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) 24-25

    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 $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    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

  • 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 May 1, 2024:

      1. 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
      2. Non-District State Residents
      3. Out-of-State Residents

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Oral and written communication skills
    • Keyboarding
    • Computer applications and concepts

    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

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

  • 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.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    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 MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-103-118Intermediate Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOUS 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 1Yes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal CommunicationYes