Automotive Technician

Two Year Technical Diploma

Program number: 324042

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

The Automotive Technician is a two-year diploma in automotive mechanical systems.

As an Automotive 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.

It is highly recommended to work in the industry while in this program for additional hands-on experience.

The Automotive Technician program allows you to earn a two-year technical diploma. It is possible for a graduate of the Automotive Technician program to attain an associate degree in Automotive Technology by completing the General Education classes for the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program. 

The Automotive Technician program is accredited through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Program Details

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

Automotive Technician program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

This program is not offered online.

Admission

Admission

To Apply

View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials and requirements.

• Review the admission checklist to learn how to apply to a program or certificate at Madison College.
• Attend a New Student Information Session to get started in the admission process.
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience, including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

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

Questions?

Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The courses listed below outline the requirements for completion for students officially admitted in the 2016-2017 academic year. Requirements for completion may vary depending on the semester in which a student is admitted or may be completed by other equivalent courses. Current/continuing students should consult their Academic Requirements report available through their student account for specific requirements and equivalent courses.

First Semester

10-602-125

Electrical and Electronics Systems 1

2 credits

10-602-127

Electrical and Electronics Systems 2

3 credits

32-404-335

Powertrain Management Systems - Automotive Technician Program

5 credits

32-404-340

Service Repair Procedures - Automotive Technician Program

5 credits

10-442-126

Metal Repair Techniques

2 credits

10-890-101

College Success and Study Skills 1cr

1 credits

Second Semester

32-404-318

Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning

2 credits

32-404-339

Braking Systems

5 credits

32-404-341

Suspension & Steering Systems

5 credits

31-804-379

Vocational Math 1

1 credits

Third Semester

32-404-355

Automatic Transmissions

5 credits

32-404-356

Manual Drivetrain & Axles

5 credits

10-602-115

Introduction to Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

2 credits

10-145-189

Customer Relations

2 credits

31-806-363

Science 1

2 credits

Fourth Semester

32-404-316

Accessories - Automotive Technician Program

2 credits

32-404-336

Engine Rebuilding - Automotive Technician Program

5 credits

32-404-357

Driveability Diagnosis

5 credits

Outcomes

Outcomes

MATC Automotive 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.

 

Careers

Earning your Associate Degree in the Automotive 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

​Find local job openings on TechConnect.