Automotive Technician

Automotive Technician

Technical Diploma

Learn basic and more advanced automotive maintenance, repair, and diagnostics. Automotive technicians test, diagnose, and service electrical and mechanical systems and components found in today’s automotive vehicles, including engines, transmissions/ transaxles, fuel management systems, steering and suspension systems, climate control systems, brake systems, and hybrids. Graduates will be qualified for all eight areas of the ASE Certified Master Technician.

  • automotive student attaching plug
  • auto student reading diagnostics
  • Automotive student checking brakes

    Program Outline

    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    3180410100 Math Skills
    Description

    Develops skills in using mathematics principles, essential to the technical service and production workplace, through applied learning contexts. Content includes whole numbers, fractions, percent, graphs, and fundamentals of algebra. Corequisite: 1044210300 Print Reading.

    1.00
    3180410200 Geometry Skills
    Description

    Develops skills in using mathematics principles, essential to the technical service and production workplace, through applied learning contexts. Content includes geometry and trigonometry, and tools and techniques for precision measurement. Corequisite: 1044210300 Print Reading.

    1.00
    3240430100 Automotive Safety
    Description

    Student will demonstrate competence in automotive safety. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240430200 Automotive Service Fundamental Procedures
    Description

    Student will demonstrate basic automotive service procedures. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240430400 Electrical Principles
    Description

    Student will summarize electrical principles. his is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240430600 Automotive Electrical Wire Repair
    Description

    Student will perform basic electrical testing procedures. his is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240430800 Steering, Suspension, Inspection, and Light Repair
    Description

    Student will inspect, diagnose, and repair steering and suspension systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240440100 Wheel and Tire Service
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of wheel and tire systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240431000 Wheel Alignment
    Description

    Student will perfrom wheel alignment inspection and repair. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240431300 Battery and Lighting Systems
    Description

    Student will diagnose, service, and repair automotive battery and lighting systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240431500 Starting and Charging Systems
    Description

    Student will diagnose, service, and repair automotive charging and starting systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240431700 Automotive HVAC Systems
    Description

    Student will perform general A/C diagnosis and repair. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    1044214000 Intro to Welding Techniques
    Description

    Students will explore and perform basic welding techniques.

    1.00
    Term 2
    Course # Course Title Credits
    3189010400 Professional Skills for Success
    Description

    This course provides the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding of what it takes to become a professional employee. This course will focus on the development the interpersonal skills of emotional intelligence, communication, teamwork, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and decision making in a professional setting.

    1.00
    3189010700 Ethics for the Workplace
    Description

    This course offers the opportunity to develop your ability to recognize and make ethical decisions in the workplace. The focus will be on the recognition and development of values. Expansion of ethical values will focus on demonstrating respect through dignity, diversity, and equality while enhancing guiding actions with the principles of confidentiality, honesty, and transparency in business and in conduct towards others.

    1.00
    3240441500 Engine Repair Mechanical System
    Description

    Student will perform engine mechanical diagnosis procedures. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240442000 Engine Lubrication Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of the lubrication systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240442500 Engine Cooling Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of the cooling systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240443000 Drum Brakes
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of drum brake systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240443600 Disc Brakes
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of disc brake systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240432500 Engine Performance Maintenance
    Description

    Students will perform general diagnosis and repair procedure of engine performance systems. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair Certification ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240432700 Manual Drivetrain Fluid Service and Repair
    Description

    Student will perform fluid service and diagnosis and drive shaft & CV shaft diagnosis & repair. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240433000 Automatic Transmission Service
    Description

    Student will perform basic automatic transmission/transaxle diagnosis and fluid service. This is part of the Maintenance and Light Repair ASE G1.

    1.00
    3240433800 Automotive Service Professional Simulation 1
    Description

    Students will practice entry-level service technician skills.

    1.00
    Term 3
    Course # Course Title Credits
    3240434200 Hydraulic and Mechanical Brake Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of master cylinders, brake lines, brake power assist units, and electronic brake control systems. This is part of the ASE A5 Certification.

    1.00
    3240444000 Electronic Brake Control System
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of electronic brake control systems. This is part of the ASE A5 Certification

    1.00
    3240434500 Hybrid Motors and Batteries
    Description

    Student will learn hybrid motor and battery operation and testing.

    1.00
    3240434700 Hybrid Manufacturer Specific Systems
    Description

    Student will survey manufacturer specific hybrid systems.

    1.00
    3240435200 Engine Repair Cylinder Head
    Description

    Student will perform service procedures on engine cylinder head. This is part of the ASE A1 Certification.

    1.00
    3240435400 Engine Repair Engine Block
    Description

    Student will perform service procedures on engine block. This is part of the ASE A1 Certification.

    1.00
    3240435800 HVAC Controls
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis of HVAC control systems. This is part of the ASE A7 Certification.

    1.00
    3240444500 Automotive Sensors and Diagnostics
    Description

    This course covers sensors that are common in automotive applications. Student will learn sensor construction, operation, and diagnosis skills including strategy based diagnostics and oscilloscope use.

