The IT-Network Systems Technician program provides students with the skills required to support the integrity of a computer network infrastructure. Students will be able to manage, configure and troubleshoot common system infrastructure issues, including network switching, routing, IP services, fiber optics, premises cabling and basic network device security. Students will work with business class systems such as Cisco, Microsoft and Linux. Extensive hands-on, real-world, experiences with real equipment are provided to gain the immense knowledge required to accurately configure and secure network systems.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    Students entering the IT-Network Systems Technician program should:

    • Be a digital native and have a curiosity for technology.
    • Have an eye for detail and possess an analytical and creative mind.
    • Like to solve problems and be challenged.
    • Enjoy working independently and in teams.

    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

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 26-27

    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 $5,240
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $10,910
    Books and Supplies $1,463
    Personal Expenses $3,084
    Transportation 3,899
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $700
    Loan Fees $85
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $25,381
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $12,691

    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.

  • Admissions & Requirements

  • Admission Requirements


    Academic Preparedness Requirements

      Before you can be fully accepted into your program, you need to complete the requirements below. These are the same requirements you may see in your SWTC Student Portal.

    • Submit Official High School, College, Military Transcripts, and Test Scores (Not Required)
      Have documents sent directly to:
      • Email: admissions@swtc.edu
      • Mail: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Meet with Your Advisor for an Admissions Meeting
      Schedule an admission meeting with your program advisor to complete your student success plan, including a career assessment and academic map and support plan.

      To schedule your meeting, go to the Appointments page. Find your advisor in the list, then select Make an Appointment under their contact information.

      Appointments are available on campus or virtually.

      • If you want to check which of these requirements you still need to complete, log in to your SWTC Student Portal, go to My Profile → Document Center, and make sure All Programs is selected.

  • Outcomes

  • 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

  • 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 Services Center offers services to assist students looking for job placement.

    Find a Job
  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • 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.

    IT - Network Systems Technician Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-103-106Beginning Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-103-118Intermediate Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-150-126Premises Cabling TechnicianYes
    FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
    10-151-102Cybersecurity EssentialsYes
    + Cisco Networking and Security (10-151-103) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
    10-151-103Cisco Networking and SecurityYes
    + Cybersecurity Essentials (10-151-102) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
    10-151-104Linux Administration and SecurityYes
    LPI LPIC-1 101 exam (need 102 exam for LPIC 1 Certification)
    10-620-156Fiber Optic Cabling TechnicianYes
    FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
    10-801-136English Composition IYes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-198SpeechYes