Automotive Technician
Technical Diploma
54 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
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Program Overview
The Automotive Technician program turns your interest in technology and problem-solving into a rewarding, high-demand career. Modern vehicles are complex, high-tech machines, and this program gives you the hands-on skills needed to maintain, diagnose, and repair them. You’ll learn to test, service, and repair key automotive systems—including engines, drivetrains, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, transmissions, and even basic diesel, hybrid, and alternative systems—preparing you to confidently tackle real-world automotive challenges.
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
Northwood Tech's automotive programs are nationally certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.
Academics
Career Pathways
An Automotive Technician student at Northwood Tech 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 2025-26*
Automotive Technician
54 Credits | 2 Years
$10,339
Plus $7,784 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
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.
