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.

Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

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.

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.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
  
Admissions Preference Policy
Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.

Academic Preparedness Requirements

Log in to your MySWTC account, go to My Profile → Document Center → All Programs to complete the following:


• Send your transcripts and scores to Southwest Tech: While not required, sending your transcripts and test scores helps us 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 your high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores by emailing admissions@swtc.edu, or mailing them to Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Career Assessment Plan
  Start your Student Success Plan by exploring your career interests, talking through your program choice, and confirming your path feels like the right fit. This step can be completed either by setting up a One-on-One Career Assessment Meeting with a recruiter or as part of your Student Success Plan Meeting with an advisor. Schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.
• Academic Map + Supports & Services Plan
  Continue building your Student Success Plan by planning your courses, reviewing funding options, and connecting with resources. To complete this step, schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.

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 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.

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
10-103-106	Beginning Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-103-118	Intermediate Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-150-126	Premises Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
10-151-102	Cybersecurity Essentials
	+ Cisco Networking and Security (10-151-103) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
10-151-103	Cisco Networking and Security
	+ Cybersecurity Essentials (10-151-102) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
10-151-104	Linux Administration and Security
	LPI LPIC-1 101 exam (need 102 exam for LPIC 1 Certification)
10-620-156	Fiber Optic Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-801-196	Oral/Interpersonal Communication