Computer Systems Technician Program Details
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.
Organizations rely heavily on information technology (IT) professionals to maintain and secure their computer systems and networks. The Computer Systems Technician program will equip you with the comprehensive technical skills needed to succeed in this high-demand field. Whether working with personal computers, networking technologies, or application support, you will gain the expertise required to meet the evolving IT needs of modern businesses. By the time you graduate, you will be well-prepared to take on various roles within the IT sector, including network technician, systems administrator, and IT support specialist.
This program will provide you with the technical skills and expertise required to work in the high-demand world of personal computers, networking and application support to meet the information technology (IT) needs of modern organizations. The curriculum is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring you are well-versed in the latest technologies and industry practices. You’ll work with real-world scenarios and equipment, allowing you to develop practical problem-solving skills that will be critical in your future career.
The program curriculum addresses the technical aspects of commonly used components and troubleshooting techniques for:
- Computer hardware
- Networking technologies
- Operating systems
- Cloud technology
- System administration
In addition to mastering these technical skills, you will learn to communicate with clients and colleagues effectively. Strong communication skills are essential when explaining complex IT issues to non-technical users or working as part of a team to resolve system issues. You will also develop administrative skills to help you manage IT resources efficiently within an organization. The ability to adapt quickly and think critically is another key component of your training, enabling you to respond effectively to a wide range of technical challenges.
You will also learn how to develop your communication and administrative skills and be trained in critical-thinking skills designed to help you respond to many technical challenges. As a graduate, you will be able to:
- Challenge for industry-recognized certifications (e.g. CompTIA A+ and Network+; Cisco CCNA; Microsoft; and Linux LPIC 1, ITIL Foundations, AWS Cloud Practitioner).
- Install and configure system software, hardware and network devices.
- Troubleshoot computer system and network issues.
These certifications are highly valued by employers and can significantly boost your employability in the IT job market. By completing this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience, and the credentials needed to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Note: To ensure you make an informed decision about your IT career path, a common first semester is offered for the Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech University, Computer Programming, and Computer Programming and Analysis programs. This approach will give you an opportunity to explore the systems/programming applications and networking/hardware applications of the IT sector.
Certifications
Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which could require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:
- CompTIA - A+; Network+
- Linux LPIC-1
- CISCO CCNA
- Microsoft Certifications
- ITIL Foundations Certificate
- Amazon -AWS Cloud Practitioner
ACCREDITATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
First-year students enrolled in this program will receive a membership to all seven of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. DC is proud to be one of the only colleges in Ontario offering students this unique connection to business leaders.
The seven Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are:
- Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
- Brock Board of Trade
- Clarington Board of Trade
- Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
- Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce
- Scugog Chamber of Commerce
- Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Membership benefits:
- Opportunities to connect with over 2,500 local businesses and jumpstart your career by networking with potential future employers;
- Access to professional development events across Durham Region to gain unique business insights and learn from industry leaders; and
- Learning opportunities to develop the in-demand skills to launch a successful career.
Computer Systems Technician Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
- Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
- Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
- Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
- Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
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