Automotive Technology

In our Automotive Technology program, you’ll learn to diagnose, repair, and maintain various vehicle systems, including engines, brakes, transmissions, and electrical systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and equipment, mastering techniques for troubleshooting and performing maintenance. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to work as an automotive technician.

Our Automotive Technology program includes:

Automotive Technology (AAS)
Automotive Technology (Master Certification) (CC)
Automotive Technology Diesel Service Specialist (CC)

Automotive Technology is the field that focuses on the maintenance, repair, and diagnostics of vehicles. Professionals in this area work on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, and other vital components of vehicles. Automotive technicians use specialized tools and technology to ensure vehicles operate safely and efficiently, keeping up with advancements in vehicle systems and technology. The work environment may range from dealerships to repair shops, and it offers diverse opportunities to specialize in areas like performance tuning, hybrid vehicles, and diagnostics.

Choosing a career in Automotive Technology offers great job stability and the opportunity to work in a field that is always evolving with new automotive technologies. The demand for skilled technicians is high, as people continue to rely on vehicles for daily transportation. It’s an excellent option for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, working with their hands, and having a dynamic work environment.

High demand for skilled automotive technicians
Opportunities to work in various specializations
Good earning potential and job stability
Ability to stay current with emerging automotive technologies

A career in Automotive Technology offers hands-on work, career advancement, and stability while allowing you to engage with the evolving automotive industry.

What’s distinctive about our Automotive Technology program?

Our Automotive Technology curriculum and labs are world-class.
Faculty members have real-world experience in the industry.
Hands-on learning experiences begin on Day One.
The lab was designed and built to meet current automotive industry standards.
It’s certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Automotive Technology Program Details

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Automotive Technology, Associate in Applied Science	In District	Out of District
Tuition and Fees	21,096	28,596
Textbooks	604	604
Miscellaneous Expenses	800	800
Total	22,500	30,000

Automotive Technology Master Certification, Certificate of Completion	In District	Out of District
Tuition and Fees	17,151	23,051
Textbooks	449	449
Miscellaneous Expenses	800	800
Total	18,400	24,300

Automotive Technology Diesel Service Specialist, Certificate of Completion	In District	Out of District
Tuition and Fees	11,619	15,519
Textbooks	435	435
Miscellaneous Expenses	246	246
Total	12,300	16,200

Please Note
*All costs listed are estimated and are subject to change at any time. Students will receive final costs at the time of course registration each semester.

Automotive Technology, AAS

At the end of the program students will be able to:

Diagnose all major vehicle systems.
Repair all major vehicle systems.
Ability to utilize technical information required for vehicle repairs.
Ability to successfully pass a minimum of four Automotive Service Excellence certification tests.
Work safely and responsibly within all shop standards and environmental guidelines.
Function collaboratively as a member of a team to achieve specific and measurable results.
Document repairs of vehicles accurately and describe concern, course, and correction.

Automotive Technology Master Certification, CC

At the end of the program students will be able to:

Successfully complete ASE testing for Master Technician Certification;
Diagnose and repair engines and related systems;
Diagnose and repair transmissions and related systems;
Diagnose and repair brakes and related systems;
Diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems and their related systems;
Diagnose and repair HVAC systems and related systems; and
Diagnose and repair electrical and electronics and related systems.

Automotive Technology Diesel Service Specialist, CC

At the end of the program students will be able to:

Read wiring diagrams and schematics, measure voltage, amperage and resistance with common industry equipment, evaluate and troubleshoot wiring, charging and starting problems.
Evaluate, troubleshoot and repair diesel engines, heavy-duty brakes, suspension and steering, power train assemblies, air conditioning and basic hydraulics.
Evaluate and troubleshoot computerized systems on the chassis, engine, brakes and suspension, evaluate fault codes and make repairs as needed.
Work in a cohesive group on a collective project from beginning to end, producing high quality work while adhering to safety and lab procedures.

Persons employed who are paid for work must be licensed by the State of Michigan. The state offers a number of licenses within the automobile technician scope of work. The state will accept Automotive Society of Excellence (ASE) certifications in lieu of the state testing.

The Automotive program is certified by the Automotive Society of Excellence (ASE) and National Automotive Testing Educational Foundation (NATEF). This program is also a Mopar® Career Automotive Program (CAP) providing students the opportunity to earn 34 Fiat/Chrysler certifications while in the program. Completion of ASE certifications are incorporated into the Automotive Technology curriculum.

Certification exam pass rate percentage: 100%

Automotive Technology Management, Automotive Diesel Specialist and Automotive Technology Master Certification are part of the Automotive Technology program and all licensing requirements are the same.

Careers related to Automotive Technology

Explore Careers related to:

Automotive Technology Master Certification
Automotive Technology Diesel Service Specialist

About Automotive Technology at Kirtland

Luke Blanchett

Automotive Technology Program Graduate

I have definitely learned a lot during my time at Kirtland, more than what I would have learned just going into working in the auto field.

I work at a dealership as I am working on my degree and all of my classes have helped me a lot. It has given me a leg up over the people I work with who are where I am at in the field.

If you are serious about getting into the auto mechanic field then you should go through the Automotive Technology program at Kirtland. The classes you take will give you the foundation you need and put you a step or two ahead.

Bob Oakes

Automotive Technology Program Director/Instructor

I’m a graduate of Kirtland’s automotive program, I’ve worked in industry for over 20 years and have been working at Kirtland since 2006.

All of our instructors are graduates of the program and work in the industry. It is very fulfilling to be able to give back to the community and the automotive program to help train future auto industry professionals.

We have a beautiful, high-end lab that has been completely renovated recently – and I mean completely. When we have industry pros from Chrysler and Ford using our labs for employee training, they are blown away by the equipment and technology we’re using in our labs.

Everyone needs a car, but not everyone has the skills to keep them running. At Kirtland, we make sure our students are set up for success.