Start your engine for a career in automotive service.

The automotive industry is always changing, which makes it a dynamic field in which to establish your career if you like working on vehicles. The Automotive Service program at Northwest Technical College features state-of-the-art labs equipped with current service and testing equipment so students are well-prepared to work with today’s technology.

Throughout your training, you will learn the theory and techniques behind a variety of service and diagnostic procedures necessary to maintain the vehicles operating on our roadways. Classroom and hands-on training will cover topics including brakes, power-train systems, diagnostic assessment, an introduction to hybrids and many more.

Automotive Service and Performance Diploma Overview

ProgramDegreeLength of ProgramDelivery Method
Automotive Service & PerformanceDiplomaTwo years (66 credits)On-campus

Employment

Automotive service technicians work in an exciting and rapidly changing industry. Students in this 66 credit program will receive training in the many service and diagnostic procedures necessary to maintain our nation on wheels. You will train in modern laboratories equipped with current service and testing equipment. Opportunities for advancement may include factory and dealer representatives, management and self-employment. 

Find information about wages and employment outlook.

Degree Requirements

Course #Course NameCredit
AMST 1000Intro to Automotive Repair2.00
AMST 1002Introduction to Automotive Electrical/Electronics4.00
AMST 1003Engine Theory/Service4.00
AMST 1016Brakes4.00
AMST 1104Power Train Systems4.00
AMST 1105Steering, Suspension and Alignment4.00
AMST 1130Automotive Electrical II4.00
AMST 1220Automatic Transmissions and HP Drivelines4.00
AMST 1330Advanced Engine Performance/HP Fuels4.00
AMST 2113Heating Ventilation A/C2.00
AMST 2214Automotive Welding2.00
AMST 2216Engine Performance2.00
AMST 2217Engine Performance Lab4.00
AMST 2220Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles2.00
AMST 2230Light Duty Diesels3.00
AMST 2236Dyno Testing and Tuning2.00
AMST 2244Drivability and Forced Induction Systems4.00
AMST 2800Simulated Shop4.00
COMM 1102Applied Communications3.00
HLTH 1410First Aid / CPR1.00
MATH 1200Mathematics of Business and Industry3.00
Total Credits66
Male student standing at an open hood with a tablet

Program Skills

  • Demonstrate professionalism and related soft skills
  • Demonstrate welding skills in multiple positions
  • Install and test performance enhancement systems/devices
  • Apply theory of vehicle operating systems
  • Diagnose vehicle operating systems
  • Repair vehicle operating systems
  • Interpret service information
  • Exhibit safety practices and procedures

Faculty

Mark Johnson
Automotive Services Technology Faculty
Office: BMD 554
(218) 333-6637
Email: mark.johnson@ntcmn.edu