WELCOME
The Open Cloud Academy’s unique hands-on learning approach provides students the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to enter into the IT workforce. Taught by the best subject matter experts, this is your chance to learn tomorrow’s technology today!
OCA’s Impact
THE OCA DIFFERENCE:
Fast Track to New Career: In as little as 13 weeks, we can teach you the skills necessary to start your new career in Technology.
Hands-on Approach: OCA flips the traditional education model by providing 80% hands-on skill development and 20% lecture.
Certifications: All programs provide students opportunity to test for 2 industry recognized certifications.
Curriculum: Through partnerships with industry leading employers, OCA has built curriculum relevant to the technical skills needed for today’s job market.
Professional Building Workshops & Events: Students will participate in numerous professional development activities including Introduction to Strengths, LinkedIn and Resume Building Workshop. Students will also be exposed to employers both on campus and externally for future job prospects.
THE PROGRAMS:
CYBER SECURITY
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Schedule: Monday – Friday (8:30am to 5pm)
- Start Dates 2019:
- 3/11, 5/28, 7/29, 9/16
- Cost: $16,000 (Tuition Assistance)
- Pre-requisite: CompTIA Network+ Certification OR complete and pass our 1-week Network Fundamentals Boot Camp.
- Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP
- Curriculum:
- Intro to Cyber Security & Network Security Fundamentals
- CompTIA Security+
- Windows Support Fundamentals
- Packet Capture, Monitoring, Logs and Protocol Review
- Intro to Linux
- IT Auditor, PCI-DSS in the Real World
- CISSP
- Future Proof of your Career in IT
- Professional Building Workshops & Events
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Schedule: Monday – Friday (8:30am to 5pm)
- Start Dates 2019:
- 3/11, 5/28, 9/16
- Cost: $8,000 (Tuition Assistance)
- Pre-requisite: None
- Certifications: CompTIA Network+, RHCSA
- Curriculum:
- Network Fundamentals
- Red Hat Systems Administrator
- Webservers
- Relational Databases
- WordPress
- Cloud System Administrator
- Windows Support Fundamentals
- NGINX
- Intro to Debian, Intro to Bash Scripting
- Professional Building Workshops & Events
THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS:
STEP 1
Application: complete our online application to be considered for enrollment.
STEP 2
Aptitude Assessment: complete our non-technical aptitude to ensure that you are a great fit for the program.
STEP 3
CompTIA Network+ (Cyber Security Applicants Only): provide proof of your CompTIA Network+ certification or successfully pass our FREE 1-week Network Fundamentals Boot Camp.
STEP 4
Security Deposit: secure your seat in the class with a $250 deposit.
OCA BY THE NUMBERS
OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS…
768
GRADUATES
98%
COMPLETION RATE
23%
WOMEN
65%
PROJECT QUEST FUNDED
193%
WAGE INCREASE*
*Project QUEST funded students have reported a 193% wage increase.
HEAR FROM OUR GRADUATES
Words from our past students.
Tyler D.
The OCA has allowed me to jump start my career, and given me the opportunity to learn from brilliant & creative people on a daily basis.Monica C.
My ability to speak “geek chic” improves more and more everyday.Nick H.
I have not only accomplished more in a shorter amount of time than I ever though possible; my whole outlook on learning and personal growth has transformed!UPCOMING EVENTS:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
The aptitude assessment is created to align skills with a job profile. For a candidate to fall within our identified range, a combination of scores based on your logical problem solving, rapid problem solving, vocabulary and typing, to name a few are calculated. This helps us to determine if IT and our training is a good fit for you.
System Administrators typically possess the following characteristics:
- Passion for technology
- Problem solvers
- Communication skills
- Helping others
- Lifelong learners
Cyber Security professionals typically possess the following characteristics:
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Broad IT experience
- Project management skills
Open Cloud Academy currently offers classes on a full daytime schedule.
- Monday thru Friday
- 8:30am to 5pm
- 40 hours per week in classroom
- Self-funded
- Project Quest: tuition assistance for those who qualify (questsa.org )
- VA/G.I. Bill: We are a VA Education approved institution. We currently accept the following programs:
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Post 9/11 GI Bill
- Chapter 30 & Chapter 35
- VOC Rehab (approval pending)
Yes. As of December 1, 2018, the Open Cloud Academy is proud to announce that we accept the GI Bill / VA Education Benefits.
The following are programs we look to honor:
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Post 9/11 GI Bill
- Chapter 30 & 35 (for dependants)
- VOC Rehab (approval pending)
Hazlewood Act is not currently accepted and only pertains to accredited colleges and universities per https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood-act/
Ultimately the decision is yours and it’s a matter of preference but here are few things to consider:
- At OCA we consider our System Administration track as getting you from 0 to 1. This means from no technology experience to prepared for an entry-level job in IT.
- Our Cyber Security track does require that you have a working knowledge of networking.
- Many IT professionals start out as System Admins before going into Cybersecurity.
- Again, knowing networking is integral to Cybersecurity.
- “The best career path is the one you are most passionate about” – someone wise
Additional reading & discussion:
- System Administrator vs Security Administrator: What’s the Difference? @ BMC Blogs
- Which position is better, system administrator or cyber security analyst? Discussion @ Quora
Employer Partners:
Notice Student Complaint Policy
The TWC-assigned school number is: S4616
The school’s programs are approved by TWC, as well as (name(s) of other Texas state agencies, as applicable) and (name(s) of any relevant accrediting bodies).
Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog. Schools are responsible for ensuring and documenting that all students have received a copy of the school’s grievance procedures and for describing these procedures in the school’s published catalog. If, as a student, you were not provided with this information, please inform school management.
Students dissatisfied with this school’s response to their complaint or who are not able to file a complaint with the school, can file a formal complaint with TWC, as well as with other relevant agencies or accreditors, if applicable.
Information on filing a complaint with TWC can be found on TWC’s website at www.texasworkforce.org/careerschoolstudents.