Students work under a car on a lift

Automotive Maintenance Technician - Technical Diploma

As an automotive maintenance technician, you'll diagnose vehicle malfunctions, perform basic appropriate repairs, and recommend/conduct regular vehicle maintenance. With additional coursework, graduates of this technical diploma can ladder into a two-year technical diploma or associate degree in the automotive field. This one-year, technical diploma program is ASE Certified to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Standards and is offered on our Marinette campus.

Program Code: 304041
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Area of Study: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Offered At:

Follow Your Path

Some credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):

Automotive Technology, 106023

Some credits from this program apply toward the following technical diploma(s):

Automotive Technician, 314042

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). College transcript.
  • If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Automotive Maintenance Technician technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Semester Total 13

Second Semester

8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Semester Total 13
Total Credits 26
  • Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.

Program Outcomes

  • A1 Engine Repair
  • A4 Suspension & Steering
  • A5 Brakes
  • A6 Electric/Electronic Systems

What careers are in my future?

90%

Graduate Employment

with 60% in field

$45,000.00

Median Starting Salary

Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey

Employment Potential

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Automotive Service Technician: Diagnoses vehicle malfunctions, performs appropriate repairs, and recommends/conducts regular vehicle maintenance.
  • Automotive Electronics Specialist: Utilizes hi-tech equipment to troubleshoot complex electrical and computer malfunctions. Replaces and reprograms engine, body and transmission controllers.
  • Brake Specialist: Performs complete brake system safety inspections, diagnoses brake system concerns and makes necessary repairs.
  • Steering, Suspension & Alignment Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs steering and suspension system concerns, utilizes computerized equipment to perform suspension and steering system adjustments.
  • Engine Repair Specialist: Diagnoses engine mechanical failure, disassembles, inspects, and measures engine components, recommends/ conducts component replacement

Employment opportunities with additional education

  • Shop Supervisor
  • Specialty Technician
  • Fleet Dispatcher
  • Specialty Repair Shop Owner
  • Automotive Instructor

What else do I need to know about the program?

Accreditation

All NWTC Automotive programs are ASE Certified to NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Standards. | All instructional staff in the NWTC Automotive Programs are, at a minimum, Master, ASE Certified Technicians. | NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation)

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

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Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.