Automotive Technology
Program Overview
The Automotive Technology program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service and maintain all types of automobiles. The program includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains and heating and air condition systems. The program prepares students for employment in dealership and specialized and independent automotive service centers.
Waiting List
PTC's Automotive Technology program is so popular that PTC has implemented a Waiting List. PTC encourages applicants to "go for" the entire program including the certficate, diploma and degree; thus, a student will need to complete several general education courses along the way. While a student passes time on the Waiting List, he or she may be completing these general education courses that will count toward the degree. Also, applicants should be aware that, oftentimes, Foundations courses are required before a student may start the program. This is determined after a student applies and takes the assessment test.
Suggested Plan
-- Apply to the college and automotive technology program; get on the program Waiting List immediately.
-- Spend your first semesters completing any Foundations courses (depending upon your assessment test outcome).
-- After successful completion of Foundations courses, begin taking general education courses required for the A.A.S. degree.
-- Once a spot opens in the program, and at least your Foundations courses have been successfully completed, you will enter the automotive technology program.
Program Plan
Certificate (30 credits)
ATMP 1207 Basic Electricity (3)
ATMP 1209 Vehicle Service (3)
ATMP 1219 Brakes (3)
ATMP 1223 Engine Electrical and Accessories (6)
ATMP 1230 Engines (6)
ATMP 1265 Chassis (6)
MATH 1251 Technical Math (3)
Diploma (32 additional credits)
ATMP 1222 Air Conditioning & Heating Systems (3)
ATMP 1243 Drivetrain (3)
ATMP 1248 Automatic Transmission (6)
ATMP 1255 Fuel Systems (6)
ATMP 1261 Alternative Fuels (1)
ATMP 1275 Wiring & Electrical Diagnosis (3)
ATMP 1281 General Shop (4)
ATMP 1289 Scan Tools (3) or ATMP 1212 Introduction to Auto (3)
COCP 1201 MS Office Basics (2)
PTCG 1225 Job Seeking (1)
A.A.S Degree (72 credits, total)
ATMP 1207 Basic Electricity (3)
ATMP 1209 Vehicle Service (3)
ATMP 1219 Brakes (3)
ATMP 1223 Engine Electrical and Accessories (6)
ATMP 1230 Engines (6)
ATMP 1265 Chassis (6)
ATMP 1222 Air Conditioning & Heating Systems (3)
ATMP 1243 Drivetrain (3)
ATMP 1248 Automatic Transmission (6)
ATMP 1255 Fuel Systems (6)
ATMP 1261 Alternative Fuels (1)
ATMP 1275 Wiring & Electrical Diagnosis (3)
ATMP 1281 General Shop (4)
PTCG 1225 Job Seeking (1)
Required General Education Credits (18)
-- MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 1, Communications: Minimum of one course
-- MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 4, Math/Logical Reasoning: Minimum of one course
-- MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 6, Humanities and Fine Arts: Minimum of one course
Additional credits to meet the 18 credit requirement may be taken from any goal areas.
Course Outlines
For more specific information about this program's required courses, visit the Course Outlines page.
Cost of Program
To determine the cost of this program, visit the Tuition and Fees page.
Tool List
Students within the automotive technology program must acquire a comprehensive set of tools -- a requirement for the program. Since these tools are considered part of a student's required materials, financial aid covers the cost. Click here for the list of required tools.
Career and Employment Information
The number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations over the next decade. Employment growth will create many new jobs, but total job openings will be significantly larger because many skilled technicians are expected to retire and will need to be replaced. Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $17.24 in May 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.96 and $21.56 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.17, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.22 per hour.
