Automotive student with instructor examining the undercarriage of a truck

Automotive Technician

Technical Diploma

54 Credits | 2 Years

Financial Aid-Eligible

Rice Lake

Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

This program will be modified for the 2024-2025 academic year pending WTCS approval. Please contact an Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions.

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
Automotive student working under the hood on car engine

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).


 

Student doing hands-on work in the automotive lab

Learn by doing. 

Automotive students listening to instructor in the shop

Nationally certified program. 

Automotive student at work in the lab

75% of graduates employed within six months.


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. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Automotive Technician Courses

32404382
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This course is an introduction to automotive body electrical systems. Students will learn about various body electrical components and how to diagnose and repair body electrical systems. PREREQUISITES: 32404375 Automotive Fundamentals and 32404376 DC Automotive Electrical
32404390
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This course introduces the operation and repair of manual transmissions, transaxles, drivelines, differential assemblies, and transfer cases.
PREREQUISITE: 32404375 Automobile Fundamentals.
32404392
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This course provides students with hands-on practical experience in powertrain diagnosis. This course builds on basic skills and system theory gained in previous courses. PREREQUISITE: 32404381 Engine Performance

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

Technical Diploma
11 Credits / 1 Semester
Potential Careers
Lube Technician, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician, Quick Service Technician
Arrow pointing down

You could take this first to earn a credential.

Technical Diploma
28 Credits / One Year / 2 Semesters Full Time
Potential Careers
Automotive Service Technician, Drivability Technician, Brake Technician, Suspension and Alignment Technician, Quick Service Technician, Lube Technician, Auto Service Writer and Automotive Parts Technician
Arrow pointing down

This is the program you’re looking at.

Technical Diploma
54 Credits / Two Years Full Time
Potential Careers
Brake Technician, Air Conditioning Technician, Auto Transmission Technician, Automotive Electrical Technician, Service Writer, Drive Train Technician, Suspension and Alignment Technician, Drivability Technician, Automotive Technician
Arrow pointing down

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.

Requirements and Application

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

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Automotive Technician

54 Credits | 2 Years

$9,648

$3,750 for Tools, Supplies and Uniforms  (Tools are available for students to use while in the lab)

Download Tool List


*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.

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at a laptop

Accreditation

ASE Education Foundation logo

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

NC3 logo

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.

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.