Career Outlook and Job Responsibilities for Computer Technicians

To get started as a computer technician, you can complete on-the-job training with your employer or you can earn an advanced degree in the field. This is a field with a wide range of jobs, but because computers are such an important part of every aspect of our lives, this is also a field with a lot of job security, no matter what your level of expertise. Let’s check out what you can expect if you decided to pursue a career in computer tech.

Computer Technician Careers

The positions you can take as a computer tech depend on the amount of formal education you’ve completed. This field can informally be split into two sectors – technical support staff and help desk workers. If you work as a technical support staff member, you’ll likely work with a single computer to troubleshoot problems they’re having with computer software and hardware. On the other hand, help desk computer technicians work answering telephones and responding to emails, typically to help customers who have purchased a specific computer-related product and need help with a problem. As an example, you could work as a tech support staff member for a large factory, making sure that systems are operating properly and securely or you could work as a help desk professional for a software company, responding to people who have purchased your product and can’t get it to work properly.

Career Outlook and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 565,700 computer support specialists as of 2008, with an expected increase of 14 percent from 2008 to 2018 expected. Others may also fall into the computer technician category, and overall, this is a field that is growing more quickly than average. The middle 50 percent of all computer technicians earned between $33,680 and $55,990 annually, with the top 10% earning over $70,000 annually.

Daily Tasks as a Computer Technician

As a computer technician, you can expect every day to be different. There may be common problems that you see regularly, but you could do anything from help you company set up a local area network (LAN) to update security programs. You could also help customers troubleshoot problems, work with engineers to find coding problems, and more. If you earn an advanced degree in this field and gain experience working in your work, you could also progress to a management position, where you’ll serve as a team leader among a group of computer technicians.

Top Online Colleges Offering Computer Technician Courses

A computer technician is someone who can troubleshoot both the hardware and software of a computer or computer system. Typically, computer techs will have at least some training or degree from an accredited college program. An associate's degree is usually enough for an entry-level position as some kind of computer tech. Listed below are the top colleges offering computer-related associate degree programs.

AAS: Computer Technology	DeVry University – DeVry University offers an AAS in Electronic & Computer Technology. Nearly every US company and companies abroad in every industry rely on a variety of technological devices for their infrastructure, operations, and security needs. By earning a degree in electronic and computer technology, you will be equipped to meet today's industrial demands.
AAS: IT AAS: IT - Application Dev. AAS: IT - Network Admin. AAS: IT - Web Development	Kaplan University – The Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology - Application Development program is designed to prepare for entry level positions as computer programmers. Students will learn basic programming in C#, Java, and Visual Basic. The AAS in Information Technology - Network Administration and Web Development curricula teach students the skills necessary for computer networking and data communication providing the framework to install server platforms, troubleshot hardware and software, and provide exceptional customer service.
AS: Electronics Engineering	ECPI College of Technology – The ECPI College of Technology offers an AS degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. In less than 2 years, you can earn a degree that will lead you to your future career. If you enjoy hands-on electronics, then a career in Electronics Engineering might be perfect for you. This program teaches you how to install, maintain and repair electrical and electronic equipment.
BSIS: Internetworking Technology BSIS: Networking BSIS: Database Developer BSIS: Database Management MSIS: Network Management	Strayer University – Strayer University, a highly-rated presence both online and as a campus, has a wide variety of programs available for students who are seeking different roles in the computer technician industry. Follow modern technology and best practices and standards, the curriculum allows students to immediately apply their education to real-world situations after graduation. These courses are for those who want to be internetworking technicians, network specialists or managers, as well as database developers or managers.
AS: Computer Info Science	Everest University – Begin your college career at Everest University and earn an associates degree in Computer Information Science. You will be trained to oversee the operation of computer hardware systems. This includes mainframes, minicomputers, and networks of personal computers. You will be given the knowledge to anticipate future problems and take actions to prevent any major catastrophe.
AS: Computer Technology	Carrington College California – The online AS degree in computer technology from Carrington College California prepares its students to enter the computer science field as technical professionals, which can be applied across various industries. Students of this program will take introductory classes in computer science, network security, computer technology, and more, en route to becoming computer technicians upon graduation.
AAS: Computer IT AAS: Network Admin. AAS: Info Systems Mgmt AAS: Network Security	Rasmussen College – At Rasmussen College, the AAS in Information Systems Management and AAS in Computer Information Technology provide the education to understand how computer and information systems support communication and research for business needs. An AAS degree in Network Administration gives you sought after skills for today's job market by teaching you how information systems are used in business and how it adds value to the business process. The AAS in Network Security & Forensics program teaches you the art of creating secure platforms for computers and their users growing rapidly in need with the increasingly wired society.
AA: Mgmt Info Systems	Liberty University – Liberty University offers you the opportunity to gain an AA in Management Information Systems to help you further your career and educational goals. By obtaining this degree you will be taking the first step towards building a knowledge and skillset relevent for today's ever competitive market place. You will learn critical information that pertains to the information technology industry giving you a competitive edge.
AAS: Computer Info Tech. AAS: Electronic Engineering	Cleveland Institute of Electronics – The Cleveland Institute of Electronics offers an AAS in Computer Information Technology & Systems Management. This program is designed to provides students with an in-depth understanding of computer technology and information systems. Also, you can gain an AAS degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. This degree will prepare you for the next level in your career by giving you a deeper understanding of electronic circuits advanced mathematics.
AAS: Computer Programming AAS: Java Programming AAS: Web Development AB: Microcomputer Apps	Baker College – At Baker College you can earn an AAS degree in Computer Programming. Through a degree in computer programming, you will acquire skills in programming, systems analysis, and design. Or you can learn to program in Java with an AAS degree in Java Programming. Develop and maintain Web sites with an AAS in Web Development; or learn how to troubleshoot personal computers with an AAS in microcomputer applications.
AAS: IT	National American University – National American University offers an AAS program in Information Technology. A student who graduates from this program will be ready for an entry-level position in the information industry. This program will give you the hands on experience necessary to identify, describe, install, and configure the hardware associated with personal and business computers.
AS: Computer Engineering	Grantham University – At Grantham University you can earn an AS in Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology teaching you the basics of electrical and electronics design. You will be able to take courses that explore the principals of AC/DC circuit design, digital electronics, and analog electronics. As a student, you do not need to have experience in in this area.
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