Program Costs*
Automotive Technician
All students applying for this program are REQUIRED to RSVP for and attend a Tuesday Info Session. Sessions are now available both virtually and in-person.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician - A.A.S. Degree | 72 cr. | On Campus |
| Automotive Electronics - Certificate | 18 cr. | On Campus |
| Automotive Engine Performance - Certificate | 18 cr. | On Campus |
| Automotive Powertrain - Certificate | 18 cr. | On Campus |
| Automotive Chassis - Certificate | 18 cr. | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Automotive Technician Datasheet | ||
As skilled professionals, automotive technicians accurately diagnose mechanical problems related to engine, transmission, fuel injection, suspension, HVAC and electrical systems. Students learn to maintain and repair engine, chassis, drive train, front-wheel drive, fuel injection, hybrid/electric drive and electrical and emission systems. Instruction involves classroom theory, demonstrations, computer applications and hands-on car repair.
The curriculum follows the standards defined by the Automotive Service Excellence 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.
The Automotive Technician program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
Mercedes-Benz Campus
Mercedes-Benz Campus
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Subaru-U Partner School
Subaru-U Partner School
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Mopar Cap Local Partner School
Mopar Cap Local Partner School
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Volkswagen Academy Public Access
Volkswagen Academy Public Access
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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 Chassis Certificate • 18 credits |
Automotive Electronics Certificate • 18 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. |
| Fees | $22/cr. | $22/cr. | $22/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Textbooks | $455 | $200 | $200 |
| Personal Property Fee | $120 | $120 | $120 |
| Grand Total | $15,981.56 (+ tools) | $4,171.64 (+ tools) | $4,171.64 (+ tools) |
| Automotive Engine Performance Certificate • 18 credits |
Automotive Powertrain Certificate • 18 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. |
| Fees | $22/cr. | $22/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | TBD | TBD |
| Textbooks | $200 | $200 |
| Personal Property Fee | $120 | $120 |
| Grand Total | $4,171.64 (+ tools) | $4,171.64 (+ tools) |
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 on Handshake. 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 in very high demand. There will be a need for about 14,318 new Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
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.
