Career/Program Overview
RCTC’s Automobile Technician major is designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. They will learn to inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair, automobiles and light trucks.
Instruction includes courses in servicing vehicles, diagnosis and repair of brakes, steering and suspension, starting and charging systems, electrical service, engine overhaul, fuel systems, driveline and differentials, clutches, automatic, manual transmissions, and air conditioning. A welding course is also part of our program.
On-board computer diagnostics along with CAN (controller area network) buss systems are taught. Instruction is also given in electronics and other high tech areas such as super charging and turbo charging.
The program’s goal is to prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test.
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
Students seeking the Automobile Technician diploma are required to complete some general education credits as well as the credits of professional or technical courses noted above. The full list of required courses can be found at: www.rctc.edu/program/amt/
Program/Degree Options
RCTC offers a diploma in Automobile Technician. The diploma can be completed in as little as two years if taken full-time.
Program Start Date(s)
Students start coursework in fall semester only. Automotive Technician courses are not offered summer semesters; however, some of the general education requirements may be offered during the summer.
Career Opportunities/Information
Job opportunities exist with repair shops, dealerships, fleet owners, and businesses performing specialized service work. Graduates typically start as entry level mechanics. With further education and/or experience, graduates can go on to specialize in an area such as transmissions, drivability or alignments for example or advance to shop foreman or service manager. Several RCTC graduates have opened their own repair businesses.
Accreditations/Articulations
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Rochester Community and Technical College.
The Automotive Technician program is an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Accredited Training Program.
RCTC’s Automotive Technician instructors are ASE certified and have many years of technician and teaching experience.
For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: www.rctc.edu/academics/articulations/
Additional Information
Program website: www.rctc.edu/program/amt/
Program Plan: www.rctc.edu/academics/programs/
More Information: www.rctc.edu/about/contact-information/
Gainful Employment Programs
The U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information for programs that lead to certificates or diplomas and are financial aid eligible.
The most current RCTC gainful employment information can be found at: www.rctc.edu/academics/programs.