    1.00
    3240445000 Automotive Data Communication Systems
    Description

    This course covers automotive computer networks. Student will learn system construction, operation, and diagnosis skills.

    1.00
    3240436200 Entertainment and Comfort Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis of anti-theft and security systems. Student will perform diagnosis of entertainment systems. This is part of the ASE A6 Certification. Prerequisite: 3240445000 Automotive Data Communication Systems (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    3240436400 Safety and Anti-theft Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis of horn and wiper systems. Student will perform module reprogramming procedures. This is part of the ASE A6 Certification. Prerequisites: 3240445000 Automotive Data Communication Systems (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed) and 3240444500 Automotive Sensors and Diagnostics (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    3240436600 Automotive Occupational Operations
    Description

    Student will explore automotive occupational operations

    1.00
    3240436800 Automotive Business Operations
    Description

    Student will explore automotive business operations

    1.00
    3240437000 Advanced Steering Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of power steering and steering linkage. This is part of the ASE A4 Certification.

    1.00
    3240437200 Advanced Suspension Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of suspension components. This is part of the ASE A4 Certification.

    1.00
    3240435600 HVAC System Service
    Description

    Student will perform refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling procedures. Student will perform A/C system component replacement and diagnosis. This is part of the ASE A7 Certification.

    1.00
    Term 4
    Course # Course Title Credits
    3240437600 Axles and Differentials
    Description

    Student will perform diagnose & repair of ring and pinion and differential assembly. This is part of the ASE A3 Certification.

    1.00
    3240437800 Manual Clutch and Transmission Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of the clutch and transmission systems. This is part of the ASE A3 Certification.

    1.00
    3240438000 Automatic Transmission Transaxle Diagnosis
    Description

    Student will perform advanced automatic transmission/transaxle diagnosis. This is part of the ASE A2 Certification.

    1.00
    3240438200 Automatic Transmission Transaxle Remove and Reinstall
    Description

    Student will remove and reinstall an automatic transmission/transaxle. This is part of the ASE A2 Certification.

    1.00
    3240438400 Automatic Transmission Transaxle Rebuild
    Description

    Student will perform transmission/transaxle rebuilding procedures. This is part of the ASE A2 Certification.

    1.00
    3240438600 Computerized Engine Controls Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis of computerized engine control system. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification. Prerequisites: 3240445000 Automotive Data Communication Systems (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed) and 3240444500 Automotive Sensors and Diagnostics (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    1.00
    3240438800 Ignition System
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of ignition system. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification.

    1.00
    3240446000 Fuel Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of fuel supply and delivery systems. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification.

    1.00
    3240446500 Normal and Forced Aspiration Systems
    Description

    Systems Student will perform diagnosis and repair of air induction systems. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification.

    1.00
    3240439200 EVAP and PCV Systems
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of EVAP and PCV systems. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification.

    1.00
    3240439400 Exhaust Related Emission Controls
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of catalytic converters, AIR, and EGR systems. This is part of the ASE A8 Certification.

    1.00
    3240439600 Automotive Diesel Operation
    Description

    Student will learn diesel engine and fuel system operation and diagnosis.

    1.00
    3240439800 Automotive Diesel Emissions
    Description

    Student will learn and diagnose diesel emission systems.

    1.00
    3240439900 Automotive Service Professional Simulation 2
    Description

    Students will continue to practice entry service technican skills with refinement on the concern, cause, and correction, including indepth diagnosis.

    1.00
    3240437400 Manual Driveline and Four Wheel and All Wheel Drive
    Description

    Student will perform diagnosis and repair of manual transmission/transaxle and Four-wheel and all-wheel drive. This is part of the ASE A3 Certification.

    1.00

    At A Glance

    How You'll Learn

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    On-Campus Labs

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    Online Classes

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    Multiple Start Dates

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    Flexible Pace

    Spring/Summer 2025 Start Dates

    January 13March 10
    May 19June 16

    Fall 2025 Start Dates

    August 25October 20

    What is Competency-Based Education?

    Competency-Based Education (CBE) is learning at your own pace by mastering competencies through demonstration. Once all competencies for a program have been assessed and mastered, students will earn a certificate, diploma, or degree.

    Program Tuition*

    $9,957

    Books & Supplies*

    $629

    *Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.

    Financial Aid Eligible

    You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.

    Transportation
    $4,600
    Food/Housing
    $4,576
    Personal Expenses
    $4,584

    What You'll Learn

    • Demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the auto service industry
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive internal combustion engines
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual drive train and axles systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmission/transaxle systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive steering and suspension systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive brake systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical & electronic systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems
    • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engine performance systems

    Your Potential Careers

    • Automotive Service Technician
    • Technical Specialist
    • Shop Foreman
    • Service Manager
    • Manufacturer's Representative
    • Automotive Parts Specialist
    • Automotive Service Advisor

    Median Annual Salary

    $39,054 $39,449 $39,228
    Local State National

    EMSI 2022.1

    Get Started

    Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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