Automotive Service Technician
This curriculum includes advanced operating theories of automotive systems and components. Students learn to apply automotive operating principles and to diagnose malfunctions in automotive systems.
The course work emphasizes the development of skills in service, repair, and test procedures.
Course work prepares students to take written certification exams (e.g., the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam and the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection exams, written and practical) for certification as vehicle safety inspectors.
Program Specs
- Major Code: AM – view in catalog
- School: Transportation Technology
- Degree Type: Certificate
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
CERTIFICATION: The automotive major is master certified by the National Automotive Technician's Education Foundation and meets the standards for Automotive Service Excellence.
Job market
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to the US Department of Labor*, median hourly wages of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $17.39 in May 2011. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.91 and $22.86 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.91, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.65 per hour. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of service technicians were as follows:
| Industry | Salary |
|---|---|
| Local government | $22.47/hr |
| Automobile dealers | $20.63/hr |
| Automotive repair and maintenance | $16.87/hr |
| Gasoline stations | $16.42/hr |
| Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores | $16.16/hr |
*Statistics reported in May 2011
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
View general transfer information
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
Penn College Motorsports Association
For students interested in motorsports, Penn College has a College Motorsports Association. Contact Wayne Smith for more information. The Motorsports Association is made up primarily of students in the automotive programs, but any interested Penn College student is welcome. Club activities include:
- Organizing car shows
- Taking after-class outings to a local drag strip, for those interested in racing their own cars or watching others race
- Working on the College's dragster
- Preparing, pit crewing, and driving the College-sponsored Mini Indy cars*
* The School of Transportation Technology competes annually in a local Red Cross “Mini Indy” race. The Mini Indy cars are go-karts, powered by 5 hp engines, with fiberglass Indy-style bodies.
Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA)
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Automotive Service Technician Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
