From a Diesel Technician to running your own shop - jumpstart your career in just four semesters from our top-tier nationally accredited program.
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91%
Work Local
91% of our recent graduates work in Wisconsin.
ASE
Automotive Service Excellence
Master Certified Instructors
92%
Job Placement
92% job placement within six months of graduation.
Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician
Program Number: 314128
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
48 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 Program Cost
$9,422.77
Financial Aid
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  • Program Overview

    Obtain the entry-level skills you need to get started in a high demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for employment as a diesel truck technician working in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop. As a student in this four-semester technical diploma, you will learn to diagnose, service, and repair the following:

    • Diesel engines and fuel systems
    • After treatment and emission systems
    • Electrical and electronic systems
    • Steering and suspension systems
    • Air and hydraulic brake systems
    • Drivetrain systems
    • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems
    • Hydraulic systems

    You will also:

    • Learn workplace safety standards.
    • Develop relationships with industry partners.
    • Perform preventive maintenance inspections on major diesel systems.
    • Utilize current Original Equipment Manufacturer diagnostic software and service information.
    • Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry.
    • Work on medium and heavy-duty trucks and trailers in a simulated shop environment.

    The program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the highest level of accreditation, Master Truck Service Technology. Program faculty and staff are ASE Certified as Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technicians, Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialists, and Truck Equipment Technicians.

    Program Details​

    Students in the Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program attend full-time.

    Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Diesel Truck Technician Careers

    Earning your two-year technical diploma in the Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:

    • Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician
    • Fleet Maintenance Technician
    • Fuel Injection Technician
    • Alignment Specialist
    • Engine Rebuild Specialist

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

    • Service Writer or Manager
    • Shop Foreman
    • Team Leader
    • DOT Inspector
    • Factory Service Representative
    • Fleet Maintenance Manager

    Follow Us on Social Media

    Connect with us on social media to learn more about Diesel programs at Madison College

  • 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 Course
    A grade of C or better in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as pre-requisite to courses in the program.
    10-412-100
    2 credits
    First Semester
    10-412-155
    4 credits
    10-412-164
    4 credits
    Second Semester
    Third/Summer Semester
    10-412-139
    1 credit
    Fourth Semester
    10-412-138
    2 credits
    10-412-175
    2 credits
    10-412-177
    3 credits
    10-412-188
    3 credits
    Fifth Semester
    10-412-112
    3 credits
    10-412-184
    2 credits
    10-412-185
    4 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 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025

    Spring 2026

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 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

    • 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 Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    MATC Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program graduates are prepared to:  

    • Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
    • Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
    • Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and the heavy equipment industry.
    • Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
    • Project a professional image by acts of timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      2024
      Number of Program Graduates9
      Number of Surveys Sent9
      Number of Surveys Returned4
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment4
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%
      Available for Employment

      2024
      Graduates Employed4
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation4
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation0
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%
      Employed - No Response0
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%
      Seeking Employment0
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      2024
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.5
      Number of Satisfaction Responses4
      Very Satisfied (4)3
      Percent Very Satisfied75.0%
      Satisfied (3)0
      Percent Satisfied0.0%
      Unsatisfied (2)1
      Percent Unsatisfied25.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      2024
      Number of Primary Reason Responses4
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      2024
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses4
      Before Enrollment2
      Percent Before Enrollment50.0%
      While Attending the College1
      Percent While Attending the College25.0%
      After Training at the College1
      Percent After Training at the College25.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      2024
      Number of Employment Location Responses4
      In College District4
      Percent In College District100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District0
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin0
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown0
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend2024
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count4
      Average Monthly Wage$5,205
      Average Hourly Wage$30.26
      Average Work Hours per Week45.5
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      JH Findorff & Son IncShop Mechanic
      Napleton ChevroletService TechnicianColumbus
      Pellitteri's Waste SystemsDiesel Mechanic
      Zimbrick IncAutomotive Technician

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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

Hours

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