Syracuse University launches four certificate programs, offers open house Dec. 12

Syracuse University launches four certificate programs, offers open house Dec. 12December 06, 2002Peggy Morgan

Syracuse University’s Center for Business Information Technologies (CBIT) announces four new certificate programs for networking and health-care professionals. The programs – offered in response to passage of the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and in response to the continued demand for specialized skills in computer networking information systems – will begin in January. They are: Network Security Professional, Certified Wireless Network Professional, Convergence Technologies Professional and the HIPAA Certification Program. For more information on these and other CBIT programs, call Mona Hamlin at (315) 443-3140 or attend the SU-sponsored open house Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at University College, 700 University Avenue.

Network Security Professional Certificate

In response to workforce need for greater expertise in network security strategies, tactics and hardware/software tools, CBIT will offer a four-month program designed to prepare network security specialists for certification as Network Security Professionals. Jim Shea, Director of CBIT, says the program is targeted toward experienced network engineers and Internet webmasters who have a solid background in computer networking. The program’s value is underscored by research findings from the industry’s most notable resources. Research firm International Data Corporation estimates that by 2005, companies and organizations will spend $14.6 billion annually protecting computer networks from hackers and terrorists. Also, according to the Computer Emergency Response Team at Carnegie Mellon University, computer network attacks increased 160% last year and known security holes jumped 124%. Additionally, two virus attacks in 2001 caused more than $3 billion in damage to computer systems.

The certificate program consists of three courses: Network Security and Firewalls; Operating System Security (Windows 2000 and Linux) and Security Auditing, Attacks, and Threat Analysis. Network Security certification can be completed in the evenings by attending one class a week for four months.

Certified Wireless Network Professional(Wireless Network Administration and Wireless Security)

CBIT’s new January offerings will also include a new hands-on program that provides networking professionals with a complete foundation of knowledge for designing and implementing wireless networking solutions. This program will prepare students for industry certification exams in wireless network administration and security.

“Wireless networking is on the rise and is proving to be a very cost effective network solution for computers and other devices,” says CBIT Director Jim Shea. According to Shea, the next generation of wireless services will enable mobile Internet services (news, research, entertainment, shopping, etc.) to send voice and message communication over cell phones and other personal digital devices.

Convergence Technologies Professional Certificate Program(Data, Voice and Video Integration)

This new program will offer network professionals the core knowledge and skills required by manufacturers, service providers, and channel partners to implement integrated voice, video and database solutions within organizations. The convergence technologies professional (CTP) certificate program also prepares students for the CTP certification exam developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association, the leading telecommunication and IT trade association. “The convergence of voice and data communications is rapidly changing the way we communicate with each other, enabling computing devices to serve as telephone and video conferencing systems,” says Shea.

HIPAA Certification Program

The Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA) provides guidelines and mandates for insurance portability, fraud, and administrative simplification. The administrative simplification provisions of this act have requirements for health-care information systems that specify how patient information is to be coded, stored and distributed. CBIT’s certification program will teach how the legislation requirements affect patients, providers and insurance organizations’ records, business processes and information systems. This program will help health professionals create a framework for developing and implementing HIPAA compliance within their organizations and prepare students for the HIPAA administrator, professional and security certification exams.

CBIT is part of Syracuse University’s continuing education division at University College. CBIT is a hands-on competency-based computer training and education center for information system professionals and career change adults. CBIT offers 14 different IT certification programs and more than 75 computer courses. Check out www.cbit.syr.edu.