CNT Program Overview
CNT.RTC.EDU is the primary site maintained and operated by Dr. William W. Sanderson and students enrolled in the Computer Network Technology Program at Renton Technical College. The purpose of this site is to provide student resources related to the CNT Program. This site currently focuses on the courses offered during the one-year program.
The CNT Prorgam is affiliated with Microsoft IT Academy, Red Hat Academy, CompTIA, and Pearson VUE. Renton Technical College staff utilize Microsoft Academic Learning Series (ALS), Red Hat Linux, and CompTIA software and curriculum materials within the CNT courses. Through the use of these materials and course completion, students are prepared for industry certification training and testing within programs such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA A+ IT Technician, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Systems Analyst (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), CompTIA Linux +, Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), and Certified Wireless Network Administaror (CWNA). As of Fall Quarter 2007, the curriculum for CNT courses is comprised of Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003 & 2008, and Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Windows Server 2008 Infrastructuret, Network Virtualization, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Red Hat Linux Essentials, Red Hat Linux Core System Administrator, and CompTIA+ Networking Essentials, Wirelesss Networking Fundamentals. RTC is an authorized partner in the Red Hat Academy, offering course content and testing for those interested in certification in the Red Hat Linux operating system software.
The CNT 111, CNT 151, CNT 156, and CNT 159 courses comprise the 1st Quarter of the program. The 2nd Quarter is comprised of CNT 252, CNT 253, CNT 254, and CNT 255 courses. The 3rd Quarter is comprised of CNT 256, CNT 258, and CNT 260. Students also complete a Summer Quarter dedicated to learning Job Search skills and Business Communications, and core requirements such as Wireless, Linux, and Windows Server Environment, depending on ones' point of entry to the program of study. Students interested in completing a Computer Network Technician Certificate must complete a 1 - year program of study.
Beginning Winter Quarter 2008, the curriculum for CNT courses will be comprised of Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows 2008 Server, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Network Virtualization, Red Hat Linux Essentials, Red Hat Linux Core System Administrator, and CompTIA+ Networking Essentials, and Wirelesss Networking Fundamentals. More specific innformation on course can be found under Courses. Inclusion of Windows VISTA is currently scheduled for Winter Quarter 2009.
Part of a Certificate Completion
The Computer Network Technician Program is designed for entry-level students. This means that students must have only minimal background and experience to apply for the program. This program is designed to assist students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment as computer network installation, configuration, and support technicians. Students receive training in a broad range of topics, including basic electronic theory, microcomputer basics and repair, and networking. Generally, the course of study begins with electronic theory and progresses through maintenance and repair of IBM-compatible PC computers, Microsoft Windows 2000/2003/XP Pro networking, Linux, and Enterprise Networking. Both server and workstation configurations are taught.
The CNT Program requires 12 months of study. It is comprised of 1260 hours of theory and hands-on lab experience designed to emulate real-world networking experiences. Students earn 72 hours of credit from Renton Technical College by attending classes and labs on a Monday - Friday (8:00 AM to 2:30 PM) schedule.
Requirements
Students must be 18 years of age and have vocational interest and goals related to the field of computer networking. Applicants must complete a counselor and instructor interview in order to ensure that individual student interests and goals align with curriculum objectives. Applicants will also complete a survey of basic skills in English and Math to ensure proper placement in the course.
Enrollment
Students normally enter the program at the beginning of Fall Quarter. However, students can enter the program during Winter and Spring quarters. In many cases, a Summer point of entry can be obtained.
Cooperative Work Experience
A cooperative work experience option may be available for qualified and approved students. Students apply learned skills, gain actual on-the-job experience, and receive credit for work experience appropriate to training while completing the program of study.
Internship Opportunities
During the academic year, students may participate in voluntary or compensated internship opportunities. Presently, the Computer Technician Program provides on-going Intern Projects for the City of Renton, Information Technology Department. These projects afford students the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience via role assignments at the department's Help Desk Service. Roles may include web-based development, web site maintenance, networking, and computer repair.
List of Core Courses
- CNT 111 Survey of Electronics with Mathematics
- CNT 151 CompTIA
A+ Essentials
- CNT 156 CompTIA
A+ IT Technician
- CNT 159 CompTIA
Nework +
- CNT 241 Business
Communications and Human Resources
- CNT 252 Microsoft
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
- CNT 253 Microsoft
Windows Windows Server 2008 Infrastructure
- CNT 254 Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
- CNT 255 Network Virtualization
- CNT 256 Redhat Linux
Computer Essentials
- CNT 258 Red Hat
Linux Core System Administration
- CNT 260 Enterprise
Network Technology
- CNT 261 Wireless
Networking Fundamentals
- CNT 294 Internship/Cooperative Education