The Anoka Technical College Automotive Technician diploma is a 60-credit program that prepares graduates for an entry-level career in the automotive service industry. Most entry-level automotive technicians start as tire or lube technicians. Within a few months they will be performing many routine service tasks and perform simple repairs. It usually takes two to five years of on-the-job training to become a journey-level technician. This means that the technician is skilled enough to perform difficult repairs. However, graduates of a college-level training program are often able to advance to that level in a shorter period of time.
Admissions Requirements
Next Generation Accuplacer reading score must be above 232 or equivalent to be accepted into the program.
Course Prerequisites
Some courses may require appropriate test score or completion of basic math, basic English and/or reading courses with a “C” or better.
Internship may require for insurance purposes, students must be 18 years old for the automotive program due to the internship requirements. Students must also possess a valid driver’s license.
Program Learning Outcomes
By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes.
- Develop the knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of automotive related systems, components, terminology and acronyms.
- Develop and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the automotive repair industries expectations of performance.
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize computer and non-computer based vehicle service information systems.
- Use automotive tools, shop and test equipment, materials, and chemicals safely and effectively.
- Develop critical and creative thinking processes required to effectively and efficiently diagnose and repair vehicle technical problems.
Tools of the Trade
Check out the tools students learn to use:
Electrical and electronic diagnostic equipment: Digital Multi-Meters (DMM’s); General Motors’ Tech 1 and Tech 2 scan tools; Ford’s Next Generation Scan tool (NGS); Chrysler’s DRB-III scan tool; SPX/OTC
Genisys scan tools; digital storage and live oscilloscopes; battery “capacitance testers”; battery, starter, and charging system testers; chassis ear electronic listening device; wheel balancing and four wheel alignment equipment; air conditioning refrigerant recovery; recycling and recharging stations
Pressure indicators: fuel pressure testers; air conditioning manifold pressure gauges;intake manifold vacuum gauges; oil pressure gauges; tire pressure gauges
Bearing pullers and presses: ball joint separators; bearing pullers; gear puller tools; slide hammers
Specialty wrenches: alignment wrenches; chain wrenches; locking wrenches; lug wrenches
Trim or molding tools: carbon scrapers; gasket scrapers; scrapers
Precision measuring tools: feeler gauges; inside and outside micrometers; vernier calipers; depth gauges; small bore gauges; cylinder taper gauges; torque wrenches
Tool List
Technology
Check out the cutting-edge technology students have access to: Analytical or scientific software: updateable software used in all of the scan tools and electronic four wheel alignment equipment mentioned above
Electronic vehicle service information retrieval: AllData; Mitchell OnDemand 5; General Motors Electronic Service Information (ESI)
Vehicle service and repair estimating software: Mitchell OnDemand 5
Program Sequence
Fall Semester
|
16
|
AUTO 1000 |
Orientation and Safety |
1
|
AUTO 1010 |
General Automotive Service |
2 |
AUTO 1167 |
Vehicle Electronics |
5 |
AUTO 2145 |
Suspension and Steering System Service |
4
|
AUTO 2159 |
Brake System and Service |
4
|
Spring Semester
|
13 |
AUTO 2005 |
Supervised Internship I |
2
|
AUTO 2164 |
Chassis Electrical Systems |
3
|
AUTO 2166 |
Starting and Charging Systems |
2
|
AUTO 2183 |
Fuel and Ignition Management Systems |
6
|
Fall Semester
|
17
|
AUTO 2006 |
Supervised Internship II |
2
|
AUTO 2119 |
Engine Repair and Service |
6
|
AUTO 2129 |
Automatic Transmission Condition |
6
|
Technical Elective Select one (1) of the following Auto elective or MnTC course
|
|
AUTO 2450
|
Fundamental Welding for Automotive
|
3
|
AUTO 2460
|
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Service and Safety |
4
|
MnTC General Education
|
|
3
|
Spring Semester
|
14
|
AUTO 2007 |
Supervised Internship III |
2
|
AUTO 2135 |
Manual Drive Train System and Service |
4
|
AUTO 2175 |
Automotive Climate Control |
4
|
AUTO 2187 |
Automotive Computer Systems and Drive-Ability |
4
|
Graduation Requirements
All Anoka Technical College students seeking an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), diploma, or certificate must meet the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
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Accreditation
The Anoka Technical College Automotive program is nationally accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation through 2019.
ASE Education Foundation
101 Blue Seal Drive, S.E. Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20175
www.aseeducation.org
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Transfer Opportunities
To see how this may transfer into other Anoka Technical College programs or into another college, please visit:
Industry Information
More than than 230,000,000 light-duty cars and trucks on the road in the United States alone, there will always be jobs for qualified technicians.
One of the automotive technician’s most in-demand and valuable skills is the ability to make a quick and accurate problem diagnosis. This requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of light-duty vehicles and their systems. Good reasoning abilities and critical thinking along with the ability to locate and understand vehicle service information is also important. Daily, the technician relies on computerized service information to locate system theory of operation, diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures, specifications, repair procedures and technical service bulletins as they service customer vehicles. It may be necessary to provide accurate repair estimates and communicate with customers and co-workers.
Many technicians perform a variety of repairs while others seek additional training in order to specialize. Areas of specialization include the diagnosis and repair of engines or transmissions, electrical systems, drivability or performance (fuel and ignition), air conditioning, suspension systems and wheel alignment. Due to the ever increasing use of electronics and new technology in the vehicles of the future, your ability to adapt and continue learning will be very important.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree can accelerate your career opportunities and lead to many other related paths within the automotive service/sales area including merchandising, parts and vehicle sales. Experienced technicians who are able to communicate well with customers may become service advisors. Those with leadership abilities may advance to supervisory or management positions and manufacturer representatives. Some may elect to open their own repair shops or seek additional education in engineering or business management.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Beginners who learn on the job usually start as trainees or mechanics’ helpers. Within a few months, they perform many routine service tasks and make simple repairs. It usually takes two to five years of on-the-job training to become a journey-level mechanic. This means that a mechanic is skilled enough to perform difficult repairs. However, graduates of college training programs are often able to advance to the journey level after only a few months on the job.
With an additional year of training, journey-level mechanics can specialize in a difficult area, such as transmission repair. However, they can specialize in areas that do not require all-around knowledge of auto repair in less time. Experienced mechanics with leadership ability sometimes advance to shop supervisor or service manager. Those who work well with customers may become service estimators. Some open their own repair shops.
Faculty