School of Applied Sciences and Technology

Computer Network Administrator

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You are curious about technology and its endless possibilities. You like to challenge yourself to find a solution to a problem. You want to be the go-to desktop or server support guru for technical advice. You are fascinated by cloud computing and how it works. This is a great way to jump into the field of technology because you’ll learn how to support secure servers and network infrastructures using on premise and cloud technologies. Come and join the dynamic and exciting field of technology! CNA – Supporting IT!

Sep 01, 2022

Quick Facts

Credential: Certificate

Diplomas and Certificates are credit programs that take 1 or 2 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Options:

  • On-Campus Day - Your course activity is done in-person Monday - Friday in the daytime.

Length: 1 Year

With a typical full-time course load, this program will take 1 Year to complete.

Open Studies: Not Available

This program does not currently have any courses available for Open Studies.

International Students: Accepted

This program accepts international students, however, program availability may be limited. Check program availability for this term. This program also meets the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates reported by NAIT alumni are for information purposes and do not guarantee future employment opportunities.

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Median Starting Salary

Salaries reported by NAIT alumni are for information purposes and are not a guarantee of future alumni income.

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Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

The Computer Network Administrator (CNA) program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on technical skills required to be successful in today’s information technology world. The CNA program teaches students foundational technology skills, core knowledge areas, and strategies for being successful. Students get specialized training with up-to-date applied technology.  

Through the course of the program, you can expect to learn:

  • PC fundamentals
  • Microsoft Windows server and client operations
  • Linux server and client operations
  • Virtualization
  • Cloud computing
  • Scripting and automation
  • Network infrastructure
  • Troubleshooting
  • Assessing and supporting end user needs
  • Supporting basic security policies and practices
  • Working effectively and ethically as an individual or member of a team
CNA students

The NAIT advantage

  • small class sizes
  • personalized learning environment
  • curriculum that focuses on everyday, real-world situations
  • instructors with first-hand experience
  • proven success: NAIT graduates are knowledgeable and career ready
Laboratory Instruction

Enter the workforce with confidence

Typical employment opportunities

  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Server Administrator
  • Service Desk Support
  • Remote Support Technician
  • Network Services Technician
  • IT Administrator
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • Remote Operations Coordinator
  • Computer System Analyst
  • Computer Network Administrator
  • Deployment Technician
  • Information Systems Technician

Typical employers

  • Managed service providers
  • Provincial government
  • Healthcare providers
  • School boards and post-secondary institutions
  • Oil and gas companies
  • A wide range of public and private sector companies

Become a trusted professional

Graduates of this program earn a Computer Network Administrator certificate.

Depending on your career goals, you may also obtain vendor certifications including CompTIA's A+, Network+, Linux+, Microsoft and Cisco after completing the Computer Network Administrator program. This will require additional studying after completing the Computer Network Administrator program.

Note: Vendor certification may provide advanced credit for courses. If you're currently enrolled in the Computer Network Administrator program, you may contact the program for more information: cna@nait.ca. 

Opportunities for further education

The CNA program is designed to give you the skills necessary to gain employment upon graduation. Should you wish to pursue additional education you may do so in the Network Engineering Technology (2 year diploma), Cybersecurity (post-diploma certificate), Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology: Network Management (applied degree) or Bachelor of Technology (degree) programs. Entry into these programs may require an additional year of post-secondary education or bridging courses.

CNA pathways

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section and on the Transfer Credit Request Form (PDF), your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of B- in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Courses

Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.

Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Awards

The following scholarships and/or bursaries are available to you as a student in this program. To access your opportunities, visit the Student Portal.

How to Apply

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions.

Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:

  • Student application support
  • Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
  • Program admissions process
  • Enrolment support
  • Student funding options
  • Fee and refund inquiries
  • General program and course withdrawal procedures
  • Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal

Contact Student Service Centre

Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:

  • Program details
  • Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
  • Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
  • Program and course withdrawal



The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

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