Network Technician

• 32-week fast-track certificate
• October and April starts
• Includes an eight-week practicum

Program Description

The Network Technician (NT) program is an intensive 32-week certificate program designed to prepare you for the essential fields of computer networking design, maintenance and support. Technically focusing on Cisco, Microsoft, open source technologies and operating systems, this program emphasizes key industry requirements such as virtualization, security, information storage management and effective troubleshooting. Through hands-on, practical assignments, you will gain experience solving technical problems and providing solutions on time and within scope. Upon completion, you will be prepared to challenge the CCNA exam. The mandatory eight-week practicum solidifies the classroom experience and prepares you to launch into or continue your IT career.

Your Career

A graduate from this program may find employment as a network technician, network analyst, help desk analyst, system support specialist or an IT consultant.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with 50% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:

• Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 or Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, AND,
• English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

*Because of the tight integration of the courses in the NT program, credit for Prior Learning is not available for this program.

Selection

Selection is done on a continuous basis. It is important to apply early and ensure all supporting documents are submitted promptly since the program is in high demand.

If student financing is required, apply at least 8-12 weeks prior to the program start date to ensure adequate time to complete the process.  Financing must be in place prior to the program start date.

There are 24 seats offered in each intake.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on the following criteria:

• Current résumé outlining previous education and experience.
• Career investigation form (will be provided to you upon application).
• A copy of educational transcripts and any other supporting documents (all documents should be submitted to the School of ICT Fast-Track office by email to fast-track@sait.ca or fax to 403.210.4523).
• Attend a mandatory selection appointment once the above documents have been submitted.

The final decision for acceptance into the program will be determined by the Program Coordinator.

Ideal Applicant

The ideal candidate for the Network Technician (NT) program is a motivated, mature learner with an interest in computer networking, who wants to specialize or to upgrade their existing skills. You are technically proficient and detail-oriented. Your approach to problem solving is both creative and logical, depending on the circumstances. You work well as part of a team and enjoy interacting with others. You possess good working knowledge of operating systems and computer hardware. You are probably the person your friends and family go to when they have computer problems.

Student Success

• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Experience with computer hardware and/or operating and networking systems an asset.

This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy; students who experience success are those who make their education a priority throughout the program.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Network Technician.

Accreditation

By the end of the program, graduates will have the knowledge to challenge the Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) exams. With additional relevant work experience and additional exam preparation study, you would be prepared to challenge other relevant industry exams such as CompTIA A+, VMWare, EMC and Microsoft certifications

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

The tuition fee includes all course materials, student fees and access to appropriate technology.

Program Outline

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.
• The courses listed are not shown in instructional order. Due to the nature of the fast- track programs some courses may be modified or replaced.

For More Information

Information: 403.210.4522
Email: fast-track@sait.ca
Website: School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

Transfer to Certificate to…

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• SAIT Polytechnic

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition