Automotive Technology Program
Program Description
The Automotive Technology Program is designed to provide the necessary educational background and practical training to repair today’s automobiles and light trucks. Theoretical knowledge and practical experience are combined to provide students with the occupational skills needed to be successful.
Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity or alternative fuels such as ethanol. Automotive service technicians’ and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional handtools.
Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance
while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of how vehicles complex components work and interact. They also must be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals and reference materials.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Automotive Mechanics Technology Program can become employed as a Repair Service Estimator, Automotive Service Writer, Auto Repair Technician, Shop Foreman or Specialty Shop Technician. Additional information is available from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Skills Needed
Successful Automotive Technicians must possess strong communication and analytical skills, mechanical aptitude, good computer skills, the ability to read and interpret service manuals, an interest in keeping abreast of new technology and a special desire to learn new service and repair procedures.
Expected Earnings/Salary
Earnings for Automotive Technicians as reported by the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook are as follows:
- The median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, is $16.88.
- The highest 10 percent of automotive service technicians and mechanics earn more than $28.71 an hour.
Types of Programs Offered
Click on the level of training that is right for you.
Associate Degree
Career Entry Certificate
Career Skills Certificate
Estimated Program Costs
|
Program Name
|
Type of Program |
Credit Hours |
Est. Tuition and Fees |
Est. Book Cost |
Estimated Total Cost |
| ASE (Automotive Service Technology) |
Associate Degree |
72 |
$9,432.00 |
$1,800.00 |
$11,232.00 |
| ASE (Automotive Service Technology) |
Career Entry Certificate |
59 |
$7,729.00 |
$1,500.00 |
$9,229.00 |
|
ASE (Automotive Service Technology)
|
Career Skills Certificate |
29 |
$3,799.00 |
$600.00 |
$4,399.00 |