Cloud computing powers modern business — and our program gets you career-ready with hands-on skills in Cloud, AI, Cybersecurity, Virtualization, and Automation.
10 MONTHS
Full Program
1,050 HRS
Hands-On Training
5 COURSES
5 Completion Points
REAL LABS
Cloud & Sandboxes
APPLIED TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Students are not simply preparing to answer exam questions — they are building real-world enterprise infrastructure in practical, simulated environments.
4-LAYER TECHNOLOGY STACK
Layer 1: Virtualization & Systems Admin (Windows/Linux, Active Directory, Hypervisors) → Layer 2: Cloud Platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) → Layer 3: DevOps & Automation (Python, PowerShell, GitHub, Terraform) → Layer 4: AI & Emerging Tech.
THE “MULTIPLE HATS” IT PROFESSIONAL
Modern IT pros wear multiple hats: troubleshooting endpoints, managing users, maintaining servers, supporting cloud environments, and automating repetitive tasks.
CAREER ROLES & 2027 EVOLUTION
Hospitals, schools, banks, and manufacturers need talent for roles like Help Desk Technician, Network Support Technician, Junior Systems Admin, or Cloud Support Associate. Incoming 2027 students enroll in the updated 1,050-hour Cloud Systems Technologies curriculum.
The goal is to develop a strong technical foundation and the confidence to continue learning.
Skills You'll Learn
SYSTEMS & CLOUD PLATFORMS
Administer Windows and Linux, build virtual machines, troubleshoot IT and network issues, and deploy solutions in Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud portals.
AI, DEVOPS & AUTOMATION
Explore AI models and generative AI tools, evaluate outputs, and automate workflows with Python, PowerShell, GitHub, Terraform, and Infrastructure as Code.
CYBERSECURITY & DATA ANALYSIS
Practice cybersecurity in sandbox labs, secure enterprise systems, and master firewalls, identity management, encryption, threat detection, and risk assessment.
PROGRAMMING & WEB DEVELOPMENT
No prior coding experience needed — learn Python, PowerShell, Bash, and HTML/CSS to write automation scripts, work through errors, and build websites and apps.
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Collaborate on team projects, create professional technical documents and reports, build infographics and visual models, and present findings to a group.
How to Enroll
Interested in joining the Cloud Computing program? Follow these steps to get started.
STEP 1
Learn about the program and its requirements.
STEP 2
Apply to the course on Erwin.edu/cloud-computing-virtualization.
STEP 3
Wait for an email about class registration.
STEP 4
After registration, get prepared and wait for your first day.
QUESTIONS?
For enrollment or registration help, email tammy.alva@hcps.net or visit Student Services. Unsure about a typical lab or the weekly workload? Ask Instructor Frank Traina at frank.traina@hcps.net.
Courses
5 Courses · 10 Months · 1,050 Hours · 5 Occupational Completion Points (OCPs). Incoming 2027 students enroll in the updated Cloud Systems Technologies program.
OCP A · INFORMATION TECH ASSISTANT150 hrs
Computer fundamentals, productivity tools, introductory IT concepts, basic Web design, and the impact of technology on modern business.
OCP B · CLOUD SUPPORT TECHNICIAN150 hrs
Training in installation, configuration, support, and troubleshooting of computer hardware, Windows & Linux operating systems, and enterprise endpoints.
OCP C · NETWORKING SUPPORT TECHNICIAN150 hrs
Networking fundamentals, TCP/IP, routing, switching, DNS/DHCP, operating systems, network security, and systems administration.
OCP D · CLOUD ANALYST300 hrs
Expanded core course covering Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud services — plus Python scripting, automation, and Infrastructure as Code.
OCP E · CLOUD VIRTUALIZATION SPECIALIST300 hrs
Install, configure, and manage virtualized enterprise environments, Windows/Linux servers, Active Directory, and hypervisors.
Earn Certifications
Complete a mandatory Core Foundation track in the first half of the program, then pursue Individualized Advancement credentials tailored to your career goals.
Mandatory Core Track — Python Institute’s Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer credential for scripting and IT automation.
ADVANCEMENT: AI & COPILOT PATHS
Individualized Options — Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901), AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01), and M365 Copilot (AB-900).
ADVANCEMENT: DATA, SECURITY & MULTI-CLOUD
Individualized Options — Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900), Security & Compliance (SC-900), GitHub Foundations (GH-900), and Google Cloud Digital Leader.
Certifications offered may change based on industry trends.
Is This For You?
No prior coding experience needed! Tap each box that sounds like you or what you’re willing to practice:
ARE YOU CURIOUS HOW SERVERS, NETWORKS & APPS WORK TOGETHER?
If you love diving into how technology works under the hood, this program will keep you engaged.
CAN YOU SPEND SEVERAL HOURS WORKING THROUGH A HANDS-ON LAB?
Cloud computing is learned by doing — building virtual machines, testing configs, and solving real challenges.
WHEN A FIX FAILS, ARE YOU WILLING TO TEST ANOTHER IDEA?
Not every lab has a step-by-step recipe. Looking up unfamiliar errors and trying new approaches is the heart of IT.
ARE YOU WILLING TO WRITE A SHORT SCRIPT & WORK THROUGH ERRORS?
You’ll learn Python and PowerShell from scratch to automate tasks instead of doing the same routine by hand.
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE COLLABORATING & RECORDING YOUR APPROACH?
Documenting what you tried, asking teammates for help, and practicing consistently are key skills employers value.
If you said YES to most of these — this program is for you!
