Automotive Technician - Technical Diploma
Turn your passion for cars into a stimulating career. As an automotive service technician, you'll diagnose vehicle malfunctions, perform appropriate repairs, and recommend/conduct regular vehicle maintenance. Additional career opportunities for Automotive Technician program graduates include automotive electronics specialist; brake specialist; steering, suspension, and alignment specialist; transmission and drive train specialist; engine performance specialist; heating and air conditioning specialist; and engine repair specialist. This two-year program is ASE Certified to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Standards.
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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Follow Your Path
All credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):
Students completing this technical diploma may also earn the Automotive Technology associate degree (106023) after completing four additional courses.
Some credits from the following technical diploma apply toward this program:
Automotive Maintenance Technician, 304041
Delivery
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 Technician technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- 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
- Automotive Technician graduates will demonstrate technical aptitude and proficiency by diagnosis and repair of the following ASE service areas:
- A1 Engine Repair
- A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- A3 Manual Drive Train & Axle
- A4 Suspension & Steering
- A5 Brakes
- A6 Electric/Electronic Systems
- A7 Heating & A/C
- A8 Engine Performance
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 75% in field
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.
- Transmission and Drive Train Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs concerns related to automatic and manual transmissions, drive trains and differentials.
- Engine Performance Specialist: Utilizes hi-tech equipment to diagnose and repair engine drivability concerns relating to engine mechanical, ignition and fuel systems.
- Heating & Air Conditioning Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs heating and air conditioning control systems.
- 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.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.
- 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.