IT - Network Technician

Bachelor Degree Link
Transfer Options & Opportunities
Bachelor Location
UW-Stout | UW-Whitewater | Bellevue University | Concordia University Wisconsin | Franklin University | Lakeland University | Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Potential Careers
Computer Technician, Network Technician
Career Pathway
IT - Systems Administration Specialist
IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
Required Credits/Time
19 Credits / Less than 1 Year Part Time
Program Type
Technical Diploma

Industrial Systems Specialist

Bachelor Location
UW-Stout | UW-Whitewater | Bellevue University | Concordia University Wisconsin | Franklin University | Lakeland University | Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Potential Careers
Field Service Technician, Instrumentation and Controls Technician (I&C), Electrical and Instrument Technician (E&I), Service Technician, Electrical Maintenance Technician
Career Pathway
Automation for Industrial Systems
Required Credits/Time
28 Credits / 1 Year Full Time
Program Type
Technical Diploma
Program
Industrial Systems Specialist

Automotive Service Technician

Bachelor Location
UW-Stout
Potential Careers
Automotive Service Technician, Drivability Technician, Brake Technician, Suspension and Alignment Technician, Quick Service Technician, Lube Technician, Auto Service Writer and Automotive Parts Technician
Career Pathway
Automotive Technician
Required Credits/Time
28 Credits / One Year / 2 Semesters Full Time
Program Type
Technical Diploma
Program
Automotive Service Technician

Experience

Click here to explore the Northwood Tech experience.

Success

Click here to explore success at Northwood Tech.

60+ career areas. Countless possibilities.
Blaze your own trail at Northwood Tech.

See yourself at Northwood Technical College.

See yourself at Northwood Technical College.

Experience Northwood Tech
Experience Northwood Tech

See yourself at Northwood Technical College.


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Caitlyn Cody
Caitlyn Cody

Caitlyn Cody

Certified Surgical Technologist Apprentice Program

Pioneering Opportunities in Rural Healthcare

I chose Northwood Technical College because it is the first in Wisconsin to partner with rural healthcare facilities to create a surgical technologist apprenticeship program. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the college's commitment to providing significant opportunities for its students while also giving back to the community. This program will have a substantial positive impact on healthcare access in rural areas.


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Deanna Ellis
Deanna Ellis

Deanna Ellis

Pre-Nursing / ADN Program

Small Classes, Big Opportunities at Northwood Tech

I chose Northwood Technical College because it offered the certificates and degrees I was looking for. The Nursing program is the perfect length for my education goals. I’ve obtained jobs pertaining to my education right after completing my courses. It’s close to home and the class sizes are much smaller. I also enjoy the activities and events offered to students.


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Kaia Sateren
Kaia Sateren

Kaia Sateren

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Incredible Education, Unmatched Support

At Northwood Tech I have the most supportive and outstanding instructors! Every step of the way I feel challenged and encouraged to engage in my courses in a way that I know will lead to the development of exceptional interpersonal and clinical skills needed to be a successful OTA. My experience with technical college education has been nothing short of incredible. The staff at Northwood have offered me valuable resources.


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Tammy Walter
Tammy Walter

Tammy Walter

Business Management Program

Flexible Learning, Limitless Opportunities

The primary factor that influenced my decision to enroll at Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake was its proximity to my home. The college offers outreach centers, offering convenient alternatives in case I am unable to commute the hour-long distance to campus. This accessibility played a crucial role in my choice to pursue my education at this institution. The flexibility to choose between in-person, online, or hybrid courses provided me with a range of options to match my learning preferences. This diversity of offerings further reinforced my decision to attend Northwood Technical College.


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Pioneering Opportunities in Rural Healthcare

I chose Northwood Technical College because it is the first in Wisconsin to partner with rural healthcare facilities to create a surgical technologist apprenticeship program. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the college's commitment to providing significant opportunities for its students while also giving back to the community. This program will have a substantial positive impact on healthcare access in rural areas.


Close

Small Classes, Big Opportunities at Northwood Tech

I chose Northwood Technical College because it offered the certificates and degrees I was looking for. The Nursing program is the perfect length for my education goals. I’ve obtained jobs pertaining to my education right after completing my courses. It’s close to home and the class sizes are much smaller. I also enjoy the activities and events offered to students.


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Incredible Education, Unmatched Support

At Northwood Tech I have the most supportive and outstanding instructors! Every step of the way I feel challenged and encouraged to engage in my courses in a way that I know will lead to the development of exceptional interpersonal and clinical skills needed to be a successful OTA. My experience with technical college education has been nothing short of incredible. The staff at Northwood have offered me valuable resources.


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Flexible Learning, Limitless Opportunities

The primary factor that influenced my decision to enroll at Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake was its proximity to my home. The college offers outreach centers, offering convenient alternatives in case I am unable to commute the hour-long distance to campus. This accessibility played a crucial role in my choice to pursue my education at this institution. The flexibility to choose between in-person, online, or hybrid courses provided me with a range of options to match my learning preferences. This diversity of offerings further reinforced my decision to attend Northwood Technical College.


