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Program Description

The Automotive Technology (AT) holds a master certification from the National Automotive Technician’s Education Foundation (NATEF). The program has been a first place winner of the “Award for Excellence” and received recognition as the best college independent automotive program in the USA.

Automotive Technology (AT) is a competency-based program designed to prepare students for a career in the automotive industry. The program’s NATEF accreditation provides students with instructors and a facility that meets national standards.  These standards assist graduates in acquiring excellent job placement in the automotive career of their choice. Rapid advancement of new technology has created a need for highly skilled automotive technicians. Employment opportunities exist in new car dealerships, independent repair shops, specialty shops and fleet agencies.

The Automotive Technology program combines theory and practical experience during six quarters of instruction. Students develop diagnostic and repair skills on late model vehicles in a well-equipped shop. Subjects include brake and suspension systems, electronic/electrical systems, automatic and manual transmissions, heating and air conditioning, engines, drivability, and hybrid-electric/alternative fuels.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Automotive Technology program will be able to:

• Develop the skills and knowledge to work safely in the lab/shop environment.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, technical and information skills.
• Demonstrate professional conduct as an individual and as a member of a group in a workplace environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to correctly diagnose and perform quality repairs on each of the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
• Develop entry-level skills and knowledge for employment in the automotive industry.
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to earn ASE certification in the eight specialty areas of Automobile Technician.

Entry into the Program

Program entry begins with an application through Enrollment Services. Students may enter the Automotive Technology program at the beginning of Fall quarter. Prior to fall quarter entry, students must pass ENGL 99 with a grade of C or better, or have tested into college-level English. Students may register for fall quarter classes prior to meeting the entry requirements, but passing ENGL 99 must be completed prior to the start of fall quarter. Advanced standing may be requested for prior education or experience

Tech Prep

Please see Academic Information  for information regarding Tech Prep.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate classroom learning with work-based learning experience in Cooperative Education (AT 199 ) at a supervised work site. Department Chair approval is required. Credits and grades are based on job-hours worked, work performance, and completion of the learning objectives specified in the learning contract. Concurrent enrollment in a Cooperative Education Seminar or equivalent is required. A special project (AT 255) may be substituted for Cooperative Education with approval of the Department Chair.

Associate in Technical Arts Degree

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100-level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major.

Program Certificates

A Certificate in Automotive Technology is awarded to students who complete the following courses with an accumulated grade point average of 2.0 and achieve technical competency.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.

Professional Upgrade Courses

A series of courses to assist technicians currently employed in the field may be offered evening and/or weekends. Offerings may include (but are not limited to): AT 160, 165, 170.

Micro-Certificate

Students who are not pursuing an ATA degree may earn a certificate focusing on specific skills within the Automotive Technology program.

 Automotive Technology Degrees and Courses

Programs

• Automotive Technology, ATA

• Automotive Electronics and Diagnostics Specialist Certificate
• Automotive Parts Specialist Certificate
• Automotive Service Advisor Certificate
• Automotive Technology Individual Technical Certificate
• Automotive Undercar Specialist Certificate
• Engine Machinist I Micro-Certificate
• Transmission Specialist Certificate

Courses

• AT 100 - Automotive Fundamentals
• AT 104 - Automotive Service Writer
• AT 105 - Automotive Parts Specialist
• AT 107 - Light Maintenance I
• AT 121 - Automotive Electrical I
• AT 122 - Computer Basics
• AT 124 - Brake Systems
• AT 131 - Suspension, Steering and Alignment
• AT 133 - Chassis Electrical II
• AT 141 - Transmissions & Drivetrains
• AT 181 - Small Gas Engines
• AT 199 - Cooperative Education Experience
• AT 205 - Engines
• AT 207 - Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
• AT 210 - Drivability I
• AT 212 - Drivability II
• AT 215 - Alternative Fuels and Power Technologies
• AT 220 - Professional Lab Techniques
• AT 225 - Engine Machining I
• AT 299 - Learning into Action

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