:: Professional Studies
In an academic context, the Association for Computing Machinery defines IT as "undergraduate degree programs that prepare students to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, schools, and other kinds of organizations .... IT specialists assume responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization, integrating those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and installing, customizing, and maintaining those applications for the organization’s computer users."
In a business context, the Information Technology Association of America has defined information technology as "the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems". The responsibilities of those working in the field include network administration, software development and installation, and the planning and management of an organization's technology life cycle, by which hardware and software are maintained, upgraded and replaced.
The business value of information technology lies in the automation of business processes, provision of information for decision making, connecting businesses with their customers, and the provision of productivity tools to increase efficiency.
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data,[1] or information, often in the context of a business or other enterprise. IT is considered to be a subset of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology system (IT system) is generally an information system, a communications system or, more specifically speaking, a computer system – including all hardware, software and peripheral equipment – operated by a limited group of users.
In the United States, a certificate may be offered by an institute of higher education. These certificates usually signify that a student has reached a standard of knowledge about a certain vocational or professional subject. Certificate programs can be completed more quickly than associate degrees and often do not have general education requirements. Undergraduate certificates represent completion of a specific program offered in coordination with a bachelors degree. Graduate certificates represent completion of studies beyond the bachelor's degree, yet short of a masters degree.
In the State of Maryland, a Certificate of Merit was, until recently, issued to graduating high-school seniors who met certain academic requirements (such as completion of advanced courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.00); the statewide certificate has since been replaced by "endorsements" defined by each local school system.[3]
It also may be awarded as a necessary certification to validate that a student is considered competent in a certain specific networking skill area in information technology. Thus a computer engineer or computer science graduation most likely will have to obtain additional certificates on and pertaining to the specific technologies or equipment used by the hiring corporation; if not, such employer may suffer unwanted penalties like foregoing (voiding the contract) the protections of a certain level of customer service or warranties.
A certification is a third-party attestation of an individual's level of knowledge or proficiency in a certain industry or profession. They are granted by authorities in the field, such as professional societies and universities, or by private certificate-granting agencies. Most certifications are time-limited; some expire after a period of time (e.g., the lifetime of a product that required certification for use), while others can be renewed indefinitely as long as certain requirements are met. Renewal usually requires ongoing education to remain up-to-date on advancements in the field, evidenced by earning the specified number of continuing education credits (CECs), or continuing education units (CEUs), from approved professional development courses.
Many certification programs are affiliated with professional associations, trade organizations, or private vendors interested in raising industry standards. Certificate programs are often created or endorsed by professional associations, but are typically completely independent from membership organizations. Certifications are very common in fields such as aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as healthcare, business, real estate, and finance.
According to The Guide to National Professional Certification Programs (1997) by Phillip Barnhart, "certifications are portable, since they do not depend on one company's definition of a certain job" and they provide protential employers with "an impartial, third-party endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and experience".[1]
Certification is different from professional licensure. In the United States, licenses are typically issued by state agencies, whereas certifications are usually awarded by professional societies or educational institutes. Obtaining a certificate is voluntary in some fields, but in others, certification from a government-accredited agency may be legally required to perform certain jobs or tasks. In other countries, licenses are typically granted by professional societies or universities and require a certificate after about three to five years and so on thereafter. The assessment process for certification may be more comprehensive than that of licensure, though sometimes the assessment process is very similar or even the same, despite differing in terms of legal status.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines the standard for being a certifying agency as meeting the following two requirements:
- Delivering an assessment based on industry knowledge that is independent from training courses or course providers
- Granting a time-limited credential to anyone who meets the assessment standards
The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) is a U.S.-based organization that sets standards for the accreditation of personnel certification and certificate programs based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, a joint publication of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME). Many members of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) are also certification organizations.
School Description
Choose the education that's right for YOU!
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Automotive Technology Program |
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Westwood College
Program: Westwood's Automotive Technology program
offers distinct advantages to students like you who wish to pursue
careers in this exciting field. Instructors with field experience
provide a practical and knowledgeable source of education. Training
labs contain automotive testing equipment, such as handheld scanners,
digital storage oscilloscopes and other computerized diagnostic
tools. Combination of both classroom theory and hands-on training
offers the advantage of hands-on experience with the skills that
are required for entry-level employment. Laboratories and Equipment
Five classrooms for audio-visual demonstrations and lectures. 8,000
square foot automotive shop is divided into lab stations and work
bays. Computerized diagnostic equipment and computerized alignment
equipment are used to train students in automotive technologies.
Special tools, supplies and equipment are provided for student check-out.
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Concentration: Professional |
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Campus |
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Westwood College
Program: The Westwood HVAC/R program offers you
a hands-on involvement with small, medium and large scale heating,
air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Experience first-hand
how sophisticated the technology is in HVAC/R. Work with electronic
and pneumatic systems that are all controlled by computers. Laboratories
and Equipment Classrooms are equipped with audio-visual aids and
demonstration units to support various lectures. Specialized trainer
which stimulates control systems, an energy management program and
SimuTech computer programs used for troubleshooting
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Concentration: Professional |
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Campus |
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Radio Broadcasting - Associate Degree From Brown College |
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Brown College
Program: Students who successfully complete the
15-month program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Radio Broadcasting. Students are prepared for entry-level
broadcasting positions, which typically include disk jockey shows,
newscasts, audio productions, and sales.
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Concentration: Professional |
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Campus |
:: Location:
Minneapolis, MN |
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Pioneer Pacific College
Program: Pioneer Pacific can prepare you for
a wide range of criminal justice careers at the federal and state
levels, and in the public and private sectors. Especially with the
additional focus on security nationwide, opportunities for graduates
exist in the areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and
parole and probation. Study to become: Workplace security officer
Sheriff or police officer State trooper Drug Enforcement Administration
agent Private investigator
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Concentration: Professional |
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Campus |
:: Location:
Portland, OR |
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School Description
Professional Studies
Programs from 15 schools in both Associates and Certificates/Degrees
are numbered in the "Professional" category.
Legal and Medical Administration, Paralegal, Nurse Assistant, Office
Technologist and Administrative Assistant are only a few of the programs
found below.
Click you way to a more solid foundational future NOW!
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