Turn your technical skills into a career supporting today`s advancing IT solutions.

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with the technical knowledge and expertise to support the use of computers and networks. You also develop your communication and administration skills, including the ability to work in teams and use project management and customer service techniques.

Focus on the technical aspects of commonly used components and troubleshooting techniques for computer hardware, operating systems, networking technologies, system administration, and a suite of related support and application software packages. Gain requirements and subject matter knowledge found in certifications such as:

• Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+
• Network+
• Linux+
• Security+

Some courses fulfill part of the basic requirements of Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates are able to work individually or as part of a team to implement and maintain information technology (IT) solutions that correspond to the day-to-day requirements of individuals and organizations. From repairing desktop computers to network administration, graduates work in a broad range of employment settings in a variety of sectors, in both large and small organizations.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are interested in learning how to implement and troubleshoot computer technology, operating systems and networking technology solutions.
• Enjoy the challenge of a constantly evolving field.
• Can work independently or in a team environment.
• Have good problem-solving and analytical skills.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as technical support specialists for PCs and Networks in a wide variety of corporate environments in the industrial, governmental and service sectors. Positions may also include system administration and maintenance for LAN/WAN (Local Area Network/Wide Area Network), Internet/Intranet and Unix/Linux environments, hardware/software sales representatives, customer service support representatives, technical support specialists, network installation and implementation specialists.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
7. Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
9. Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
10. Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
11. Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
12. Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
13. Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
14. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 0150X10FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

The program is also offered at the Woodroffe Campus. While the overall learning outcomes at the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of local circumstances which may affect program delivery.

Students wishing to transfer between campuses should consult with their coordinator before making any decisions as there may be some impact on credit transfers.