Automotive Technology (A.A.S.)

With concern for automotive efficiency, the cost of fuel, vehicle repairs and service growing yearly, the role of the automotive technician increases in importance.

The student is trained to perform quality maintenance, diagnosis and repair of complex modern vehicles. Classrooms and shop areas are equipped with the latest tools and equipment for automotive diagnosis and repair.

Students will train in eight areas of automotive service: engine repair, engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxles, suspension and steering systems, brakes and heating and air conditioning. Maintenance and repair experience will duplicate those skills needed upon employment. Upon completion of 63 credit hours, a graduate will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science with a major in Automotive Technology.

NOTE: New students must obtain all tools on the list of required tools. See an automotive instructor to obtain the tool list. Educational discounts are available from participating tool vendors.

Required Courses

Updated 4/3/2017

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Automotive Technology Program is to train students to perform quality maintenance, diagnosis and repair of complex modern vehicles.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Diagnose and repair vehicle engine and engine operating systems.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Engine Repair metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
2. Diagnose and repair automatic and manual drive trains and operating systems.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Automatic Transmission/transaxle and manual drive train and axle’s metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
3. Diagnose and repair vehicle HVAC and operating systems.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Heating and Air Conditioning metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
4. Diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems. Perform a 4 wheel alignment on a vehicle.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Suspension and Steering metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
5. Diagnose and repair vehicle brake systems.  Perform a 4 wheel brake service.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Brakes metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
6. Diagnose and repair engine performance and drivability concerns.  Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Engine Performance metrics.  Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
7. Diagnose and repair vehicle electrical and electronic systems. Assess using ASE Education Foundation Task list for Electrical/Electronic metrics. Student must achieve at least 3 out of 4 to show competency completion.
8. Follow automotive shop safety practices applicable to industry standards.  Assess using Safety Quizzes and Exams.  Student must achieve 100% on Safety Exam.

Advisement Information

Program notes

The best time to start the Automotive Technology program is fall.  New students interested in starting in the summer or spring term should talk with Gerald Sartin or Bill King about experience level before enrolling in AUT courses. Completing developmental coursework, if needed, or general education courses is a good option before entering the program fully in the fall.  Reading comprehension skills are very important for success in this program.

The math required for this program is MAT 170.  Students will follow this progression, with their starting point being determined by their placement test scores:  MAT 032/012 > MAT 170.  MAT 171 is also required.

Notes about individual classes

The English required for this program is ENG 165.  Students will follow this progression, with their starting point being determined by their placement test scores:  ENG 032/012 and/or RDG 032/012 (or RWR 032/012) > ENG 100 and/or RDG 100 (or RWR 100) > ENG 165. AUT courses are offered during days and evenings.

Tools for the hands-on portion in the lab are mandatory for competency completion and will cost a minimum of $1200-$1800 with some students choosing to spend as much as $4000-$5000. Tools that the students purchase are an investment in their future and necessary to be employable. Click here for the list of required tools. Students are required to purchase safety glasses and wear coveralls/shop approved uniform for lab activities. Advise students to call or e-mail Gerald Sartin or Bill King if they have specific questions.

Graduation Plans

2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 Semester-by-Semester Graduation Plans

      Automotive Technology (AUT3) - Fall Start
      Automotive Technology (AUT3) - Spring Start

Contacts

• You can find the name of your assigned academic advisor by reviewing Degree Works or your Class Schedule.  To learn more about advising visit the Advising webpage.

• Enrollment advisor: Please send the AUT academic advisor electronic notification of student's enrollment if student is not able to meet with his or her academic advisor for initial advisement.
   
• You may contact Gerald Sartin or Bill King, AUT instructors, for more information on this program. Please e-mail advising@ptc.edu to submit advising information updates and corrections.

Advisement Information updated/reviewed 4/2020