Once they put computers in cars, keeping them running became a whole new thing. Do you have the drive?
person working on car part with students watching
Automotive Service Technician
Program Number: 314042
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
52 Credits | Finish diploma in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Tuition

$9,329.14

$7,459.40 Tuition
$1,869.74 Materials/Supplemental Costs
$0.00 Other Costs
  • Program Overview

    The Automotive Service Technician program at Madison College covers a wide range of mechanical systems found in automobiles. We strongly recommend that you work in the auto repair industry while in this program in order to gain additional hands-on experience.

    As an Automotive Service Technician student, you will:

    • Learn electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems technology.
    • Diagnose and repair automotive and light truck equipment.
    • Understand engine breathing, ignition systems, computer control and sensors, fuel and air management, and emission systems.
    • Gain skills on heating and air conditioning systems, including vacuum and electrical controls, and automatic temperature control systems using modern tools and diagnostic equipment.
    • Test equipment and troubleshoot circuits, such as lighting, windshield wipers, power windows, instruments, and sound systems.
    • Diagnose and rebuild electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems in modern automatic transmissions and transaxles.
    • Rebuild clutches, standard transmissions, manual transaxles, drivelines, and differentials.

    Students who complete the Automotive Service Technician program earn a technical diploma. Graduates may also attain an associate degree in Automotive Technology by completing the General Education classes for the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program.

    The Automotive Service Technician program is accredited through the ASE Education Foundation.

    Program Details

    Students in the Automotive Service Technician program can attend full or part-time.

    Automotive Service Technician program classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your technical diploma in the Automotive Service Technician program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:

    • Automotive Service Technician
    • Auto Electronics Specialist
    • Transmission and Drive Train Specialist
    • Alignment Specialist
    • Automotive Machine Specialist
    • Service Manager or Assistant Service Manager
    • Service Writer
    • Parts and Sales Specialists

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Shop Foreman
    • Specialty Technician
    • Fleet Dispatcher
    • Specialty/Repair Shop Owner
    • Service Manager

    You also will be prepared for employment in other industries, including;

    • Forklift Service
    • Small Engine
    • Industrial Equipment Repair
    • Manufacturing
    • Engineering
    • Automotive Tools and Equipment Sales
    • Auto Repair

    Earn Industry Certifications

    EPA 609 Certification
    You will be trained and test to receive the EPA 609 certification for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning systems. This is required to service and repair automobile air conditioning systems.

    ASE Certification
    Completing the Automotive Service Technician program gives you 1 of the 2 years of technical experience required for the ASE Certification.

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2023-2024 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-457-100
    2 credits
    10-602-100
    2 credits
    10-602-101
    3 credits
    10-602-125
    2 credits
    10-602-126
    2 credits
    10-602-166
    5 credits
    Second Semester
    Third Semester
    10-602-154
    5 credits
    10-602-158
    1 credit
    10-602-153
    4 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-602-150
    5 credits
    10-602-152
    5 credits
    10-602-162
    2 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2023

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2023

    Spring 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2024

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion
    Students must submit official transcripts for one of the following:

    • High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0, or
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.

    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Automotive Service Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

     Automotive Service Technician program graduates are prepared for:

    Lifelong Learning

    • Assume responsibility for continuing education in order to maintain skills and enhance professional growth.
    • Exhibit self-management and study skills necessary to succeed in increasingly challenging academic environments.

    Employability

    • Demonstrate work ethics and reliable behavior, including but not limited to assuming responsibility for decisions and actions, utilizing time and stress management skills, and displaying initiative.

    Professionalism

    • Demonstrate pride in profession through motivation and initiative, positive attitude, and flexibility.

    Ethics/Respect/Integrity

    • Demonstrate professional ethics, honesty and respect when dealing with customers, co-workers and supervisors.

    Working Cooperatively

    • Work as a team member by demonstrating good communication and listening skills, cooperating, and providing a supportive environment.

    Communication

    • Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal communications to customers, co-workers and supervisors, using positive interpersonal skills, including but not limited to empathy, active listening and flexibility.

    Technical Knowledge

    • Explain and apply technical concepts and their interrelationships between various vehicular systems.
    • Demonstrate applications of technical knowledge to other technologies and disciplines.

    Technical Skills

    • Diagnose customer complaints accurately and demonstrate mechanical aptitude in the servicing of vehicles.
    • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.
Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Se habla Español.

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm  phone or email only