Ref. 3042

The Microsoft IT Academy Program has announced that the North Iowa Area Community College Information Systems Technology and Business department has earned accreditation as a Microsoft IT Academy.

“Students who are considering a job in the information technology field now have access to additional resources and training,” Tracy Purchase, NIACC Information Systems Technology (IST) instructor, said.

Resources for academic information and learning are enhanced for the Academy students which will benefit them as they obtain certification in the IT industry.  Enhancements provided by the NIACC Microsoft IT Academy range from e-learning capabilities, software downloads for curriculum, to virtual systems for training.  Students will also have the option to complete an educational track that will lead to certification as a Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP). These resource enhancements raise the bar of the IT curriculum to provide a more efficient understanding of what students need to run an effective Windows network.

Earning the Microsoft IT Academy accreditation provides assurance for employers that the quality of instruction is following the standards of Microsoft and the industry.  Employers may also request specific classes designed to improve work skills for their current IT employees.  “Training for individuals is also available for those who are working to obtain certifications in the IT industry,” said Purchase. Individuals or groups interested in training for a specific operating system, such as Vista or Windows Server 2008, can work with NIACC to schedule courses that meet their business needs. Current IT employees with a previous Microsoft certification will have an opportunity to increase their skills and obtain newer levels of certification.

For further information about the Microsoft IT Academy and the new courses offered, contact Tracy Purchase, NIACC IST instructor, at 1-888 GO NIACC, Ext. 4415, or e-mail at purchtra@niacc.edu .

#####