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Program Overview
Get started on a rewarding career diagnosing, servicing and repairing heavy off-highway diesel equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and loaders.
In-demand, High-paying Jobs
The demand for qualified heavy equipment technicians is high in the Madison College district. In 2023, 544 jobs were posted in the Madison College District, which is projected to grow by 8.3% by 2030.
Diesel Heavy Equipment Technician Careers
A career as a diesel heavy equipment technician is for someone who enjoys physical work outdoors and performing a diverse range of tasks. While some heavy equipment technicians work inside shops, most aspire to do field service work, fixing customers’ machines on-site (construction sites, manufacturing plants, mines, etc.).
Successful field service technicians can independently diagnose or troubleshoot problems and provide solutions. They must also be able to work under pressure and effectively communicate with customers to help them make decisions about their downed machines.
Diesel Heavy Equipment Coursework
The Diesel Heavy Equipment program is designed with input from our industry advisory board to ensure you get the skills our local heavy off-highway diesel industry needs most.
Graduates of the program will be required to diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment used in construction, logging and mining, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders and conveyors.
As a student in this four-semester program, you will learn to diagnose, service and repair:
- Diesel engines and fuel systems
- Hydraulic and hydrostatic systems fundamentals
- After treatment and emission systems
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Heating and A/C systems
- Power train systems
- Customer repair orders
You will also:
- Learn workplace safety standards
- Develop relationships with industry partners
- Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems
- Use current original equipment manufacturer diagnostic software and service information
- Learn effective customer service skills and communication skills
- Develop good time management and professionalism habits
- Learn to interpret schematic drawings
- Work on diesel equipment in a shop environment
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Classroom information sharing and demonstrations are immediately followed by practical hands-on activities in a simulated shop environment. You’ll be moving more than sitting.
You’ll learn from industry professionals who guide you through a relevant curriculum that exceeds the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) standards.
Program Details
Madison College designed the program for individuals entering the field and those already working in it. You can attend full- or part-time.
Classes and lab work are held at our Madison Truax campus.
This program is accredited by The AED Foundation.
Career Outcomes
Program graduates are qualified for entry-level technician positions, specifically those working on off-highway heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, graders and conveyors.
Experience and additional training will allow you to take your diesel career in many directions, finding employment as:
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Shop Foreman
- Parts Supervisor
- Service Advisor
- Undercarriage Wear Specialist
- Power Generation Field Service Technician
- Sales Representative
- Business owner
- Educational trainer
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 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.
Pre-Program CourseA grade of C or better in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as pre-requisite to courses in the program.First SemesterSecond SemesterThird/Summer SemesterFourth SemesterFifth Semester -
Admission
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Join the Waiting List
This program is in transition to assess capacity and enrollment availability for the 2026-2027 academic year. Beginning Fall 2026, all qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
- Program Capacity: 40 spots each Fall and Spring semester. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: To be determined
- Notification Timeline: Students on the waiting list will be notified in March 2026 about available spots. Those who remain on the list will also receive an update on their estimated wait times.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available.
Learn more about waiting lists in the Waiting List section below.
Application Dates
Spring 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
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
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
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.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Diesel Heavy Equipment Technician career.
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Waiting List
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
