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Programs

Computer Systems Technician

CETNSchool of Information Technology

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A student in an orange shirt inspects blue network cables in a server room.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Myles Peterson

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6431
International Admissions
Send email

Program Overview

Student working at a computer desk, wearing a black shirt, focused on the screen.

Support IT infrastructures for organizations large and small

With this hands-on program, you’ll learn to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a wide range of digital networks, from the simple to the complex. Gain the in-depth skills you need to solve the computer networking and security needs of all sizes and types of organizations. We provide the software for your hardware and prepare you for a prized computer technician career. 
 
Cambrian is an authorized Cisco Systems Networking Academy, Red Hat Academy, and Microsoft IT Academy. As a successful graduate, you can enter directly into the third year of Cambrian’s Computer Systems Technology program. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Train to install, manage, and troubleshoot networks and internetworks 
  • Courses cover programming, server administration, LANS, WANS, client service, and more 
  • Authorized Cisco Systems Networking Academy, Red Hat Academy, and Microsoft IT Academy, which allows you to challenge industry certifications 
  • Grads can enter directly into the third year of Cambrian’s Computer Systems Technology program 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admissions requirements

Recommendations

  • Computer competency in relevant software
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CET 1022Introduction to Networking4
CET 1109Windows Client for IT Professionals4
CMP 1117Introduction to Programming4
CMP 1051IT Essentials3
ENG 1002College Communications3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits21
Semester 2
CET 1023Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials4
CET 1014PowerShell4
CET 1037Microsoft Azure Fundamentals4
IOT 1105Relational Databases4
CET 1025Linux System Administration4
MTH 1235Technical Math and Subnetting3
 Credits23
Semester 3
CET 1024Enterprise Networks, Security, and Automation4
CET 1017Administrating Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure4
CET 1112REST API integration with Python3
CET 3120Advanced Linux Administration4
CET 3115Identity and Access Administration4
IND 1025Indigenous Business Workshop1
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits23
Semester 4
ENG 1754Technical Communication3
CET 4100Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator4
CET 2430OpenStack Administration4
CET 2415Applied Project Management3
ISP 3026Spreadsheets for Business3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits20
 Total Credits87
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Information Technology

Play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future. By pursuing a field of study in information technology (IT), you’ll open doors to a vast variety of revolutionary careers and make your mark on society as a tech pioneer. From software development and network administration to cybersecurity and data analysis, Cambrian offers exciting programs that place you at the forefront of innovation.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

Graduates can enter directly into the:

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities as:

  • Network Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Helpdesk Support
  • End-user Support
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Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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