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Information Systems Technology

Information Systems Technology

Information Systems Technology (IST) is for students who love technology and are looking for a future job with high pay and a robust occupational outlook. The tech sector is booming, and IT occupations are expected to continue to grow over the next decade. Information Systems Technology focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers and peripherals. Included in the program are the studies of computer repair, networking, web design, the internet and intranet (internal network), as well as the foundations of cybersecurity. Students will leave the program with multiple industry certifications and the option to apply what they have learned to credits at a post-secondary institution.

  • TECHNICAL SKILLS

    • Structured-cabling installation
    • Computer repair, maintenance, and upgrades
    • Install and maintain local area networks
    • Installation and maintenance of client server networks
    • Installation, configuration and securing of end devices for wide area networks

     

    PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

    • Problem-solving
    • Critical thinking 
    • Attention to detail

  • CAREER PATHWAYS

    • Computer and Network Support Professional
    • Network Administrator
    • Cyber Security Specialist
    • Digital Forensics Specialist
    • Health Information Networker

  • CERTIFICATIONS

    • CompTIA A
    • CompTIA Network
    • CompTIA IT Fundamentals
    • Cisco Certified Network Associate
    • American Ladder Institute Certifications
    • TestOut PC Pro
    • TestOut Network Pro

     

    COLLEGE CREDITS

    IST-NETWORKING:

    College in the High School – Pennsylvania College of Technology

    • Enrollment is at the beginning of each semester to take one or more of the following courses in your CareerTech program. Must have a 2.0 GPA.
      • EET 145 – Networking I (4 credits-on hold for 2025-2026)

    Program of Study (POS) Statewide Articulations, SOAR

    • CareerTech will produce the paperwork for each senior whether they are or are not eligible to be exempt from the following credits at the following post-secondary schools. Visit for details.
      • Berks County Community College – 12 credits
      • Butler County Community College – 10 credits
      • Community College of Allegheny County – 9 credits
      • Community College of Beaver County – 10 credits
      • Delaware County Community College – 9 credits
      • Harrisburg Area Community College – 13 credits
      • Johnson College – 10 credits
      • Northampton Community College – 10 credits
      • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – 9 credits
      • Westmoreland County Community College – 9 credits
    • The following may be pending renewal and may or may not be offered by May 2026+.
      • Allegheny College of Maryland – 13 credits
      • Bucks County Community College – 12 credits
      • Clarion University of PA – 9 credits
      • Community College of Philadelphia – 11 credits
      • Johnson College – 10 credits
      • Lehigh Carbon Community College – 9 credits
      • Montgomery County Community College, Central Campus – 6 credits
      • Mount Aloyius College – 9 credits
      • Pierce College – 9 credits
      • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – 10 credits
      • Pittsburgh Technical College – 13 credits
      • Reading Area Community College – 9 to 12 credits

    Direct Articulations

    • Hagerstown Community College – 3 to 18 credits
      • Must complete FCCTC IST program with an 80% or higher
      • Some credits require receipt of PA Skills Certificate
    • Saint Francis University, Francis Worldwide – 6 credits for an Associate’s degree, 12 credits for a Bachelor’s degree.
      • 25% tuition reduction

    NOCTI

    • Pass your written assessment to recieve your recommended credit waiver at the Awards Ceremony.
      • 3 credits – Recommended to be awarded in Computer Networking, Computer Science, or Computer Information Systems. 1 to 2 additional credits may be awarded based on successful completion of the performance component with the written proficiency exam.

     

    IST-TECHNOLOGY:

    College in the High School – Pennsylvania College of Technology

    • Enrollment is at the beginning of each semester to take one or more of the following courses in your CareerTech program. Must have a 2.0 GPA.
      • EET 145 – Networking I (4 credits-on hold for 2025-2026)

    Program of Study (POS) Statewide Articulations, SOAR

    • CareerTech will produce the paperwork for each senior whether they are or are not eligible to be exempt from the following credits at the following post-secondary schools. Visit for details.
    • The following may be pending renewal and may or may not be offered by May 2026+.
      • Bucks County Community College – 8 credits
      • Clarion University of PA – 9 credits
      • Community College of Beaver County – 9 credits
      • Community College of Philadelphia – 11 credits
      • Commonwealth Technical Institute – 11 credits
      • Commonwealth Technical Institute – 11 credits
      • Community College of Allegheny County – 6 credits
      • Harrisburg Area Community College – 9 credits
      • Manor College – 6 to 9 credits
      • Mercyhurst University – 9 credits
      • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – 9 credits
      • Pittsburgh Technical College – 9 credits
      • Reading Area Community College – 9 credits
      • Westmoreland County Community College – 3 to 12 credits

    Direct Articulations

    • Hagerstown Community College – 3 to 18 credits
      • Must complete FCCTC IST program with an 80% or higher
      • Some credits require receipt of PA Skills Certificate
    • Saint Francis University, Francis Worldwide – 6 credits for an Associate’s degree, 12 credits for a Bachelor’s degree.
      • 25% tuition reduction

    NOCTI

    • Pass your written assessment to recieve your recommended credit waiver at the Awards Ceremony.
      • 3 credits – Recommended to be awarded in Computer Technology or Information Technology. 1 to 2 additional credits may be awarded based on successful completion of the performance component with the written proficiency exam.

     

  • PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    Student should have a good grasp of basic math.

     

    UNIFORMS

    A CareerTech blue or gray t-shirt is required. In addition, the following CareerTech items may also be purchased: Polo shirt or zip fleece. Uniforms may be ordered online or purchased at the school store.

     

    OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

    • School Uniform
    • Computer Maintenance Tool Kit -$10
    • ESD Wrist strap -$5

Lisa Marie Smith

Ms. Smith is a graduate of Millersville University. She holds several master’s degrees including Information Systems Management and Network and Communications Management. She is certified by Comp TIA, Microsoft, PMI, Scrum Alliance, and others. She has over 30 years of IT and project management experience in various industries. She has also taught IT and workforce courses at Hagerstown Community College, Penn State, and other institutions. Ms. Smith is heavily involved in the Franklin County community. 

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