Program Costs*
Automotive Technician
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| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery ( COVID delivery changes) |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician - A.A.S. Degree | 72 cr. | Rosemount |
| Automotive Technician - Diploma | 66 cr. | Rosemount |
| Automotive Electronics & HVAC - Diploma | 35 cr. | Rosemount |
| Automotive Engine Performance - Diploma | 35 cr. | Rosemount |
| Automotive Powertrain - Diploma | 35 cr. | Rosemount |
| Automotive Vehicle Maintenance - Certificate | 18 cr. | Rosemount |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Automotive Technician Datasheet | ||
As skilled professionals, automotive technicians accurately diagnose mechanical problems related to engine, transmission, fuel injection, suspension and electrical systems. Students learn to maintain and repair engine, chassis, drive train, front-wheel drive, fuel injection, and electrical and emission systems. Instruction involves classroom theory, demonstrations, computer applications and hands-on car repair.
The Vehicle Maintenance programs is designed to introduce students to the automotive industry and provide opportunities to obtain the entry level fundamental knowledge, skills, training and credentials needed for employment and advancement in transportation career pathways. The curriculum follows the standards defined by the ASE Education Foundation which ensures all training meets the highest standards. Students who graduate from this program will be able to work for independent repair facilities and dealerships in maintenance and light repair.
Dakota County Technical College provides all students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program access to the Mercedes-Benz Campus program. Through this program, students will have access to some of the same training taken by Mercedes-Benz Technicians. Students will have the opportunity to start the process of becoming a Mercedes-Benz Registered Technician. While in the program, students will receive basic to intermediate technical training from campus instructors. Students who are selected for employment by area Mercedes-Benz dealers will gain industry experience through an internship.
Dakota County Technical College provides all students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program access to the Subaru Knowledge, Information & Learning program. By infusing Subaru's Web-Based Training (WBT) into the existing curriculum, students have the ability to take most of the entry-level training that is required of all Subaru technicians. Students at participating Subaru-U partner schools can gain valuable knowledge of Subaru vehicle systems that can better prepare them for possible employment in any one of approximately 600 Subaru retailers nationwide.
Dakota County Technical College provides all students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program access to the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) Local program. Mopar CAP LOCAL schools have a set curriculum designed and developed by FCA. The curriculum includes a variety of self-study web-based courses and the Mopar CAP LOCAL curriculum covers levels 0 and 1. Work study is a primary component of Mopar CAP LOCAL. You will alternate between attending classes and working at a nearby CJDR dealership. This gives you a chance to apply what you have learned in class in a real-world setting with experienced Technicians. Upon completion of the Mopar CAP LOCAL program, you will have the training, the on-the-job experience and the hands-on know-how that dealerships look for when hiring new Technicians
Dakota County Technical College provides all students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program access to the Volkswagen Academy Certification Resource Center for non-dealer learners. Students will have access to Volkswagen web-based training. These courses are elective and intended for learners who desire to increase their knowledge and skills in additional areas of interest. Training that is completed on this site can be transferred to a hiring Volkswagen dealer.
The Automotive Technician Program is accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
| Automotive Technician A.A.S. Degree • 72 credits |
Automotive Technician Diploma • 66 credits |
Electronics & HVAC Certificate • 35 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $174/cr. | $174/cr. | $174/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | $3,500 | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| Textbooks | $275 | $250 | $125 |
| Personal Property Fee | $100 | $100 | $0 |
| Grand Total | $17,947.40 | $16,749.70 | $10,465.75 |
| Engine Performance Certificate • 35 credits |
Powertrain Certificate • 35 credits |
Automotive Vehicle Maintenance Certificate • 18 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $174/cr. | $174/cr. | $174/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | $3,500 | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| Textbooks | $125 | $125 | $125 |
| Personal Property Fee | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Grand Total | $10,465.75 | $10,465.75 | $7,143.10 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings at College Central Network Services. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Automotive technicians land jobs at dealerships, independent shops and specialty shops. They generally work indoors with good ventilation and lighting as well as strong safety precautions.
According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota's career, education and job resource, employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 12.4 percent in Minnesota by the year 2020, which is above the statewide average. CAREERwise: "There will be a need for about 3,840 new Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics to meet market demand between 2010-2020. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth."
Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and/or universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. DCTC has articulation agreements in place with a number of public and private colleges and universities.
MN Transfer.org is your official guide to a seamless transfer experience in Minnesota Higher Education. Use this resource to find agreements that DCTC has entered with other Minnesota State institutions.
Do you want to see how your courses transfer to programs at participating colleges and universities? Add the coursework you've taken and use Transferology to find out how it might transfer to any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account and create a plan now!
Whether you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an international student or transferring from high school or a four-year university, DCTC will help you through the process. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
The Automotive Technician program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student and alumni success as well as the accomplishments of our instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Automotive Technician program, you can advance your professional development by networking with industry leaders and fellow technicians as well as through involvement in student organizations on campus.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization for students at community and technical colleges across the U.S. The organization focuses on students in academic programs that lead to careers in the trade, industrial, technical and health care fields. Nearly 100 SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels relate to leadership skills or programs of study at DCTC.
