Build Your IT Skills from the Ground Up
Move from basic computer knowledge to understanding how to install, maintain, secure, and manage the systems organizations use every day with NTC’s IT Support Program.
This fully online program is designed to build your practical IT skills from the ground up. Learning is hands-on and applied, even in an online format. Roughly 50% of students’ time is spent in virtual labs and simulations. Through virtual labs, you’ll work with hardware, configure networks, and troubleshoot software issues using realistic, guided simulations that reflect real workplace tasks. In addition to being fully online, this program is also asynchronous, making it ideal for working professionals or those with family commitments.
By focusing on industry milestones instead of just coursework, you can measure your progress, build technical confidence, and document your skills before you graduate. Each semester aligns with a major CompTIA certification—Tech+, A+, Network+ and Security+.
Why Enroll in NTC’s IT Support Program
Designed for both students wanting to enter the workforce quickly and professionals wanting to switch careers paths, the IT Specialist program prepares students for high-demand, entry to mid-level roles in the IT sector. Knowing you will gain skills in hardware, network architecture, cloud and virtualization and have a security mindset, you can pick which of our two program paths best fit your goals and availability.
IT Support Program Overview
| Program Name | Degree Type | Length of Program | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Support | AAS | Four Semesters – 60 Credits | Online |
| Information Technology Support Technician | Diploma | Two Semesters – 31 Credits | Online |
Careers
Graduates of the AAS program are prepared for a wide range of roles across nearly every sector of the modern economy, including:
- Technical Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Help Desk Analyst
- Cybersecurity Support Technician
The diploma program prepares students to work as helpdesk technicians, interacting with individuals in business, industry, education and government by providing technical solutions to problems related to software applications and hardware.
Students will acquire skills like Tech+ and A+ leading to possible Comp TIA industry certifications through a variety of software programs, hardware configurations, installations, repairs and support—all through online learning, virtual labs and simulations.
Degree Requirements
AAS Requirements
| Course # | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPTR 1104 | Computerized Business Applications | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1000 | Introduction to IT Helpdesk | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1010 | Operating Systems | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1230 | TECH+ | 3.00 |
| MATH 1200 | Mathematics of Business and Industry | 3.00 |
| ENGL 1460 | Technical Writing & Communication | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1240 | A+ | 4.00 |
| ITEC 1250 | Network Essentials | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1260 | Security Essentials | 3.00 |
| PHIL 1201 | Ethics | 3.00 |
| ITEC 2100 | Intro to Python | 3.00 |
| ITEC 2210 | Window Server Administration | 3.00 |
| ITEC 2220 | Windows & Linux Scripting | 3.00 |
| ITEC 2250 | Network+ | 4.00 |
| ITEC 2260 | Security+ | 4.00 |
| ITEC 2310 | Remote/ Mobile Device Support & Troubleshooting | 3.00 |
| ITEC 2320 | Virtualization/Server Technologies | 3.00 |
| SSCI 1104 | Human Relations | 3.00 |
| General Education Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Diploma Requirements
| Course # | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPTR 1104 | Computerized Business Applications | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1000 | Introduction to IT Helpdesk | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1010 | Operating Systems | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1230 | TECH+ | 3.00 |
| MATH 1200 | Mathematics of Business and Industry | 3.00 |
| ENGL 1460 | Technical Writing & Communication | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1240 | A+ | 4.00 |
| ITEC 1250 | Network Essentials | 3.00 |
| ITEC 1260 | Security Essentials | 3.00 |
| PHIL 1201 | Ethics | 3.00 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Faculty
Faculty are dedicated to making sure students leave with the skills and ability to succeed and thrive in the information technology sector. Whether it’s straight into the career or moving on to more schooling, students are the number one priority of NTC’s faculty and staff.
Karen LaPlant
Karen teaches online computer courses for several MinnState colleges. She previously taught full-time at Hennepin Technical College for nearly 30 years in the Information Technology program area, where she created the Desktop Support AAS Degree and Diploma. She also developed the Business Analyst AAS Degree at HTC and especially enjoyed teaching E‑Business.
Since her retirement, Karen has been developing online IT modules in D2L Brightspace for Metro State’s IT Center of Excellence, focusing on data science, cyber security, cyber safety, artificial intelligence and most recently broadband. She continues to attend and present at numerous national conferences in the areas of course design, cyber security, and AI. In addition, she facilitates student groups at Minneapolis College to help learners complete online industry training for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the Google Project Management Professional Certificate.
Karen makes it her business to try to understand the student’s point of view and treats all students with equality, regardless of age, gender, nationality or intellectual ability. She believes in being available for students, setting a professional example and teaching with enthusiasm.
Colton Husske
Colton is a full-time software developer, former IT Network Administrator, and game developer with 10 years of experience in the technology field. He brings valuable real-world insight to the program based on his professional background. Having worked in both the software development and IT domains, Colton offers a unique perspective on combining technologies effectively and efficiently. He provides students with a clear, straightforward understanding of the underlying technologies they will encounter in IT careers, while emphasizing practical, hands-on skills aligned with the curriculum.