Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician

Certificate
diesel truck main tech

About this program

This fully-loaded program develops the skills necessary to repair, inspect, and maintain diesel-powered highway equipment.

Learn about diesel truck preventative maintenance and service, and the theory and skills needed to perform vehicle inspection and engine tune-up. You'll become skilled in overhauling engines, transmissions, and rear differentials, as well as repairing air-brakes, chassis and suspensions.

Earn your certificate in just 10 months full-time, or two-years part-time. And when you graduate you'll be ready to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection examinations.

Graduates of this program interested in more advanced training can continue on in the Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science degree with just an additional year of study. 

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

Extensive Hands-On Program

50+

Newer Model Diesel Engines

Full and Part-time Options Available

Careers

Entry-level heavy-duty commercial truck preventative maintenance technician for:

  • Dealerships
  • Independent garages
  • Truck fleets
  • Leasing companies
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Diesel Engine Technology (DSM154)
  • Diesel Engine Laboratory (DSM116)
  • Fuel Systems (DSM119)
  • Introduction to Hydraulics (DSM117)
  • Basic Electricity (DSM120)
  • Truck Tractor Chassis & Alignment (DSM140)
  • Heavy Duty Brake Systems (DSM141)
  • Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab (DSM142)
  • Commercial Truck Power Train & State Inspection (DSM146)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Career Mathematics (MTH011) or
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123)
  • Communications (ENL010) or
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
Featured Video

Virtual Tour

Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Facilities

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs

Gain hands-on experience in advanced learning labs where you’ll work on equipment just like you can expect to see after graduation.  

While you're here, you'll have an opportunity to earn certifications in: 

  • Stationary Refrigeration (608)
  • Motor Vehicle Air-Conditioning (609)
  • Allison Transmission Certification
  • Level 1 Eaton Hybrid Certification
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Expand learning opportunities and meet others who share your interest in diesel performance.  

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.01.2024

College's Transportation Scholars program featured on 'Centre County Report'

Friday’s “Centre County Report” featured a story on Penn College’s Transportation Scholars program. The weekly broadcast -- produced by students in the capstone broadcast journalism course in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State – included an interview with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

02.29.2024

Diesel students rev up to recruit at Motorama

Penn College's Diesel Performance Club and its 1959 B-61 Model Mack drag truck were revved up to return to Motorama, the annual motorsports extravaganza held Feb. 17-18 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The students enjoyed sharing their passion for Penn College and its diesel technology major with event attendees and showing off their treasured truck. With more than 5,000 participants and 50,000 motorsport spectators, there was plenty of networking to do.

02.23.2024

Penn College receives NSF grant to aid transportation workforce

Pennsylvania College of Technology is the recipient of a nearly $1.5 million federal grant to support students majoring in a transportation-related field. The National Science Foundation awarded $1,498,465 (grant No. 2221107) as part of its S-STEM program, which funds scholarships for academically talented low-income students.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

More Information

Acceptance into this major is offered for the Fall semester only. This major has limited seat capacity. Acceptance is offered on a rolling basis until the seat capacity has been met. Students must accept their seat in the major by confirming their intent to enroll.

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

View the Diesel Equipment Technology Required Tools

Required for all labs:

  • uniform
  • leather work shoes or boots
  • glasses, safety, clear lens/black frames

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

  • Mr. Don Casterline, '80, Owner, Casterline Diesel, Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher R Clary, Manager, Operations, IMG Midstream
  • Mr. Eric Faust, '09, Equipment Maintenance Foreman, Halliburton Energy Services
  • Mr. Zachary Gensimore, Regional Truck Service Operations Manager (East), Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher Malm, General Service Manager, Power Generation, West Branch Diesel
  • Mr. Frank Miller, Executive Vice President, Kenworth of PA
  • Mr. Daniel Mohlenhoff, '11, Working Foreman, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Gregory A Moser, '99, Manager, FedEx Freight
  • Mr. Timothy B Moyer, Technical Trainer, Refrigeration, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Jack Neidig, '86, Instructor, SUN Area Career & Technology Center
  • Mr. Justin E Ridings, Technical Training Specialist, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
  • Mr. Nevin Weaver, General Manager, Kenworth Of Pennsylvania
  • Mr. Douglas C Wetzel, '81, Engine Training Instructor, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Inc.
  • Mr. Tyler White, '11, Service Manager, Ascendance Trucks Pennsylvania, LLC
  • Mr. Jeremy Wilson, General Manager, M&K Truck Centers
  • Mr. Tony Wiser, Director of Service, Motor Truck Equipment/ KW of PA
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair