Automotive Technician Technical Diploma

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.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

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

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent .( For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted)
• High school background in mathematics, science, and technology education.
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

Curriculum

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

First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-804-301

Vocational Math A

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-301 VOCATIONAL MATH A ...This course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, proportions, and percent to their career. No prerequisites needed.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-412-125

Transportation Service Operati

1

10-412-125 TRANSPORTATION SERVICE OPERATIONS ...introduces the auto and diesel shop environment, safety and the use of basic hand/power tools in accordance with industry standards, use of manufacturer's service information and literature, handling hazardous materials, and emphasizes general shop safety and general shop practices.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-101

Auto Service Operations

1

10-602-101 AUTO SERVICE OPERATIONS ...students will perform and understand oil change and multipoint vehicle inspections; writing a repair order; battery jump starting, charging, and safety; tire inspection, removing, replacement, and repair. (Pre-requisite: 10-412-125 Transportation Service Operations)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-412-170

Transportation Welding 1

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-412-170 WELDING TRANSPORTATION 1 ...focuses on welding and cutting safety; develops skills in welding and cutting of metals used in the transportation trades. Methods of welding include gas metal arc welding (MIG) in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Methods of cutting include oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting of metals. Students will learn to set up and maintain welding equipment and weld and cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials commonly used in the transportation trades.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-104

Brake Systems

3

10-602-104 BRAKE SYSTEMS ...this automotive course focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair vehicle braking systems including an introduction to ABS. Focus will be on replacing and machining disc and drum brakes, learning brake hydraulic principals, different types of brake fluids, parking brake operation, and flaring replacement brake lines. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-101 Auto Service Operations)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-412-153

Intro to Electrical Systems

1

10-412-153 INTRO TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ...focus on the theory of electricity. This will include studying Ohms, Kirchoff's, and Newton's Laws and how they apply to the circuits on various electrical systems on a vehicle. Students will apply these theories to troubleshoot simple circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-102

Auto Electrical & Elect Syst 1

1

10-602-102 AUTO ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS 1 ...students will diagnose more complex circuits utilizing an electrical meter and test light. Students will build circuits and test existing circuits on a vehicle, including parallel circuits and relays. Testing will include volts, amps, Ohms- measured and calculated, and voltage drop. (Pre-requisite: 10-412-153 Intro to Electrical Systems)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-124

Steering & Suspension Systems

3

10-602-124 STEERING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS ...this course focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair steering and suspension components such as ball joints, control arms, shocks, struts, inner and outer tie rod ends. Additionally, steering and suspension safety, tire types and ratings, wheel balance, and wheel alignment procedures. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-101 Auto Service Operations)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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Semester Total

13

Second Semester

10-602-195

Advanced Chassis Systems

2

10-602-195 ADVANCED CHASSIS SYSTEMS ...this course will provide the opportunity to develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair the electrical side of the antilock brake system, vehicle stability enhancement system, and electronic steering and suspension system (Pre-requistes: 10-602-102 Auto Electrical and Electronic Systems 1, 10-602-124 Steering and suspension systems, 10-602-104 Brake Systems)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-105

Auto Electrical & Elect Sys 2

2

10-602-105 AUTO ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS 2 ...students will diagnose preliminary vehicle electrical systems that include the battery, starter, and alternator. Testing will include volts, Ohms-measured and calculated, amps, voltage drop, and parasitic draw. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-102 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-103

Engine Repair 1

2

10-602-103 ENGINE REPAIR 1 ...this course will provide the opportunity for students to understand basic engine design and the 4 stroke cycle. The course will also provide an opportunity to develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair vehicle cooking systems and lubrication systems (Pre-requisite: 10-602-101 Automotive Service Operations)

Course Typically Offered: Varies by NWTC campus

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10-602-106

Engine Performance 1

2

10-602-106 ENGINE PERFORMANCE 1 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair powertrain control and ignition systems. Emphasis on diagnostic procedures and the problem-solving techniques associated with automotive engine performance and drivability. (Prerequisite: 10-602-102 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 1; 10-602-103 Engine Repair 1)

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10-602-108

Engine Performance 2

2

10-602-108 ENGINE PERFORMANCE 2 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair fuel systems. Emphasis on diagnostic procedures, problem-solving techniques associated with automotive engine performance and drivability. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-106 Engine Performance 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-113

Engine Performance 3

2

10-602-113 ENGINE PERFORMANCE 3 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair emissions control systems. Emphasis on diagnostic procedures, problem-solving techniques associated with automotive engine performance and drivability. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-108 Engine Performance 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-116

Auto Cert Prep 1

1

10-602-116 AUTO CERTIFICATION PREPARATION 1 ...this course provides an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to successfully complete the Automotive Technician certification test in the areas of Brakes, Steering and Suspension, and Engine Performance. (Co-requisites: 10-602-195 Advanced Chassis, 10-602-106 Engine Performance 1, 10-602-108 Engine Performance 2, 10-602-113, Engine Performance 3 )

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

13

Third Semester

10-602-196

Climate Control Systems

3

10-602-196 CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair climate control systems including heating, cooling, and air distribution. (Prerequisite: 10-602-105, Auto Electrical & Electronics Systems 2)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-128

Auto Elect & Electronic Sys 3

3

10-602-128 AUTO ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS 3 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair electrical and electronic systems including driver information, horn, wiper/washer, power accessories, cruise control, air bag, antitheft and radio systems. (Prerequisite: 10-602-105, Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 2)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-123

Engine Repair 2

3

10-602-123 ENGINE REPAIR 2 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair internal combustion engines. Emphasis is placed on out-of-vehicle engine repair including overhaul procedures. ( Prerequisite: 10-602-103 Engine Repair 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-602-202

Advanced Vehicle Man Tech

3

10-602-202 ADVANCED VEHICLE MANUFACTURE TECHNOLOGY ...diagnose, service and repair intermittent drivability concerns, monitoring live PID data with scanner, graphing data with lab scope, fuel injection monitoring with scanner, graphing fuel injectors with lab scope, performing diagnostic snapshot/recordings of live vehicle data, and playing back the recorded data to isolate the concern. (Prerequisites: 10-602-113, Engine Performance 3; 10-602-128 Auto Electrical & Electronics Systems 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-203

Vehicle Body Mechanical Svc

1

10-602-203 VEHICLE BODY MECHANICAL SERVICE ...knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of internal door components/moveable glass, body opening adjustments, exterior body components, seat removal/repair, sunroof repair, wind noise diagnosis, water leak diagnosis, and interior trim. (Prerequisite: Accepted to the Automotive Technician or Automotive Technology program)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

13

Fourth Semester

10-602-120

Automatic Trans/Transaxle 1

2

10-602-120 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE 1 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair automatic transmission/transaxles. Emphasis is placed on in-vehicle repairs. (Prerequisite: 10-602-105 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-121

Automatic Trans/Transaxle 2

3

10-602-121 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE 2 ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair automatic transmission./transaxles. Emphasis is placed on out-of-vehicle repair including overhaul procedures. (Prerequisite: 10-602-120 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-200

Diesel Fuel Technology

1

10-602-200 DIESEL FUEL TECHNOLOGY ...develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of automotive diesel fuels diesel fuel system components, diesel fuel system testing and diesel engine operation. (Pre-requisite: 10-602-113 Engine Performance 3)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-602-122

Driveline Diagnostics & Repair

2

10-602-122 DRIVELINE DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair driveshaft/axles, differentials, and four wheel drive/all-wheel drive systems. (Prerequisites: 10-602-105 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-130

Clutch&Man Trans Diag & Repair

2

10-602-130 CLUTCH AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR ...develop the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair clutches and manual transmissions/transaxle. (Prerequisite: 10-602-105 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-150

Auto Cert Prep 2

1

10-602-150 AUTOMOTIVE CERTIFICATION PREPARATION 2 ...this course provides an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to successfully complete the Automotive Technician certification test. (Prerequisite: 10-602-128, Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-602-201

Vehicle Computer Controlled Sy

1

10-602-201 VEHICLE COMPUTER CONTROLLED SYSTEMS ...develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of related electronic module sensor/switch testing, input/output data interpretation and testing components with scanner/lab scope testers. (Corequisite: 10-602-128 Auto Electrical & Electronic Systems 3)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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Semester Total

12

Total Credits

51

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

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. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.