Pursue a technology career to support modern IT infrastructures.

The two-year Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program 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 Cisco and Aruba 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 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), 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

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Enjoy implementing and troubleshooting computer technology, operating systems and networking technology solutions.
• Enjoy the challenges posed by a constantly evolving field.
• Can work both independently and in a team environment.

Careers

Graduates of this program may find employment as junior systems and network installers and/or administrators, technical support specialists, customer service support representatives, computer trainers, hardware and software sales and support.

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 information systems infrastructure.
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 information system infrastructure that aligns with industry best practice.
14. Design, deploy and administer robust network infrastructures and cloud solutions.
15. 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 - NETWORKING (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 1560X03FWO

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.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

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.