Find the best schools for computer technician

Why Attend a Computer Technician School?

More than ever before our world is completely run by computers; businesses, schools, hospitals, and the government all maintain their organizations through computers. Without the Internet it would be practically impossible for companies to operate. When a computer glitch happens, it needs immediate attention. Computer technicians are among the most important employees of any organization, and through getting an Information Technology (IT) degree you can become the desire person of many companies that everyone runs to when their computer is having an issue. IT is computing and telecommunications technology that is used to treat information. IT falls in line with computer science or computing science (CS), which is the scientific and mathematical approach to IT and computing. Through your training at a computer technician school you will learn how to manage computers of any system, and therefore become an IT specialist, or in other words responsible for making sure everything on your companies computers is installed and running properly by providing day-to-day administration, maintenance, and support of computers and networks.

Types of Degrees Computer Technician Schools Offer

A good and quality computer technician school will provide you with the training you need to get hired by prospective employers. System such as Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe, and Novell will be quickly mastered. Learning installation protocol for Microsoft Windows and Linux, fundamentals of networking operations and design (including routers and switchers), troubleshooting techniques for PC hardware and operating systems, and skills needed for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing computers will give you an A+ certification that any future employer will be impressed with. The more in-depth your knowledge is, the more marketable you become to prospective employers. Receiving certifications and degrees through online classes, and keeping those certifications up to date, will expand your knowledge and your career.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology

An Associates degree in IT would be good if you’re interested in becoming an IT professional, but need to enhance your skills before seeking entry-level employment in position such as project manager, program manager, or network administrator. This degree is designed to help you reach your professional goal through the fastest method. It’s is a good foundational place to begin your career as there’s always room to go on for your bachelor’s degree of applied science in information, as well. Associate’s IT degree programs are typically two years in length, and prepare you with general education, applied knowledge, and technically skills applicable to a wide range of entry-level IT positions. Skills you’ll learn with this degree are:

• Install and maintain computer and wireless networks
• Troubleshoot hardware and software problems
• Create software applications
• Manage databases
• Develop Web pages

Within an IT associates degree program there are often career focus areas that you can take electives in. Some of these may include application development, network administration, help desk administration, or web development. Therefore, it’s important to know what kind of IT career path you’re interested in taking before you apply to a program, so you’re assured the computer technician school of your choice will have the training you desire.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BScIT)

The objective of a bachelor of science in information technology program is to prepare you to pursuer career advancement in the IT field. The program typically lasts 3-4 years, although if you already have an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology degree than you may only need to continue for 1 or 2 years in order to acquire your BScIT. This degree program is focused on subjects such as software development, testing and engineering, computer networking, web design, databases, and programming, and tends to focus on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing rather than emphasizing specific technologies.

There are usually different tracks you can take for your bachelor of science in IT degree. The applied technology track is focused on how to use and manage various information systems and technologies to best serve the needs to future employees, customers, and organizations or companies. Jobs you could get through this track include:

• Information Systems Management
• Network Administration
• New Media/Internet Marketing
• Project Management
• Web Development

The information systems track differs from the applied technology track in that it’s a more rigorous course of study. Usually these tracks require advanced math courses, such as statistics, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics, as well as an introductory course on information systems architecture. Technology, business, and communication skills relevant to the IT professional are also studied through this track. Careers associated with this track of IT include:

• Application Development
• Database Management
• Health Informatics
• Information Security and Forensics
• Mobile Computing

At the completion of the Bachelor of Science in information technology degree, you may be able to design real-world e-media products or create technical solutions to hardware and software problems. You should also be able to perform technology tasks relating to the processing, storing, and communication of information between computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. A variety of systems can be benefitted from your secure management BScIT skills, including local company networks and the World Wide Web.

Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

A Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), also known as Master of Information Technology (MIT) is a postgraduate master’s degree. You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a major in information technology, computer science, information systems, management of information systems, or a similar field of study in order to apply for a MIST program. This degree can take anywhere from one to three years for completion. It covers many areas of IT such as software engineering, software development, computer programming, software testing, or computer security. Additionally, this degree can prepare you with the communication skills, critical thinking abilities, such as assessing ethical, legal, and social issues, and technical competencies you need to help advance your IT career.

Usually you can specialize within the masters degree, with a focus in business intelligence, entrepreneurship, information security and assurance, project management, or other advanced IT areas. Graduates of a MSIT may choose to pursue a career as a consultant or start their own technology services business. The options are wide open for a student of master of science in information technology.

Professional Certificates

Since the tech world is constantly evolving, there are certifications that are constantly on the market. Current IT employees need to keep their certifications up-to-date, and be willing to stay updated on the newest technologies in order to stay competitive. Professional certificates that are still important to acquire even after you have a degree include:

• Cisco Networks Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Computer Forensics Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Information Security
• Information Security Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Internet Web Design Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Linux System Administration Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Microsoft Operating Systems Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Oracle Database Administration Postbaccalaureate Certificate

The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals provides the standard in certifications for business intelligence, data management and computing. Their website lists current important certifications, how to obtain them, and much more information that will be helpful for any person looking to go to a Computer Technician School or who is already within the IT field.

Job Outlook for Computer Techicians

Since IT is a unique and important training, you can expect some distinctive attractive offers. Salaries depend upon your prior work experience, location, company size, and certification level. Starting salaries for entry-level positions, such as help-desk and technical support staff, can be more than $50,000/year. Starting salaries for something more advanced level, such as systems administrators, can reach $70,000/year.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the long-term national job growth for the computer systems design and related services industry is expected to be 45% from 2008 through 2018, which is about 4 times as fast as the 11% growth projected for all industries combined. Computer specialists accounted for 55% of the jobs in this industry in 2008, showing an emphasis on technical skills. The education level of workers in the IT industry is higher than average because of the high proportion of workers in professional occupations. Additionally, computer systems design and related services is expected to be among the fastest growing industries in the economy. Computer specialists are expected to enjoy the best job prospects, reflecting continuing demand for higher-level skills needed to keep up with changes in technology.