lifting light-weight equipment.

PROGRAM FEES

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All fees are approximate and are based on a full credit load for each program (the number of credits may depend upon the elective courses selected) and is subject to change. Costs of books and supplies are estimated. Supply costs include only the specialized materials and equipment needed for the program and not basic stationery supplies. The LCC Students¹ Association fees are subject to change. For more detailed information on tuition fee calculation and other fees, students are advised to consult the FEES section of this Calendar.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

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Students accepted into this program have the opportunity to apply related employment, volunteer, educational or training experiences toward the completion of the program. For information on Prior Learning Assessment, students should contact the Registrar¹s Office.

GRADUATION

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Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Certificate in Computer Network Technician.

• Additional certifications are not required to fulfill the graduation requirements of the Computer Network Technician program.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Students have the option to write certification exams by external organizations to obtain the following industry certifications or credentials:

• Arrangements are being made so all certification exams may be written on the LCC campus. Extra fees apply. Some additional self study may be required.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

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None at this time.

CURRICULUM

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Fall Term Hours Credits
CNT 130 Fundamentals of Computer Networks (8-8) 4
CNT 131 Local Area Networks (8-8) 4
CNT 132 Wide Area Networks (8-8) 4
CNT 133 Network Architecture (8-8) 4
CNT 140 Shell Script Programming (0-3) 3
ETC 126 PC Compatibles and Intro to Op Sys (0-5) 5
Total 24 Credits

Winter Term Hours Credits
CNT 135 The Internet (8-8) 4
CNT 136 Internetworking Devices and Concepts (8-8) 4
CNT 137 Protocol Analysis (8-8) 4
CNT 138 Design and Mgmnt of Enterprise Netwks (8-8) 4
ETC 117 Cabling Certification (AMP) (1 week) (0-30) 1
ETC 127 Advanced PC Compatibles and Op Sys (0-3) 3
BUS 255 Information and Computer Systems (3-0) 3
ENG 156 Business Writing (3-0) 3
Total 26 Credits