Turn your love of automobiles into a paycheck by enrolling in an auto mechanic program and acquiring the skills to diagnose and repair modern vehicles. The program includes theory and extensive hands-on training to equip students with the knowledge to inspect vehicles and devise a plan for repair. It’s always a great time to become an auto mechanic. There are millions of vehicles on the road – and many of them will need repairs at one point or another. From regular service checks to oil changes and repairs, every day as a mechanic will be a new experience. The best part is that if you love cars, you get to be around them all day long!
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
The Automotive Technology program at UTI prepares students for a career in automotive technology in less than one year. Committed instructors will cover engine service repair, electronic systems, and more. The program follows a blended learning module that includes online instruction and hands-on application in the school’s lab. The online component gives students some flexibility to study without affecting their regular commitments. They will still receive all the benefits of a traditional program such as personalized attention and interactivity with faculty. The program is open to adults with no prior experience in auto mechanics. Courses will cover automotive engine service and repair, professional automotive service writing, automotive powertrains and transmissions, vehicle steering and suspension service and repair, hybrid vehicle system maintenance, automotive climate control systems and repair, and vehicle electronic systems and technology. Students who successfully complete the requirements will be awarded an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree. Graduates will be prepared to test for ASE certification.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology – AOS
Duration: 51 weeks
Clock hours: 1530
Semester credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Applicants who are under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian execute the enrollment agreement
- Must have completed high school or equivalent – a high school diploma, transcript, or DD Form 214 showing verification of high school graduation or GED
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
- Must not have been convicted or pleaded guilty or no contest to a violent crime involving a weapon
- Must be proficient in the English language
Program cost:
The program cost of $40,930 includes tuition, textbooks, one work shirt, two t-shirts, safety glasses, registration fee, lab fee, and equipment fee.
- Website: https://www.uti.edu/
- Address: 5151 Regent Boulevard, Irving, TX 75063
- Phone: 972-505-2200
Hill College
The Hill College Snap-on Automotive Technology Program is a technologically advanced program. The one-of-a-kind facility gives students a unique learning experience that will prepare them for a lifetime of success. Students will learn how to provide the most advanced diagnostic skills needed to service most of today’s complex vehicles. They will use state-of-the-art equipment and tools throughout the program. The expansive service lab encompasses two stories and hosts 10 car stalls for hands-on practice and classroom instruction. Course modules include automotive electrical systems, automotive brake systems, automotive steering and suspension, electrical diagnosis and repair, automotive drive train and axles, automotive engine repair, automotive engine performance analysis, automotive management or automotive mechanics technology, automotive heating and air conditioning, automotive automatic transmissions and transaxle, and business computer applications. Graduates will be fully prepared to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. They will be able to implement safety techniques by wearing appropriate safety gear, practice effective interpersonal skills with co-workers and customers, demonstrate professionalism and accountability, evaluate, diagnose and repair various automotive systems, and access service information using a variety of media.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology – Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 5 semesters
Semester credit hours: 61
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must create an account to set up a profile and provide basic demographic information
- Complete the two-year application and provide a social security number to speed up the application process
- Provide a valid email address and acknowledge the validation email
- Submit official high school transcripts from an accredited high school – must include the graduation date including the month, day, and year
- Applicants who have not graduated from an accredited high school must have passed the High School Equivalency
- Must have meningitis vaccination if under the age of 21
Program cost:
Tuition costs $1,431 per semester for Hill County in-district students completing 12 credit hours per semester. The cost of books and supplies is not included.
- Website: https://www.hillcollege.edu/index.html
- Address: 112 Lamar Hillsboro, Texas 76645
- Phone: 254.659.7500
Lincoln Tech
The automotive technology diploma program at Lincoln Tech is offered in partnership with BMW. The FastTrack program helps qualified students build hands-on skills for working with the technology of one of the world’s most recognized brands. Students have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree specializing in Automotive Service Management Technology or a diploma from the Automotive Service Technician program. Course topics include driving your performance, engine repair and performance tuning, fuel systems and performance tuning, electrical systems, drivability diagnostics, transmission and drive lines, automatic transmissions, advanced automotive electronics, automotive brake systems, service shop procedures, and automotive steering and suspensions. Graduates will be prepared to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam and for employment in the automotive service industry. Day, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology – Diploma
Duration: 57 weeks (day or evening)
Instructional hours: 1320
Semester credit hours: 55
Prerequisites:
- Must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
- Must be a high school graduate or passed the High School Equivalency
- Must complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the Learner Assessment to determine readiness for academic success
- Attend a new student orientation
- Submit a completed application and pay the registration fee
Program cost:
The program cost of $38,166 includes tuition, books, uniforms, registration fee, student fee, technology fee, and tools.
