The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in fields related to computer user support to grow 12% through 2024, which the government classifies as "faster than average" for all occupations. According to the BLS, more support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their current networks to include increasingly complex equipment and software.*
Everest is now Altierus Career College. For transcripts click here.
Our Computer Information Technology diploma program provides a blend of online and hands-on training in current hardware and software, preparing students for in-demand, entry-level IT careers. Tuition includes employer-desired certification preparation and testing to earn the CompTIA A+ certification.
Program Information
As technology drives more of the world's economy and virtually every aspect of our lives, demand for computer professionals will continue to grow. In this program, you'll gain real-world experience to prepare for an entry-level IT job.
This 12-month diploma program is flexibly structured to give you control over your schedule. Comprised of one day per week of campus based training and additional online coursework per class, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to perform computer systems administration and maintenance according to industry-specific practices and standards. Hands-on training occurs through virtual and in-person labs designed to give you job-ready training. The curriculum also includes employer-desired certification preparation and exam to earn the CompTIA A+ certification.
As a successful graduate, you will demonstrate system support skills focused on installing, administering and troubleshooting popular hardware and software. You'll gain an understanding of the issues that impact IT administration, including professional, ethical, legal, security and social concerns.
Skills to Build Your Career
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, install and repair PC hardware & software
- Troubleshoot LANs, WANs and intranet systems
- Perform management tasks used by Linux system administrators
- Install, operate & troubleshoot Cisco hardware
- Safeguard network data using essential security protocols
- Provide customer service & perform according to professional ethics
Certification Preparation Included
Our Computer Information Technology program prepares you to take a professional certification exam, which can help improve your employability and your earnings potential. This industry-recognized credential can help you stand out in your job search.
As an authorized CompTIA Academy Partner, preparation and testing for the CompTIA A+ Certification are included in the program at no extra cost.
Ready to Start a Career in 12 Months
- Hands-On Training
- Certificate Preparation
- Career Guidance
Career Outlook
Salary
2017 annual salary for jobs in this occupation*
Median: $52,810
Lowest 10%: $36,960 or less
Job Growth
2016-26 projected growth*
+11%
88,500 New Jobs
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Support Specialists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (visited November 20, 2017).
Computer Information Technology Classes
Computer Networking Fundamentals
This course provides an overview of the field of local area networking (LAN) and internetworking. Students are introduced to the terminology, operating systems, hardware and administration of various components of a computer network, including network topology, TCP/IP, the OSI reference model and network security, among others. Students also learn and perform basic end-user functions and introductory administration operations of a network. Lecture Hours: 30.0; Lab Hours: 20.0; Other Hours: 00.0
IT Helpdesk Support
In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of successful customer service skills ("soft" skills) required to work at an IT service desk. Topics include achieving customer satisfaction, using effective communication skills in an IT setting, problem-solving strategies and dealing with difficult customers. Students will also explore current IT trends and different certifications that are available to the service desk professional. Lecture Hours: 40.0; Lab Hours: 00.0; Other Hours: 00.0
Computer Hardware Concepts
In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of hardware components and their related functions in personal devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices). Topics include hardware diagnosis, troubleshooting, installation and repair; connecting networks and external devices, understanding the functions of different hardware platforms and operating system software, optimizing PC performance, and maintaining LAN hardware. This course also provides preparation for the hardware content of the CompTIA A+ certification. Lecture Hours: 30.0; Lab Hours: 20.0; Other Hours: 00.0
Computer Ethics
This course examines what it means to be ethical in the IT profession. Topics include how to interact professionally, properly using copyrighted material, managing data securely, and protecting intellectual property rights. Students will be assessed via written responses to various ethical dilemmas. Lecture Hours: 40.0; Lab Hours: 00.0; Other Hours: 00.0
Intro to Linux/Unix
This course introduces students to the Linux OS. Content includes installing and configuring a Linux OS, as well as performing basic administrative tasks such as creating groups and users. Students will also learn the basics of the most common Linux distributions, accomplished using both the command line and GUI interfaces. Students will learn basic shell scripting and vi editor usage in creating shell scripts. Lecture Hours: 30.0; Lab Hours: 20.0; Other Hours: 00.0
Network Infrastructure
This course covers the fundamentals necessary for delivering secure and reliable networking services to organizations using Microsoft network operating systems. Through lessons and hands-on labs, students learn how to install, manage and troubleshoot the network protocols and services utilized in the network operating system. Lecture Hours: 30.0; Lab Hours: 20.0; Other Hours: 00.0
A+: PC Operating Systems
In this course, students focus on preparing to take the 902 CompTIA A+ Certification Test. Concepts from CTS 1110 Computer Operating Systems will be reviewed in depth, and students will be given the opportunity to review software concepts tested on the CompTIA exam. Emphasis will be placed on giving students ample practice test material and helping them focus on reviewing and clarifying concepts from prior courses. Lecture Hours: 40.0; Lab Hours: 0.0; Other Hours: 00.0
"Each financial aid person helped me break it down… and if I had any questions that I didn't understand, they would sit there and help me out."
Clarissa L., 2015 Grad
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Available for Those Who Qualify
You can reach your educational goals and reduce student loan debt in a number of ways including institutional grants and scholarships. You are encouraged to use our resources as often as needed. These services are available at no additional cost and include:
- Answers to your federal student loan questions
- Information on your loan servicer
- Clear explanations of all your federal student loan repayment options
- Information on how to reduce or postpone your monthly payment
Scholarships and Grants
The Zenith Student Grant is a multimillion-dollar institutional grant program awarded to students of Altierus and WyoTech schools owned by Zenith Education Group who demonstrate financial need.
This and other financial aid is available for those who qualify. Contact a representative by phone at (888) 223-8556 to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Altierus different from the other schools?
Our 12-month program features a flexible, blended schedule of on-campus and online learning with TestOut® lab simulations to provide hands-on training. The CompTIA A+ Certification content is integrated into coursework to help prepare you to take the A+ Certification exam. A voucher for the CompTIA A+ exam is included in tuition.
Is certification necessary to practice the profession?
While certification may not be necessary to practice the profession, gaining the CompTIA A+ Certification recognizes an individual as having the skills and knowledge to perform his or her profession at an optimal level.
How can I gain additional software/hardware certifications?
Altierus' curriculum integrates coursework to help prepare you to earn additional, optional certifications. Additional vouchers for certifications can be obtained through our TestOut® partnership.
Welcome to Altierus
As a non-profit career college, we reinvest in the student experience. Since 2015, we've invested millions of dollars in grants, scholarships, and facility enhancements.
Benefits include:
- Hands-on job training for today's job market
- Control over your schedule through flexible online and classroom training
- Certification preparation and testing included at no extra cost
- Personalized Career Services counseling and job placement support*
- Affordable tuition with a variety of financial aid options**
- Community of support and camaraderie
* Employment is not guaranteed. Your own hard work, professionalism, attitude, and other factors impact your employment opportunities and pay.
**Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Important Consumer Information and Disclosures
FL - Tampa
For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Tampa Program Disclosures.
GA - Norcross
For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Norcross Program Disclosures.
TX - Houston Bissonnet
For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Houston Bissonnet Program Disclosures.