Automotive Technician
Technical Diploma
54 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
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Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
If you enjoy technology and solving problems, you might find a career as an automotive technician challenging as well as rewarding. Automobiles today are no longer merely mechanical. Many enjoy driving from one place to another in a high-tech machine but maintaining and repairing vehicles is no longer within reach for most owners. Turn your passion for automobiles into a stimulating career.
Program Overview
With an emphasis on hands-on experience, in the Automotive Technician program you'll learn essential service techniques including testing, repairing and rebuilding of basic automotive systems. Coursework will prepare you to diagnose and repair concerns in engines, drivetrains, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, transmission systems as well as basic diesel, hybrid and alternative systems.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the auto service industry
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive internal combustion engines
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmission/transaxle system
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual drive train and axles systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive steering and suspension systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive brake systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engine performance systems
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Northwood Tech's automotive programs are nationally certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation and the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).
Learn by doing.
Nationally certified program.
100% of 2022-2023 graduates were employed in a related field within 6 months of program completion.
Academics
The Automotive Technician program is offered at the Rice Lake campus.
This program is certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.
The automotive programs at Northwood Tech have adopted certification(s) established by the National Coalition of Certifications (NC3). NC3 was established to address the need for strong industry partnerships with educational institutions in order to develop, implement, and sustain industry-recognized certifications that have strong validation and assessment standards.
Career Pathways
As an Automotive Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way. Graduates of this program also earn technical diplomas in Automotive Service Technician and Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician.
State-of-the-Art Technology
As a student of the program, you'll spend a lot of your time in the program's lab space using Northwood Tech's state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Experienced Instructors
Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. The experienced faculty are knowledgeable, approachable, and eager to help. The sizes of your classes will allow for the attention you deserve.
Required Courses
The Automotive Technician program includes courses in Automotive Fundamentals, Engine Repair, Suspension and Alignment, Automotive Transmissions, Advanced Body Electrical Systems, Welding for Mechanics, and more.
Featured Automotive Technician Courses
Automotive Technician is Part of a Career Pathway
As an Automotive Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way.
This technical diploma is embedded in the Automotive Technician program.
Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician
You could take this first to earn a credential.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Tools are available for Automotive Technician students to use while in the lab.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Automotive Technician
54 Credits | 2 Years
$9,866
Plus $3,750 for Tools, Supplies and Uniforms (Tools are available for students to use while in the lab)
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Automotive Technician Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in Automotive Technician, Automotive Service Technician, and Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician.
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Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
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Accreditation
Automotive Technician is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.
ASE evaluates each program's structure, resources and quality of automotive service training. They review this against standards established by industry experts and offer ASE accreditation to programs that meet high quality requirements.
Learn more at www.aseeducationfoundation.org
Automotive Technician is nationally certified through the ASE Education Foundation and the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). NC3 is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
