Automotive & Light Duty Diesel Technology

Automotive & Light Duty Diesel Technology General Info

If you want to use your problem solving and technical skills and work with gasoline and light duty diesel vehicles in the automotive industry, this is the right program for you.

As an Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology student you will study the vehicle from bumper to bumper and roof to road. This program will prepare you to meet the needs of today’s automotive industry including light duty diesel systems. The program utilizes current industry trends including student laptops with access to service information databases and shop management software widely used in the field. Students also have access to factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools. In this program your time will be spent learning how to diagnose and repair systems in a hands on environment to give you working knowledge of complex automotive and light duty diesel systems. A real world atmosphere will prepare you to enter the workforce with the problem solving skills you will need to be successful. This program will prepare you for employment in automotive dealerships, independent shops, performance shops, fleet facilities, or owning your own business.

NCC is a Snap-on Tool Educational Partner —Every student has access to a new tool box full of new, high quality Snap-on tools from day one of their first semester. This will let the student start their education without the large expense of buying the tools themselves right before school starts. Also, all of the technology in the labs will be updated twice a year to the most current available.

 

All of NCC’s instructors are trained in the NC3 curriculum. National certifications will be available in: Transportation, Automotive Diagnostics, Precision Measuring Instruments, Torque Fundamentals, Wheel Service & Alignment, Battery Starting and Charging, Multimeter, Diesel Diagnostics, Off-Road Diesel Technologies and Tool Safety.

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Future Ready Iowa Scholarships

FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP

THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.

 

Want to learn more about our Automotive & Light Duty Diesel Technology program?

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Award

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • Diploma

Length

  • Four Semesters & Two Summer Term
  • Fall semester entry for full-time students

Student Profile

  • Self-starter
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Good reading comprehension
  • Basic science & math skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Computer skills also helpful

Program Location

  • This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.

Contact Admissions

Student Story Aléxandro Vazquez

“I’ve been fascinated with cars since I was 5 or 6 years old. I loved the Fast and Furious movies. My mom told me to choose a career that would always be around. I heard NCC has a really good Automotive program and the hands-on experience really sold me.”

Automotive student
Sheldon, IA

Aléxandro Vazquez

Requirements for this program

Course #TitleCredits
FIRST YEAR
FALL SEMESTER17
AUT106-CIntroduction to Automotive Technology2
AUT165-EAutomotive Engine Repair5
AUT605-EBasic Automotive Electrical Systems7
ENG105-AComposition I3
OR
SPC112-APublic Speaking3
OR
SPC122-AInterpersonal Communication3
SPRING SEMESTER18
AUT251-EAutomotive Drive Trains I6
AUT805-EAutomotive Engine Performance I6
AUT867-EIntroduction to Light Duty Diesel3
MAT110-AMath for Liberal Arts3
OR
MAT102-AIntermediate Algebra4
OR
MAT121-ACollege Algebra4
AUTO SERVICE DIPLOMA AWARDED
Total Credits35
SUMMER TERM6
AUT503-EAutomotive Brake Systems3
AUT703-EAutomotive Heating and Air Conditioning3
SECOND YEAR
FALL SEMESTER22
AUT404-EAutomotive Suspension and Steering4
AUT813-EAutomotive Engine Performance II6
AUT846-EAutomotive Electronics6
BUS162-CWorkplace Professionalism3
PHI105-AIntroduction to Ethics3
OR
PSY251-ASocial Psychology3
SPRING SEMESTER16
AUT252-EAutomotive Drive Trains II6
AUT868-EDiesel Systems Diagnosis & Repair7
SOC110-AIntroduction to Sociology3
OR
SOC120-AMarriage and Family3
SUMMER TERM6
AUT912-ECooperative/Internship6
OR
WBL300-EInternship3
AND
WBL308-CInternship: Ind Tech3
Total Credits85
*A cumulative grade point
average of 2.0 is required
to participate in the
internship course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jobs in the automotive industry are in high demand. Students can get work as
technicians, parts specialists, service writers, service managers, shop owners, and mobile technicians.

Starting technician salaries begin around $12–18 per hour. When technicians refine their skill they can work on a commission base and earn more.

Classes focus about 75% of the time in a hands-on project-based learning environment and the other 25% in the classroom with lecture. In the lab students will learn on real world problems and with leading-edge equipment used by the industry. Students will cover all eight (8) ASE areas and have a summer internship within the two-year program.

This is a one of a kind program focusing on automotive platforms that include gasoline and light duty diesel systems. The program is NATEF certified and all instructors are ASE master certified and have real world experience.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.

Your Instructors

Mark Steinle

Chuck Ball

Jim Gaard