The IT-Help Desk Support Specialist Technical Diploma is a 26 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

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Credit for Prior Learning Available

College 101 (10890165)

1.00

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Excel Level 1 (10103242)

1.00

Introduces learners to the basic concepts of using Microsoft Excel with hands-on, project based activities. Learners will develop foundational skills by applying concepts explored to effectively utilize the functions and features of Microsoft Excel including creating worksheets, entering/editing data, selecting cells/ranges, creating basic charts, formatting entries and creating/modifying basic formulas.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Microsoft Office Specialist - Office Excel 2019

Word Level 1 (10103243)

1.00

Introduces learners to the basic concepts of using Microsoft Word with hands-on, project based activities. Learners will develop foundational skills by applying concepts explored to start Word, create a new document, create business letters, flyers, brochures, research papers, resumes, work with SmartArt, apply basic formatting and more.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Microsoft Office Specialist - Office Word 2019

IT Essentials (10154208)

3.00

Introduces the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in IT – no prior knowledge required. Understand the basics of computer hardware and software, including mobile devices, operating systems, virtualization, and cloud computing. Learn the art of troubleshooting and explore advanced concepts such as networking, security, and the responsibilities of an IT professional.

Introduction To IT Technical Support (10154207)

1.00

Introduces learners to the field of IT technical support. Learners will further explore degree and career paths and assess their preparedness for success in the highly technical field of IT Technical Support.

Principles of Information Security (10150114)

2.00

Discover the various technical and administrative aspects of information security and assurance. This course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Business Management, Data Analytics, IT - A+ Exam Preparation, IT - CCNA Exam Prep, IT - Computer Support Specialist, IT - Computer Support Technician, IT - Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Help Desk Support Specialist, IT - Information Security, IT-Junior Developer, IT - Network and Systems Administration, IT-Network Technician, IT - Software Developer, IT-Software Development Specialist, IT - Web Designer, IT-Web Design Specialist

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • CompTIA® Security+ Certification

Cisco 1 - Network Communications 1 (10150185)

3.00

Examines both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking, including: introduction to the OSI and TCP/IP models; gain familiarity with the various network devices and network addressing schemes; and discover the types of media used to carry data across the network. By the end of this course, the learner will be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches and implement IP addressing schemes.

Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • CISCO™ CCENT
  • CISCO™ CCNA

AI Essentials for IT (10154211)

1.00

Introduces learners to the practical use of AI agents for streamlining and automating everyday tasks. Whether you’re a professional seeking to boost productivity, a student exploring AI applications, or a business user looking to save time on repetitive work, this course provides a hands-on pathway to understanding and applying AI automation.

Help Desk Fundamentals (10154209)

3.00

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, skills, and best practices of computer user support in professional environments. Designed for aspiring help desk specialists, IT support staff, and technology trainers, the course blends technical knowledge with customer service expertise to prepare learners for real-world support roles.

Conditions

Student has completed all of the following course(s): MICROAPP 10154208 - IT Essentials

Enterprise Desktop Support (10154210)

3.00

Provides a comprehensive guide to mastering Windows desktop administration, from installation to advanced configuration. Designed for IT professionals, system administrators, and power users, the course blends foundational knowledge with hands-on practices to ensure proficiency in managing and securing Windows desktop environments.

Conditions

Student has completed all of the following course(s): MICROAPP 10154208 - IT Essentials

Troubleshooting (10154151)

3.00

Develop hardware and software troubleshooting skills by solving computer-related problems. Learner will use textual and online resources, document successful solutions and add them to a personal knowledge base.

Conditions

Student has completed all of the following course(s): MICROAPP 10154208 - IT Essentials

IT Career Skills (10154213)

1.00

Surveys the skills required to succeed in the IT job market. Learners will write IT-targeted resumes/cover letters, complete IT job applications, perform IT job searches, participate in IT mock interviews, self-market using social media, create a portfolio and network with IT professionals. Additional topics include creating a targeted cover letter/resume and IT interview preparation.

Supporting Emerging Technologies (10154165)

3.00

Investigates new and future hardware and software advancements and trends. Learners research, explore and evaluate new and emerging technologies for implementation and support. Topics may include new releases of operating systems, updated and new computer hardware and technology devices

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.