The Computer Support Technician program prepares students to effectively interact with PC, Mac, and mobile users, providing first-line technical support. Students are trained in a hands-on atmosphere to install, support, and troubleshoot PC, Mac, mobile, and audio/video devices.
Students gain an understanding of how a help desk functions, and the role of customer service in today's world of technology. Understanding the importance of call management and ensuring all calls and problems are dealt with quickly and effectively is also emphasized. Students actively participate in an on-the-job help desk internship/work experience with instructor supervision in a campus-wide help desk, providing support for peers, college faculty, and staff.
- Overview
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Is This Program for You?
Do you enjoy working with computers and have the communication skills to explain things clearly, both orally and in writing? Do you enjoy problem solving and have the patience to troubleshoot all sorts of challenges? The Computer Support Technician program may provide the opportunity you need to launch a great career.
Students entering the IT-Computer Support Technician program should:
- Possess an analytical and creative ability.
- Like to solve problems and be persistent.
- Be able to think logically.
- Have good basic reading and math skills.
- Have good oral and written communication skills.
Program Basics
- One-year technical diploma.
- In person and online classes.
- High school articulation courses accepted.
- Financial aid available.
- Classes start in August.
- Curriculum & Costs
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Cost of Attendance (COA) 23-24
Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.
Category Amount Tuition and Fees $4,713 Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,614 Books and Supplies $2,061 Personal Expenses $2,245 Transportation $2,007 Charger Tech 360 Fee $600 Loan Fees $83 Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $21,323 1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $10,662 Based on Wisconsin Residents.
Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.
Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.
These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.
- Requirements
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Admission and Program Requirements
- Submit Application
- To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
- Admissions Preference Policy
Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until January 1, 2024:
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
- Non-District State Residents
- Out-of-State Residents
Helpful Academic Background
- Good math abilities
- Good communication and writing abilities
- Keyboarding
Program Fees
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
- Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
- Outcomes
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Program Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:
- Provide entry level end user support
- Manage operating systems and application software
- Support information technology hardware
- Provide basic network support for existing network installations
- Career Opportunities
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Career opportunities exist in all areas of the country. Graduates with this one-year technical diploma are trained on the major objectives covered by the CompTIA A+ certification which is an industry-recognized credential. Graduates are able to provide hardware and software technology support for any business.
Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.
- Transfers
- Prior Learning
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Credit for Prior Learning
Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!
Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.
For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.
At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.
IT-Computer Support Technician Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:
Course # Course Title Challenge Exam
(Demonstration)Challenge Exam
(Standard)CLEPCredentialPortfolio10-103-106 Beginning Microsoft Excel Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL 10-103-111 Beginning Microsoft Access Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL 10-103-118 Intermediate Microsoft Excel Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL 10-150-115 Principles of Information Security CompTIA Security+ 10-150-126 Premises Cabling Technician FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT) 10-150-130 Linux Essentials LPI Linux Essentials 10-154-101 Comp TIA A+ Essentials CompTIA A+ Certified 10-154-106 Comp TIA A+ Practical Applications CompTIA A+ Certified 10-620-156 Fiber Optic Cabling Technician FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) 10-801-136 English Composition 1 CLEP Test - College Composition 10-801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication