Maximum PC

I'm currently finishing up my associates, and will be done with my bachelor's... in nursing. After which, I plan on taking an online class in CIS through Colorado State.

My end-goal is to work in IS for the healthcare organization I work for... and my working on the user end of the software and networking may give me a unique perspective when working on the IS side.

A current IT job is listed, and I want to prepare and start reading up now. It reads as some of the requirements: "Working troubleshooting knowledge of peripheral configuration and maintenance such as PCs, Printers, Faxes, modems, etc. Proficiency with computer security tools and configurations. Working knowledge of remote access configurations and applications such as Citrix, VMWare and terminal Services. MCSE/MCSA/MCP (Microsoft), A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications preferred."

I've found some online courses for A+,Network+,Security+ but am wondering if in the meantime there are any free or book or online resources, you the experts, could/would recommend and direct me to so I can start learning now before I start the side projects.

Thanks in advance!

bb

My best suggestions is to find a good A+ book, particularly one that comes with quizzes or little tests to take. Classes are good but I feel for IT work it is usually easier to study on your own at your own pace.

Start with A+, then once you get the Cert and you feel confident, you can work on Network+. Only benefit of Security+ I would look into is HIPPA requirements and any other security requirements for the medical field, because the government is very stringent on those.

Otherwise the best way to gain that knowledge is through experience.

I hope this helps out. If you have any more questions feel free to message me, I'll be glad to offer more.

Thanks,

I'm looking at this book: http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certifica ... roduct_top


I appreciate the feedback!

Mike Meyers' books are awesome, but if you are easily turned off by strangeness or rambling, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an enjoyable read, then this is the book for you.

The requirements you listed also mentioned Security+, so if I were you, I would recommend reading CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-201 Study Guide. This would just be for personal knowledge however since the test has been updated. You can also wait for DG's 301 book, which should be coming out at some point.

Very cool, will do, and thanks!

Oh and forgot to mention, don't forget about the free Professor Messer videos. He does the A+, Network+, Security+, and Microsoft 70-680.

Woah, thanks!!! Professor Messer will be a great adjunct... and free!!!

Thanks for that!
~bb

Ummm, why on earth would you get a bachelor's degree in nursing to work in IT? If you are not even done with your associates, then why not switch over and get your bachelors in IT? You don't need a nursing degree to work in healthcare IT, you'd be much better off with an IT degree.

I could always get a 2nd Bachelors in IT. I see WGU has some good offrings: http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/in ... ogy_degree

Pay would be one reason, at least in my area (Ft. Collins/Denver CO) Starting is 50-60k. Also, a BSN in nursing allows me much more flexibility. Should I not care for IT, I have a great job to fall back on for which most employers require a BSN, and, in my view, is one of the most versatile fields available. Lastly, the CIS Master's is what I was looking at http://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/cis/ though I can't seem to find any payscales online I can see it leading to a management position with a Master's. I could see having a BSN being beneficial understanding both ends of using medical software. Should I not like IT, a BSN in nursing allows me to go into many MSN choices which can add 30-100k per year (anesthesia).

I"m not sure... nursing has shadowing opportunities out the wazoo for any chosen field... I haven't seen any for IT which may sway my decision.

Cool...now that makes much more sense.