very nice, I was told the same about the A+ stay away just go get the MCSE or MCSA and like you said its understood that you have a basic understanding (at the very least!) of computers and hardware. I was also told to stay away from any N+ stuff. I am going to go get my Security+ Cert, just because I can use it as an elective on the MCSE (security specialization part). My sole purpose for taking the exams is to like you get my foot in the door! :) I had a Top Secret Clearance in the US Army, and I did pretty good getting called in on many of my off days to fix stuff the "Teams" had down range and brought back to Ft Bragg. I worked very well with dead lines also, but noone seemed to care after I got out in 2003, it just I couldn't get a job in ANY IT field, even though I had more experience than pretty much any college grad out there and I worked well with others, but it didn't matter with no degree and no certs, I was a dead duck! :(

oh well, now I've got my foot in the door at a hospital that ALWAYS needs net. admins. so if I get some certs I should atleast get a second look right?

Yes, you should :)

Also I know that many of the contract job sites look for people with special clearances if you are still current with them ;)

/JD