Computer Support Technician

Be job-ready. Earn a Computer Support Technician Diploma in about a year. Train for an entry-level position in Information Technology supporting computer systems, mobile devices, and networks in the modern workforce. Obtain industry-standard certifications through guided instruction, lab simulations, and live work. Develop personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. 

Employment Stats

  • Program Length 3 semester (Diploma)
  • Job Placement 90%
  • Average Earnings $42,735 / yr
  • Cost $5,099

Job Expectations

  • Provide technical support for hardware and software maintenance and use.
  • Monitor computer systems' performance to ensure proper operation.
  • Collaborate with others to resolve technical issues.
  • Solve computer hardware and software problems.
  • Read and communicate technical information effectively.

Expected Earnings

In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook reported the median wages of a Computer Support Specialist were hourly $25.70 and annually $53,470. Approximately, 11 % growth in this industry is projected by 2026. The Chattanooga area approaches these national statistics. Employment varies by the employers' requirements and each applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as experience, education, and certifications. 

Course Schedule

Enroll for fall, spring or summer semesters. Enrollment is limited to 35 students in each class. Current students are provided with opportunity to register early. Completion of the program requires 1290 clock hours.

Full-Time Program Schedule by Semester Clock Hours 
Semester Day Class Days
Fall (450 hours) 7:45am – 2:30pm Monday - Friday
Spring (450 hours) 7:45am – 2:30pm Monday - Friday
Summer (390 hours) 7:45am – 2:45pm Monday - Friday

Tools

1 - Computer Repair Tool Kit

Cost

Books $300
Software $300
Tools $50
Certification Exam Vouchers $300
Tuition ($1,383 per semester) $4,149
ESTIMATED TOTAL $5,099

The price of vouchers for certification exams is based on the student discount rate from CompTIA Academic Marketplace. TCAT students are eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant and the Tennessee Promise of Reconnect scholarships that can offset the costs of tuition and fees. Under extenuation circumstances, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, at her/his discretion, may grant exception to the fees.

TCAT Special Fees

Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition

  • Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
  • Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00.  Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
  • High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
  • Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)

Books

Books

  • Comp TIA A+

Comp TIA Certification Exam Vouchers 

  • A+ Exam Core 1 (220-1101) and Exam Core 2 (220-1102) 

TestOut Labsim Software 

  • Office Pro
  • PC Pro

Curriculum

First Semester

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Motherboards
  • Processors (CPU)
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Power Systems
  • Hard Drives and Storage Devices
  • Input/Output Devices
Second Semester
  • Setting Up a Local Network
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Troubleshooting
  • Mobile Devices
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  • Printers
  • Customer Service
  • Installing Windows
  • Maintaining Windows

Third Semester

  • Advanced Troubleshooting
  • Networking
  • Security
  • A+ Exam Certification
  • Google IT Support Professional Certification

 

Career Opportunities

Computer User Support Specialist
Desktop Support Technician
Help Desk Analyst
Technical Support Specialist
Information Technology Specialist