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Welcome to Campus Life

A student doing hands-on work in the automated packaging systems technician program
Two students studying together
Classroom space with students working at computers
Veterinary technician students doing hands-on work in the classroom
A smiling student talking to a friend

Make the most of your Northwood Tech experience by getting involved. You’ll gain valuable experiences and make lifelong connections with Northwood Tech’s clubs, organizations and student activities.

Find Your Campus

Degree Programs & More

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Know what program you're interested in or want to browse your options? Check out associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. 

View Programs and Certificates

Featured Continuing Education Classes
 

Hatha Yoga

Yoga focuses on developing balance, flexibility, and strength. You’ll calm your mind with relaxation and centering as your lung capacity is increased while you practice pranayama (breathing exercises).

Motorcycle

Whether you’re a brand new rider or have years of experience, motorcycle safety courses at Northwood Tech will teach you safe techniques for riding a motorcycle.

Professional development gives you the training, skills, certification and licensure classes to keep you on top of your career and fulfill your continuing education required for your work. 

Explore Professional Development Options

Upcoming Events

Express Admissions logo
Express Admissions - New Richmond - April 12
April 12, 2025   |  8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  |  New Richmond

Visit New Richmond Student Services to learn about different programs, get a tour of campus, apply, get admitted or even register for fall classes.

Express Admissions logo
Express Admissions - New Richmond - April 26
April 26, 2025   |  8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  |  New Richmond, WI

Visit New Richmond Student Services to learn about different programs, get a tour of campus, apply, get admitted or even register for fall classes.

Express Admissions logo
Express Admissions - New Richmond - May 3
May 3, 2025   |  8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  |  New Richmond, WI

Visit New Richmond Student Services to learn about different programs, get a tour of campus, apply, get admitted or even register for fall classes.

Medical Assistant Students in lab smiling for camera
Healthcare and Human Services Open House
May 7, 2025   |  3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  |  Superior, WI

Visit the Superior Campus to learn more about our Healthcare & Human Services programs. 

Express Admissions logo
Express Admissions - New Richmond - May 10
May 10, 2025   |  8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  |  New Richmond, WI

Visit New Richmond Student Services to learn about different programs, get a tour of campus, apply, get admitted or even register for fall classes.

View All Events

Join Northwood Tech's community of graduates who experience success.

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.

Success After Northwood Tech
Success After Northwood Tech

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.


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Maria Reyes
Maria Reyes

Maria Reyes

Associate Degree Nursing

At 15, Maria moved to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico.

Although Maria was a high achieving student in Puerto Rico, she knew only Spanish when she arrived, so language was a barrier. She eventually learned English through school and on her own with a dictionary.

Setting school aside. 

At 17, Maria left high school to take care of her new baby. Ten years later she walked into Northwood Tech for her GED to create a better life for herself and her children. 

From GED to nursing student. 

With a community of support, Maria was able to complete the nursing program while holding down a job and taking care of her two boys. 

Empowering herself and others.

Maria has now worked in the nursing field in various roles including as a nurse, a manager and as an instructor to others. She says caring for others has always come first for her ever since she helped take care of her grandmother when she was young.


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Jeff Engelbretson
Jeff Engelbretson

Jeff Engelbretson

Management and Leadership

The right fit. 

Jeff got a flyer from Northwood Tech after deploying to Iraq and thought he'd check out the Management and Leadership program. After hitting it off with his instructor and taking his first class with other working adult students, he knew it was the right fit. 

Classes around his schedule. 

The evening classes allowed Jeff to be active in the Army National Guard and a part-time student, taking one class per semester on average with his military tuition assistance. 

Starting a new life. 

Jeff spent 25 years in the military before retiring and taking on his new career. He says the people skills and learning how to create a good working environment were the most helpful in his transition to civilian-life management. 

A strong foundation. 

Within two years of working at Verizon, Jeff was promoted to management where he managed three staging facilities and about 30 employees throughout the Midwest. He also was able to transfer all of his Northwood Tech credits to continue his education and obtain a bachelor's degree. 


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Amber Popplewell
Amber Popplewell

Amber Popplewell

Human Services Associate

Amber was a single mother who wanted to further her education.

Although Amber wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue, she was sure that she wanted to do something important and she wanted to help people. 

The support needed to succeed. 

The staff were always supportive to Amber and her daughter as they spent many evenings studying in Northwood Tech's Learning Resource Center. 

Paying it forward. 

Amber felt passionate to apply her education to the community she was living, so in addition to working and taking classes, Amber also volunteered for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

Making a difference in the lives of others. 

Amber is now a program coordinator in the sexual assault program at the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. She looks back on her time at Northwood Tech as a fantastic, accelerated program. 


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Chet Banger
Chet Banger

Chet Banger

Architectural Commercial Design

Exploring his options. 

Chet had several jobs, tried a university and community college and was in the military before landing at Northwood Tech, using his military tuition assistance. 

Help from a career survey. 

