Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Certificate of Completion

(575) 527-7754   or   527-7594

The automobile has always created a steady demand for automotive technicians. Today, automotive service is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, and career opportunities are expanding rapidly.

The Automotive Technology program at Doña Ana Community College is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a line technician, shop foreman, service writer, service manager, or business owner.

The program is NATEF (ASE) Master certified in eight areas. While all instructors are ASE certified in their own particular teaching area, the majority of them hold master ASE recertifications in both automotive and heavy truck.

Students are trained using state-of-the-art equipment. In the laboratories, they practice the same service and repair techniques required of any professional service technician working in the real world. Each class includes a number of carefully selected competencies that must be mastered in order to successfully complete the program. Students are trained in the areas of —

• Engine service
• Manual drive train and axles
• Brakes
• Heating and air conditioning
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Suspension and steering
• Electrical systems
• Fuel and emissions
• Engine performance

The Automotive Technology program also offers two commercial driving classes (CDL), OEAT 130 and OEAT 131, that prepare students for the CDL exam.

The certificate program, if pursued on a full-time basis, consists of two 16-week semesters and one ten-week summer semester that include both classroom and hands-on training activities. Classes are also offered regularly at night to accommodate work schedules. The associate degree may be obtained by completing the additional general education and technical courses listed in the program content.

Full-time Automotive Technology students must purchase a personal set of automotive technician’s tools, at an approximate cost of $800, and should provide their own safety glasses, medical/accident insurance. The tool set includes the basic tools that most employers require for an entry-level position. Part-time students will purchase only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which they are enrolled.

All Automotive Technology students are encouraged to join SkillsUSA (formerly known as VICA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). Skills USA membership provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Skills USA also offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their occupational skills through competitions that are held annually on both the state and national level.

Associate Degree (66 credits)

NOTE: Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

Certificate (41 credits)