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/
- Address: 2915 Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Phone: (972) 660-5701
Tarrant County College
The automotive service technology diploma program at Tarrant County Community College prepares students to become entry-level automobile service technicians in a dealership or maintenance center. They will learn about engines and tools and how they work. The training will have abundant opportunities for hands-on practice and the development of practical solutions to problems. Students will learn how to test mechanical systems to diagnose issues, repair or replace worn or damaged mechanical parts, diagnose and repair electrical systems, ignition and fuel delivery systems, transmissions, instrumentation, diesel engines and systems, and emission systems. Course topics include introduction to automotive technology, automotive electrical systems, automotive electrical diagnosis and repair, automotive suspension and steering systems, brake systems, contemporary mathematics, engine repair, electronic controls, engine performance analysis, federal government, drive train and axles, automatic transmission and transaxle, climate control systems, and automotive service. Graduates will be prepared to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
Program overview:
Automotive Service Technology – AAS
Duration: 24 months
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must submit an application for admission to TCCC
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must provide a valid photo ID and social security card
- Must complete a satisfactory background check
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $3,840 based on in-county rates. Books, tools, supplies, and uniforms must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://www.tccd.edu/
- Address: 5301 Campus Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119
- Phone: 817-515-8223
Dallas College Brookhaven Campus
The Service Technician AAS Degree Program offered by Dallas College provides students with a solid foundation in automotive technology. The curriculum starts with the basics and moves to more complex themes during the early part of the program. Students will learn basic concepts in the classroom and see the concepts in practice during hands-on activities in the school’s well-equipped lab. Hands-on training will be supervised by experienced faculty and will cover the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of automobiles including late model vehicles with electronic systems. Course modules include introduction to automotive theory, automotive engine removal and installation, automotive engine repair, automotive electrical systems, automotive brake systems, automotive electrical diagnosis and repair, automotive climate control systems, automotive engine performance, automotive service, automotive electrical controls, automotive automatic transmission and transaxle, and automotive mechanics. Elective and general education coursework will help to make up the requirements for the AAS degree. Graduates may apply for ASE certification.
Automotive Technology – Service Technician AAS
Duration: 2 years (5 semesters)
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Apply for enrollment at Dallas College
- Attend a pre-advising session with an enrollment representative
- Must meet with TSI requirements
- Attend an information session
- Register and pay for classes
- Applicants under 18 years of age
- Must provide documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
Tuition costs $79 per credit hour for Dallas County residents and $135 per credit hour for other Texas residents.
- Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx
- Address: 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
- Phone: 972-860-4700
North Central Texas College
The automotive program at North Central Texas College leads to an Occupational Skills Award and provides students with a foundational knowledge of automobile service, electrical, and braking systems. The professional knowledge gained will prepare students to function in a professional role as an Automotive Mechanic or in Automotive Sales. In one of the three semesters, students will complete the OSA at the school’s state-of-the-art lab and begin their career earlier than most programs. Students will learn top industry practices and standards from experienced faculty. The duration of the program is three semesters. Graduates will be prepared to apply basic automotive theory in the service industry, demonstrate a basic understanding of Automotive Systems theory, demonstrate a solid understanding of the automotive electrical system, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair, and demonstrate a solid understanding of the automotive braking system, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Program overview:
Automotive Service Technology – AAS
Duration: 24 months
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit an application using the ApplyTexas Application
- Submit official high school transcript or proof of GED certification
- Provide documentation of residency status
- Submit the appropriate TSIA2 scores or exemption before enrolling for classes
- Must submit record of immunization
- Must enroll in and complete a First-Year experience course
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $3,840 based on in-county rates. Books, tools, supplies, and uniforms must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://www.nctc.edu/automotive
- Address: 1525 West California St., Gainesville, TX 76240
- Phone: (940) 668-7731
Texas State Technical College
TSTC offers hands-on, state-of-the-art training in automotive technology through the ASE certified automotive technology AAS program. A certificate program is also available as a short-term training option. Students will learn how to diagnose and repair vehicles on the job. They will especially work on vehicles with advanced diagnostic computers. Students will learn how to interpret a vehicle’s diagnostic codes to assess errors and make a plan to proceed with repairs. The school’s lab is an automotive shop equipped with lifts, computerized equipment, tools, and more. Instructors are certified by the Automotive Service Excellence Educational Foundation – the gold standard of certification. Students also have the option to train to be service technicians for Tesla or Chrysler. Course topics are introduction to automotive technology, automotive electrical systems, automotive suspension and steering systems, automotive brake systems, automotive engine systems, climate control systems, electrical diagnose and repair, drive train and axles, automotive service, compression ignition engines and fuel systems, alternative fuels, automotive electronics, and automatic transmission and transaxle. Graduates may apply for ASE certification.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology – AAS
Duration: 16 months
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Apply for admission to TSTC
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
The estimated cost for the AAS degree program is $13,920.
- Website: https://www.tstc.edu/
- Address: 3801 Campus Drive Waco, TX 76705
- Phone: 800-792-8784