Automotive Service Technology

A student is loosening the lug nuts on a tire. 

Delivery: Daytime classes only.
Start: Fall Semester only; Full-Time Only.


About the Program

Due to the high demand for this program, the college cannot guarantee that students will start their career/occupational coursework in their early semesters. Remedial courses, based on assessment test scores, are usually available if needed.

In this program, students will:

  • Maintain, repair, and fine-tune a wide range of vehicles alongside ASE Master Technicians in a full-service automotive center
  • Optimize performance of foreign, domestic, and alternative fuel vehicles in a high-tech precision industry
  • Troubleshoot complex systems using professional diagnostic and repair equipment

The Automotive Service Technician Diploma program prepares students to perform automotive repairs in the following areas: engine repair and diagnosis, cooling system, emission control, computer systems, fuel injection, engine performance maintenance, air conditioning, and automatic transmission/transaxle. Students perform various tasks according to the NATEF task list. An emphasis is placed on the development of quality work habits and ethics. The program is structured consisting of classroom lectures, labs, and live shop work. Students will also be prepared to take the ASE certification tests in the following areas: engine repair, engine performance, heating, and air conditioning, and automatic transmission/transaxle.

The Basic Automotive Service Certificate program prepares the student to perform automotive repairs in the following areas: tire service, lubrication, exhaust, body electrical, starting, charging, brakes, steering and suspension, wheel alignment, and standard drive train. Students will also be prepared to take the ASE certification tests in the following areas: electrical/electronic systems, suspension and steering, brakes, and manual drivetrain and axles.

Interested in a career in Automotive Service Technology? RSVP to schedule a shop tour.

Scholarships are available within Automotive Service. Contact Century’s Automotive Service faculty for more information.


Program Orientation

All new students to the AST program are required to attend a Program Orientation. The dates and times for this are provided below. You must attend a College Orientation and be registered for the program prior to attending a Program Orientation.

If you have questions regarding the program or any of the information listed, please contact a program instructor.

Please attend a Program Orientation at your earliest convenience. The program orientation is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the program (e.g. program policies and procedures, tool requirements, textbook, online learning, etc.).

Program Orientation Dates:

  • Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, August 21, 2024, at 2:00 pm

Program Orientation Location:

East Campus, Room E1561

Important Information:

Please check your e‐mail on a regular basis for important communications. The program orientation will take approximately 1.5 – 2.0 hours to complete.

Instructor Contact Information:

Tim Micko (tim.micko@century.edu)
Don Simmel (don.simmel@century.edu)


Shop Tours
Available


Planning for Your Program

Tools & Books - Required list of tools, roller cabinet, textbooks, and tool vendors
Request a Tour - Request a tour time with the Automotive Service Technology department.


Request for Information


Cost & Financial Aid

As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

Financial Aid

Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs qualify for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College’s Federal School Code is 010546.

Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to Century College students involved in several areas of study. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

Tuition Cost per Credit Comparison: Century College $219.29, University of MN - TC $555.13, Private Colleges & Universities $1,416.

Ready to get
started?


Carl Thomas - Automotive Service Technology Alum
“Century College put me on the fast track for my career!”

Read more >


Accreditation

The Automotive Service Technology Program is accredited by the National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

NATEF Logo

The Automotive Service Technology Program has been evaluated by the National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is a Master Auto Service Technology (MAST) accredited program.

Transfer

Male student working on an engine.

Potential Job Titles

Image of a male student working on a small engine.
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Salary Data

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Average Wage: $19.67/hour
Top Earners: $30.18/hour

Information gathered pertains to the seven-county metro area - careerwise.minnstate.edu


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