Learn about pros and cons, salaries, employers, and typical responsibilities.
Learn how to install, optimize, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and computer operating systems. Train on the latest products and gain real work experience at an internship. Become a fully qualified IT support technician.
What Does a Computer Support Technician Do?
A computer support technician is trained to analyze the architecture and operation of computer systems and provide service to clients in the workplace.
Typical responsibilities in this role include:
- Assisting users with malfunctioning computer hardware, software, and peripherals
- Installing and configuring workstations
- Resolving connectivity issues
- Handling problems with software installation and configuration
- Helping retrieve information, like lost passwords or files
- Troubleshooting remote network access
- Managing a helpdesk ticketing system
- Contributing solutions to the company knowledge base
- Escalating tickets to the appropriate specialist
- Training new IT support technicians
- Providing technical support online, through email, or by phone
Herzing College Computing Support Program Overview
The Computing Support program fully prepares you for a career in IT. This accelerated training is quick, effective, and based on the skills employers want.
- 18-month program
- Hands-on training in the latest hardware, software, and operating systems
- 7-week internship
- Multiple program start dates throughout the year
- Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify
- Career support to help you find your first job
Career Outlook
Successful graduates will find career opportunities at:
- Computer support firms
- Company IT departments
- Government agencies
Typical job titles in the field of computing support:
- IT support technician
- Computer support specialist
- Helpdesk analyst
- Network technician
- Network support technician
Where Do Herzing Grads Get Hired?
Graduates of Herzing’s Computing Support program have been hired by several top companies, including:
Study Topics
Our Computing Support courses cover network management, program development, hardware and software installation, access management, resource sharing setup, troubleshooting, and computer optimization.
Click to see a detailed description of each course:
After this module students will be familiar with the nature of the occupation, understand the training process and confirm their career choice.
In this module the student will learn to analyze the architecture and operation of computer systems. First the student will distinguish the internal and external components of computer, analyze data processing and analyze the organization of data in systems.
The objective of this module is to allow the student to acquire problem solving methods to address and resolve problems. The student will first define the problem, then examine the problem as well as formulate and test hypotheses concerning the causes of the problem. Finally, the student will choose and apply a solution to resolve the issue.
The students will learn how to maximize the possibilities available through the usage of older operating systems and learn how to use the basic commands related to the proper functioning of the operating system. To begin, students learn the installation of the operating system as well as being able to adapt the operating system to meet specific needs. It is also in this module that the students will acquire the methods necessary to copy and safeguard information as well as the detection of computer viruses. Finally, students will learn how to optimize their tasks by using batches of programs.
In this module, the student will learn how to research information. First the student will define the purpose of the research, then select and consult reference materials, extract the information and write up the results of their research.
In this module, the student will acquire the competencies required to develop a utility program. First, the student will analyze the needs with regard to the development of the utility program, create the algorithm, code the algorithm, using a graphical development environment, test the program and distribute the utility program.
In this module, the student will be initiated to interact in various work situations. First, the student will gather information on the nature of professional work situations encountered in computing support, familiarization with service to clients, application of the rules of professional ethics, incorporating teamwork skills, and evaluating their interactions in various work situations.
In this module, the student will exploit the possibilities of popular application software. First, the student will examine the characteristics and particularities of computer programs, installation and how to uninstall software, research and propose procedures for using programs for users in difficulty. The student will be able to automate tasks and customize program interfaces.
In this module, the student will exploit the possibilities of operating systems using recent technology. First, the student will install and uninstall operating systems, adapt systems according to specific needs, perform basic operations, protect data and finally automate tasks.
This module initiates the student to create and use a database in the context of computing support. First the student will analyze the needs, design the database, process the data, adapt the structure of the database to new needs and document the database.
In this module the student will learn how to install the hardware and software of a computer. First, the student will plan the work, assemble the hardware components of the computer and connect the peripherals, install the operating systems, install application software, test the results, save the completed work, and finally make recommendations concerning the use of the equipment.
The objective of this module is to allow the student to acquire the necessary competencies to efficiently manage their time. The students will first cover the principals of time management. They will examine their own scheduling as well as that of other personnel in computing support allowing them to become familiarized with the means and tools used in time management. Overall, the student will recognize the advantages that proper time management can bring and evaluate their own capacity to manage their time efficiently in the context of computing support.
In this module, the student will learn how to communicate in French in the following context:
• Handle requests from clients (in person and on the telephone)
• Write documents related to computing support
• Request and obtain information from suppliers and manufacturers
In this module, the student will learn how to manage access to the resources of a network. First, the student will describe the characteristics of the network, plan their work; create accounts and user groups. The students will then test access to the resources; record information on the work completed and will finally inform the clients concerning access to the network.
In this module, the student will learn how to install the shareable resources of a network. First, the student will install the network operating system, install the client software on the workstations, establish communication between components, install shareable resources, ensure data integrity and test the results and record data concerning the work.
The student will learn how to exploit the possibilities of telecommunications facilities in this module. The students will install hardware and software of telecommunications facilities, manage the distribution and reception of faxes and e-mail, search for information on the electronic highway, create a hypermedia document and use remote control.
In this module, the student will learn how to prepare a career path plan suited to meet their abilities and career goals. Firstly, the student will consider the impact of the technological evolution in this field. Then students will undertake a job search and finally will become aware of the possibility of creating their own business and freelancing.
In this module, the student learns how to restore a defective computer station. The student will analyze the client’s needs, examine the computer, analyze the data on the problem, determine the cause of the problem, correct the problem and finally explain to the client his intervention and perform clear, pertinent, simple recommendations for avoiding the recurrence of the problem.
In this module, the student will learn how to optimize the performance of a computer, how to update hardware and software. First, the student will analyze the client’s needs, then examine the computer, make the change by installing new hardware or update software.
In this module, the student acquires the abilities necessary to work in telephone help desk support and the usage of call management software. First, the student will receive and analyze the request, diagnose the problem, solve the problem, and perform simple recommendation for avoiding recurrence of the problem and ensure the clients satisfaction.
The objective of this module is to give the student the opportunity to integrate the workplace in computing support. First the student will learn about the organization of the company’s operations in providing service to clients, the equipment and software used as well as services they will provide as trainees and the conditions under which they will provide them. After the primary phase, the student will observe and provide service to clients and finally evaluate their experience in working with clients.
The objective of this module is to give the student the opportunity to integrate the workplace in computing support. The student will serve clients in a workplace on site or remotely. The student will help solving the client’s problems, using their communication skills, handling stress and review their skills in providing service to clients.
Instructors
Hamza Serradj
Instructor, Technology
Daniel Dubreuil
Instructor, Business / Technology
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Quebec issued high school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of two consecutive terms OR One school year interruption from full-time studies OR Minimum of one year post-secondary education
- Pass a general admissions entrance test
- Meet any additional program specific entrance requirements
Not all programs and learning formats available at all campus locations.
The Computing Support program (5729) D.V.S. leads to a Diploma in Vocational Studies (DVS) recognized by the Minister of Education and Higher Education of Quebec.
Herzing College Montreal is a post-secondary institution recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning (permit number 749758) and a secondary vocational studies institution (permit number 534501).