Automotive Technology Diploma

Why Choose Automotive Technology Diploma at CLC?

• Experienced Instructor – Our instructor is Master ASE Certified with factory training and certifications in all domestic brands.

• Accreditation – Our programs and instructors are evaluated against industry standards of quality every five years by external evaluators from NATEF (the educational branch of ASE).

• Small Class Size – Our average class size is between 17 and 25 students. This allows for small groups and greater interaction with the instructor.

• Curriculum – Our program is based on NATEF task lists for ASE Certification in all eight ASE areas: A1-A8. Using the latest in high-tech automotive diagnostic software.

• Leader in use of PICO scope technology for troubleshooting automotive problems.

• Demand for CLC graduates is very strong. One year program. Learn and earn faster. Students perform real world work on customer vehicles in our state-of-art lab.

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About the Program

Automotive Technology is rapidly advancing. The changes taking place will require a solid educational background to repair and service these vehicles.

The Automotive Technology Program at Central Lakes College offers an 11-month curriculum in automotive technology that provides students with the skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair.

Our program takes great pride in its professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training. Some common career titles for this field are line technician, service writer, technician instructor, sales person, and automotive parts representative. There are also opportunities for self-employment. Enroll in classes now to enter this exciting field!

There’s an Industry Problem on the Horizon the Requires Your Help
A recent study conducted by the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) revealed that almost 40% of service technicians are over the age of 55, and 70% are over 45 years old. That means that there will be lots of great opportunities for young people entering the auto and truck service industry in the near future. The problem is that the number of people currently graduating from technical education programs will leave the industry far short of filling all the vacancies created by the retiring experienced professionals. Source: ASE Tech News, Summer 2016 (pdf)

Program Information

Program Course Requirements

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements

Fall Semester – First Half
AUTM 1101 A1 Engine Repair** (4 cr)
AUTM 1106 A6 Electrical/Electronic System I** (4 cr)
AUTM 1120 Transportation Industry Skills I (1 cr)
ENGL 1521 Technical Writing Fundamentals (1 cr)
Total – 10 credits

Fall Semester – Second Half
AUTM 1108* A8 Engine Performance I (4 cr)
AUTM 1116* A6 Electrical/Electronics Systems II (4 cr)
AUTM 1121 Transportation Industry Skills II (1 cr)
Total – 9 credits

Spring Semester – First Half
AUTM 1102* A2 Automatic Transmission & Transaxle (4 cr)
AUTM 1118* A8 Engine Performance II (4 cr)
AUTM 1122 Transportation Industry Skills III (1 cr)
Total – 9 credits

Spring Semester – Second Half
AUTM 1104* A4 Steering & Suspension (4 cr)
AUTM 1105* A5 Brakes (4 cr)
AUTM 1123 Transportation Industry Skills IV (1 cr)
Total – 9 credits

Summer Semester
AUTM 1103 A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles (4 cr)
AUTM 1107* A7 Heating & Air Conditioning (4 cr)
Total – 8 credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 45 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites
**High School Certifiable Courses

Program Planning Form

Click here to download the Automotive Technology Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Detailed Program Information

Program Information: The Automotive Technology Diploma at Central Lakes College is an 11-month program that provides students with the skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. Graduates of the program are prepared to begin entry-level in an amazing and satisfying career. Our program and regional employers take great pride in professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training. The intensity of the program prepares students for the real world.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

Troubleshoot and diagnose complex vehicle operating systems;
Access and apply manufacturers’ specifications in repair and replacement;
Perform vehicle operating system repairs and maintenance;
Use computerized software programs to interpret and document service;
Work independently and in teams to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles;
Work responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards;
Handle customer needs, complaints and questions about repairs/service.

Special Program Requirements:

In addition to the program requirements listed above, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

College Cumulative GPA Requirement: The cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0.
College Technical Core GPA Requirement: Cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
Residency Requirement: students must complete one third (14) of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Accreditation: The Automotive Technology program is a fully accredited program through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The CLC diploma program is accredited at the Master Automotive Service Technician level, the highest ranking accreditation. The NATEF curriculum aligns with both regional employers and Automotive Service for Excellence (ASE) technician certification standards. CLC’s curriculum is reviewed annually with a regional advisory committee of employers and is reviewed by NATEF every 2.5 years to ensure the program stays current with technology and teaching to standards of the current needs of employers.

Certification: After successful completion of all of the courses in the diploma program, students are eligible to take the ASE student certification exam. This certification and the diploma are what employers are looking for the certify competency in the automotive service and repair industry.

Admissions: The Automotive Technology Diploma is an 11-month program starting Fall Semester.

Transfer Opportunities: All Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) area certifications (A1-A8) will transfer into the CLC Automotive Technology diploma program. Each course is aligned with the individual ASE certification area (A1-A8). CLC automotive technician courses transfer to many two- and four-year schools. Consult with an instructor, advisor, or counselor to learn about specific transfer opportunities.

Career Opportunities: Trained automotive technicians are in huge demand nationwide and regionally. The career field is growing faster than the average career field, both in the nation and regionally. Graduates of the program generally find careers within the region, but alumni are all across the nation.

Career Titles: Some common career titles for this field are service technician, service writer, technical instructor, technical traininer, sales person, and automotive parts representative. There are also opportunities for self-employment as it is common for graduates to own their own business.