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Program Overview
Diesel truck technicians are vital in keeping our economy moving by inspecting, maintaining and repairing large on-highway diesel vehicles, from garbage trucks to delivery trucks, fire engines, buses, semis and more.
Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.
Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Careers
The trucking industry relies on trained technicians to maintain modern equipment, and there is a shortage of qualified technicians in all areas of the diesel industry.
Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.
The field offers opportunities for continuous learning and advancement into supervisory positions or specializations, along with the satisfaction of solving complex problems.
Students are trained to work on everything from engines and fuel systems to transmissions, suspension, electronic systems, hydraulics and more. Associate Degree Program Goals
The associate degree builds on the core classes and training requirements to earn the technical diploma. You’ll take communication, math and human relations courses to develop the essential skills to provide exceptional customer service, ensure accurate billing, and lead teams in the shop, among other responsibilities.
In addition, students who choose the associate degree path will complete a 432-hour PAID internship with one of our industry partners, gaining more hands-on, real-world experience and receiving a jumpstart on an excellent career.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
You’ll receive real-world training essential for becoming a skilled medium and heavy truck technician. The training combines classroom work to acquire knowledge, immediately followed by practical hands-on activities 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.
The diesel engine repair class provides hands-on experience in maintaining, servicing and repairing diesel engines and engine support systems. Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Coursework
As a student in the program, you will diagnose, service and repair:
- Engines and fuel systems
- After treatment and emissions systems
- Transmissions, drivelines and brakes
- Steering and suspension systems
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems
In addition, you will:
- Learn workplace safety standards
- Develop relationships with industry partners
- Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems
- Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry
- Work on diesel trucks in simulated shop environments
Flexible Course Offerings
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, though some classes are available online.
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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 higher in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as a pre-requisite to courses in the program.First SemesterSecond SemesterThird Semester (Summer)Fourth SemesterFifth Semester -
Admission
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
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 each Spring
- 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
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Spring 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026
Fall 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- 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 Medium and Heavy Truck Technology 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.
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Career Outcomes
Diesel Truck Program Outcomes
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 through timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.
Diesel Truck Technician Careers
Earning your associate degree in the Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Diesel Equipment Technician
- Electronic Systems Diagnostic Specialist
- Engineering Assistant
- Field Service Representative
- Assistant Service Manager
- Fleet Maintenance Manager
- Shop Foreman
- Team Leader
With additional education or experience, graduates may find employment as a:
- Service Writer or Manager
- DOT Inspector
- Factory Service Representative
- Equipment Sales Specialist
- Research and Development Technician
