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OJC meeting demand for computer technician training
With the start of Fall Semester on August 22, Otero Junior College will enter
into its second year of offering students an opportunity to train and earn
certificates in Computer Systems Technologies. The program was officially
approved by the Colorado Community College System last year, with the first
cohort of students completing the program during Spring Semester 2005.
Computer Systems Technologies consists of four separate certificates that
include: Computer Hardware Maintenance and Support, Computer Support Technician,
Microsoft Network Administration, and Web Development.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer
support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the
fastest growing occupations over the next seven years. Labor market statistics
in Colorado indicate there were 13, 537 computer support specialists employed in
Colorado in 1998 with an estimate of 33,521 being employed by 2008. The
projected annual growth is 14.8 percent with 2,082 openings annually. Of those,
1,998 will be new jobs.
Employers of computer support specialists and systems administrators range from
startup companies to established industry leaders. With the continued
development of the Internet, telecommunications, and e-mail, industries not
typically associated with computers—such as construction—increasingly need
computer-related workers. Small and large firms across all industries are
expanding or developing computer systems, creating an immediate need for
computer support specialists and systems administrators.
Ralph Newby, an 18-year faculty member at OJC, is the lead instructor for the
Computer Systems Technologies program. According to Newby, what makes OJC’s
program unique is the wide range of courses offered that will allow students to
become highly versatile technicians. “This program offers students a
comprehensive education that includes skills with computer hardware, networking,
and software. The program also includes a web authoring and administration
component,” said Newby.
To allow students to work on multiple certificates at a time, several of the
same classes are required for each certificate. By enrolling on a full-time
basis, most students will be able to complete the four certificates in three to
four semesters.
• By completing the Computer Hardware Maintenance and Support certificate,
students will be prepared to take the Microsoft A+ exam. The certificate
requires the completion of two IT Essential courses for a total of 10 credit
hours. Job opportunities revolve around the diagnosis and repair of computer
problems.
• The Computer Support Technician certificate is designed to give students many
of the basics skills for working with computer hardware, cabling, switches, and
routers of network hardware, and operating system configurations and settings
for networks found in the workplace. The certificate requires the completion of
six courses for a total of 28 credit hours. Students with this certificate can
hope to obtain a job working for companies that need computer generalists for
day to day maintenance and configuration of employee computers and the servers
that support those employees.
• The Microsoft Network Administration certificate focuses on the skills needed
to manage a Microsoft Network. The certificate requires the completion of four
courses for a total of 15 credit hours. Students with this certificate would
work as the network administrator for companies running Microsoft networks.
• The fourth certificate in Web Development prepares students to create and
maintain web sites. The certificate requires the completion of three courses for
a total of nine credit hours. Students with this certificate would work with
companies and individuals to create and maintain web sites.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median
annual salary of computer support specialists was $39,100 in 2002. The median
salary of network and computer systems administrators was $54,800. Starting
salaries in 2003 ranged from $27,500 to $56,500 for help-desk support staff, and
from $51,000 to $67,250 for more senior technical support specialists. For
systems administrators, starting salaries in 2003 ranged from $49,000 to
$70,250.
“These salaries are averages throughout the nation. We are not seeing the salary
ranges quite as high in our area; however, we are seeing an increased demand for
computer specialists locally, as more businesses begin to computerize and
network their systems,” said Newby.
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job growth
will continue to be driven by the continued expansion of computer systems design
and related services industry. “I believe this type of training is a valuable
skill for anyone who has an interest in computers, or who has a company or job
that requires computer support. The cost in tuition and fees for completing the
four certificates at OJC will run a student about $4,000. Given the
opportunities that are available to those who have this training, this is an
excellent investment in the future,” said Newby.
To enter the program, students need to have taken CIS 115 or have equivalent
computer background. Students typically enter the program at Fall Semester and
continue with second level courses during the following semesters. Students may
enter the program during Spring Semester for a limited number of entry level
courses. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
For more information about the Computer Systems Technologies certificate
program, contact Ralph Newby at 719-384-6853 or the OJC Student Services Center
at 719-384-6831. Fall Semester begins at OJC on August 22, 2005.
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