Program Description The Automotive Technology program provides training in all eight instructional areas certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, an evaluation board of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification is based on compliance with standards developed by the automotive industry. All BSC instructors have achieved Master ASE certification as experts in the field. Automotive Technology is a limited enrollment, two-year program that prepares graduates for entry-level jobs. Admission occurs in August and January on a space available basis. A $100 equipment deposit is required upon acceptance and applies toward tuition.
Students use classroom and hands-on knowledge to learn how to repair automotive, mechanical, and electrical systems. Using the latest diagnostic technology, they work on training vehicles to hone skills. Study units include electronics, fuel delivery systems, transmissions, clutches, ignition systems, braking and steering systems, transaxles, drive trains, heating/air conditioning diagnosis, and emission control systems.
Preparation Technicians need good reading, mathematics and computer skills to study technical manuals. Employers look for people with strong communication and analytical skills. Recommended high school courses include physics, chemistry, algebra, keyboarding, introduction to electricity, English and business management. Prior automotive training is helpful.
Continuing education after graduation is common to keep up with changes in technology and service procedures.
Program Requirements Students who complete the curriculum requirements earn a Program Certificate (60 credits), Program Diploma (69 credits), or Associate in Applied Science degree (75 credits). Required minimum placement scores: ACT Composite - 15 or higher COMPASS Math - (pre-algebra) 33 or higher COMPASS Reading - 79 or higher (equivalent to ACT-17)
Students must have a specified tool set and toolbox, two pair of rented shop jackets, books, four-function pocket calculator, padlock and sturdy leather shoes.
Career Opportunities BSC's Automotive Technology program is vital for those planning to work as auto technicians, but also valuable for those interested in auto sales and service, parts manufacturing and sales, and farming and ranching.
Additional Information Awareness of these technical standards may help students determine suitability for this career.
INDUSTRY TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Must have the ability to perform accurate work, communicate effectively with others, present information in a clear, concise manner and follow verbal and written instructions.
Requires good manual dexterity, good color vision and hearing, and ability to speak.
Requires continuous walking, frequent standing, bending, stooping, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional sitting, crawling, lifting 50 pounds from knee to shoulder high, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
Requires continuous use of tools and occasional use of foot controls.
Continuously exposed to noise; frequently exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, chemicals, and extreme heat and cold, and occasionally exposed to vibration, poor ventilation, and confined areas.