He decided on the architecture program after taking the career survey online. He had taken AutoCAD (2D drafting software) classes in high school and had a construction background, so the program was relevant to his interests and past experiences. 

Networking opportunities. 

Chet met what would soon be his employer through a class assignment to interview an architect, which led to an internship that turned into a full-time job. 

The skills for success. 

Chet helped lead the firm's transition to Revit (a new 3D drafting software), and helped teach others how to use the software. One of Chet's first major projects was a bank in River Falls. He credits his drafting skills and construction knowledge for helping him launch his career. 


Close

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At 15, Maria moved to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico.

Although Maria was a high achieving student in Puerto Rico, she knew only Spanish when she arrived, so language was a barrier. She eventually learned English through school and on her own with a dictionary.

Setting school aside. 

At 17, Maria left high school to take care of her new baby. Ten years later she walked into Northwood Tech for her GED to create a better life for herself and her children. 

From GED to nursing student. 

With a community of support, Maria was able to complete the nursing program while holding down a job and taking care of her two boys. 

Empowering herself and others.

Maria has now worked in the nursing field in various roles including as a nurse, a manager and as an instructor to others. She says caring for others has always come first for her ever since she helped take care of her grandmother when she was young.


Close

The right fit. 

Jeff got a flyer from Northwood Tech after deploying to Iraq and thought he'd check out the Management and Leadership program. After hitting it off with his instructor and taking his first class with other working adult students, he knew it was the right fit. 

Classes around his schedule. 

The evening classes allowed Jeff to be active in the Army National Guard and a part-time student, taking one class per semester on average with his military tuition assistance. 

Starting a new life. 

Jeff spent 25 years in the military before retiring and taking on his new career. He says the people skills and learning how to create a good working environment were the most helpful in his transition to civilian-life management. 

A strong foundation. 

Within two years of working at Verizon, Jeff was promoted to management where he managed three staging facilities and about 30 employees throughout the Midwest. He also was able to transfer all of his Northwood Tech credits to continue his education and obtain a bachelor's degree. 


Close

Amber was a single mother who wanted to further her education.

Although Amber wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue, she was sure that she wanted to do something important and she wanted to help people. 

The support needed to succeed. 

The staff were always supportive to Amber and her daughter as they spent many evenings studying in Northwood Tech's Learning Resource Center. 

Paying it forward. 

Amber felt passionate to apply her education to the community she was living, so in addition to working and taking classes, Amber also volunteered for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

Making a difference in the lives of others. 

Amber is now a program coordinator in the sexual assault program at the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. She looks back on her time at Northwood Tech as a fantastic, accelerated program. 


Close

Exploring his options. 

Chet had several jobs, tried a university and community college and was in the military before landing at Northwood Tech, using his military tuition assistance. 

Help from a career survey. 

He decided on the architecture program after taking the career survey online. He had taken AutoCAD (2D drafting software) classes in high school and had a construction background, so the program was relevant to his interests and past experiences. 

Networking opportunities. 

Chet met what would soon be his employer through a class assignment to interview an architect, which led to an internship that turned into a full-time job. 

The skills for success. 

Chet helped lead the firm's transition to Revit (a new 3D drafting software), and helped teach others how to use the software. One of Chet's first major projects was a bank in River Falls. He credits his drafting skills and construction knowledge for helping him launch his career. 


Close

After Northwood Tech

"I wanted to stick with a smaller college, smaller classrooms, a closer experience with the instructors and a more hands-on environment. The instructors made me feel very confident in what I was learning. I felt very prepared."

–Katelyn

54.4%

salary increase after five years for graduates working in a related field to their training

"The College offered a flexible schedule I could follow at my own pace to allow for my small and growing family when I needed it the most."

–Amy

EXPLORE STARTING SALARIES

See some of the highest paying average annual starting salaries 2018-2019 Northwood Tech graduates have reported:

A bar chart showing the college's top-paying programs.
A pie chart showing that 95% of the College's graduates were employed within six months of graduating

96%

of students were satisfied or very satisfied with the training they received at Northwood Tech.

"The College is a great choice for students to learn what they need to succeed in the workforce today. The program provides real-world examples and situations to help students grow."

–Chad

"I am grateful for the instructors who made it more than just an educational experience. The College is like a second family who helps you achieve your personal goals while creating genuine real-life memories that you will never forget. "

–Sara

At Northwood Tech, learning is our passion and it shows. Ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation, Northwood Tech's graduates leave the College with the confidence and experience needed for success. 

Learn What Makes Northwood Tech Different

Grow your Success

Have you taken classes at other colleges or in high school that count for college credit? Do you have military or other career or life experience that may count? See if you can start a step ahead. 

Get Credit for Prior Learning

Do you need to teach your employees specific skills to get the job done right? From trades skills to management and leadership soft skills, Northwood Tech will work with you and your employees to provide customized business training that works for your business goals.

Consult with a Northwood Tech Business Advisor

Need to get licensed or complete continuing education classes for your job? You'll find options here to hone your skills and stay up-to-date in your industry.

Renew Your Certification

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Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.