Automotive Technology A.A.S. Degree

Automotive Technology A.A.S. Degree

Program Description

The Automotive Technology AAS at Central Lakes College is a 16-month program that provides students with skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. 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. 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.

Program Outcomes

By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

  • 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.

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

Transfer Opportunities

All Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) area certifications (A1-A8) will transfer into the CLC Automotive Technology AAS 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.

Certifications

Upon successful completion of all of the courses in the diploma program, students are eligible to take the ASE student certification exam.

Program Accreditation

natef logoThe Automotive Technology program is fully accredited through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). CLC is accredited at the Master Automotive Service Technician level, the highest ranking accreditation. The curriculum aligns with standards for both regional employers and Automotive Service for Excellence (ASE) technician certification.

Graduation Requirements

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

  1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
  2. 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;
  3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com

Program Course Requirements

AUTM 1101      A1 Engine Repair**……………………….. 4 cr
AUTM 1102*   A2 Automatic Transmission & Transaxle…………………………………… 4 cr
AUTM  1103     A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles…………… 4 cr
AUTM 1104*   A4 Steering and Suspension……………… 4 cr
AUTM 1105*   A5 Brakes…………………………………… 4 cr
AUTM 1106      A6 Electrical/Electronic Systems I**…….. 4 cr
AUTM 1107*   A7 Heating and Air Conditioning………… 4 cr
AUTM 1108*   A8 Engine Performance I…………………. 4 cr
AUTM 1116*   A6 Electrical Electronics Systems II……… 4 cr
AUTM 1118*   A8 Engine Performance II…………………. 4 cr
AUTM 1120      Transportation Industry Skills I…………… 1 cr
AUTM 1121      Transportation Industry Skills II………….. 1 cr
AUTM 1122      Transportation Industry Skills III…………. 1 cr
AUTM 1123      Transportation Industry Skills IV…………. 1 cr
ENGL 1521        Technical Writing Fundamentals………… 1 cr

An A.A.S. degree requires a minimum of 15 credits selected from at least three of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

Goal Area 1 – required ……………………………………. 3 cr
Goal Area 2 – required ……………………………………. 3 cr
Goal Area 3 – recommended …………………………….. 3 cr
Goal Area 9 – recommended …………………………….. 3 cr
Additional Minnesota Transfer Curriculum ……………. 3 cr

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 60 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

**High School Certifiable Course

Program Instructors

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