Pursue a technology career to support modern IT infrastructures.

This accelerated two-year Computer Systems Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters) prepares you for a career in information technology with a focus on network and system administration.

You learn to set up, configure and maintain all components that constitute an effective network: computer hardware, operating systems, networking and virtualization technologies, security and task automation. In addition, you develop problem solving skills and troubleshooting techniques to help support an IT infrastructure. Throughout the program, you also develop your oral and written communication skills, customer support, and ethics relevant to the information technology workplace.

As a student in this program, you have access to the latest software and equipment including hardware labs, network-based operating systems, including Microsoft and GNU/Linux, as well as other industry-standard tools and resources.

You can work towards industry-recognized certifications including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+ and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). Upon successful completion of this program, you may transfer credit for the first two years of the Computer Systems Technology - Security three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma, as long as you meet its admissions requirements.

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.

Upon graduation you may find employment opportunities in a wide range of sectors including government, private and public for entry-level positions or self-employment in:

• network and systems administration
• IT infrastructure
• installation, migration, and support
• technical and customer service support
• computer training and consultation

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
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 admission 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 please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/

For further information on the admissions process, please contact:
Registrar's Office Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus
1 College Way, Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Email: yourfuture@algonquincollege.com
Website: https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION
All applicants apply to the co-op version of the program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. After admission, students who do not wish to pursue the co-op option may opt out before the first scheduled co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world experience through paid, program-related work terms. Two academic terms before their first co-op work term, students must actively participate in and complete a self-directed co-op preparation course, including required readiness activities and workshops.

Students are responsible for conducting a guided, self-directed job search and securing approved, paid co-op employment related to their program of study. Co-op students compete for positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. While Algonquin College's Co-op & Career Centre supports students by developing co-op opportunities and providing guidance throughout the process, employment is not guaranteed. Co-op work opportunities may require students to relocate. All costs associated with participation-including travel, accommodation, work permits, visa applications, and other related expenses-are the responsibility of the student.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during academic terms when students are not enrolled in classes. For details about the number and timing of co-op work terms in your program, please refer to the Courses tab on your program's webpage.

International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all co-op work permit requirements before participating in a co-op work term. Additional information is available at: www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts

For more information about co-op programs, expectations, and general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, visit: www.algonquincollege.com/coop-career-centre

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.