Advanced Technologies

Automotive Technology

Courses
Program Outcomes

Table of Contents

About

The automobile has always maintained 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 certificated by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a line technician, shop foreman, service writer, service manager, or business owner. Completing courses, certificates, and/or degrees from an ASE certified school will enhance students’ ability to gain employment as well as better prepare them to become ASE certified. 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.

Program Goals

Students are trained in:

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

Classes are offered at day or night to accommodate student work schedules.

Full-time Automotive Technology students are required to purchase a personal set of automotive technician’s tools at an approximate cost of $1,400, an iPad at the approximate cost of $400, and their own safety glasses. In addition, they are strongly encouraged to purchase medical/accident insurance.  

The tool set includes the basic tools that most employers require for an entry-level position. Part-time students are required to purchase only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which they are enrolled.

All Automotive Technology students are encouraged to join SkillsUSA, membership in which provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. SkillsUSA also offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their occupational skills through competitions that are held annually on both the state and national level. Whether taking classes or working on a job site, students enrolled in this program will be required to perform the same job duties and be able to meet the same physical requirements that they will as a graduate in the field.

Graduates may be required to

  • -Lift and carry 50 pounds safely
  • -Work safely using hand and power tools and electrical equipment
  • -Stand, squat, stoop, or kneel for long periods of time on concrete floors

 

NOTE: Students must achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 with a final grade of C- or better in ENGL 1110G Composition I and a final grade of C- or better in all required AUTO courses/Technical Requirements.

Explore

Graduates of the Automotive Technology program at Doña Ana Community College are well-equipped to enter one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation. With a curriculum certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), students are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, such as line technician, shop foreman, service writer, service manager, or even business owner. The program emphasizes hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring that students master essential service and repair techniques. As a result, graduates enhance their employability and are well-prepared to pursue ASE certification. Career opportunities abound in automotive service, where skilled technicians are always in demand, making this field a promising choice for those passionate about automotive technology.

Job Opportunities