Automotive Technology

Overview
Program Outcomes
Program Entry Information

Overview

If you’re interested in how cars and trucks run and how you can service and repair them, choose BTC’s automotive technician training program, which will help prepare you for top jobs in the automotive field.

Career choices are extensive in the field of automotive technology; you’ll be well-qualified for automotive technician or service technician jobs. Or you can work as a specialist in automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical systems. If you’re looking for an Automotive Technology associate degree program or certificate program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills sought by top employers (including automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses), then check out the program at Bellingham Technical College. The entry point for the Automotive Technology program is fall quarter. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to enroll in this associate degree and certificate program.

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the automotive industry.
Evaluate and use technical information and testing procedures from a variety of sources to diagnose and repair various automotive system failures.
Perform maintenance and light repair common to the automotive industry.
Diagnose and repair common electrical and electronic system failures.
Perform diagnostics and repairs consistent with an entry-level automotive technician.
Communicate and document work performed using trade specific language.
Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills as a member of a technical team.

Program Entry Information

This program admits students once a year in the fall quarter.

Program Start

Prior to registration for the program, admitted students will be required to submit the following documentation:

Copy of your valid Driver’s License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);
Current complete 3-year driving record from Washington State DOL This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;
Signed Industry Expectations form indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards.

Important Program Notes:

You are required to maintain a valid driver’s license as long as you are enrolled in this program;
Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order his/her driving records. You may obtain a copy of your current “Abstract of Driving Record” at your local Department of Licensing or by accessing the Washington State Department of Licensing on the web at www.dol.wa.gov
A renewed copy of your valid driver’s license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) will again be required at the start of your second year in the program;
All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.

Testing Requirements

These requirements are for the AAS degree and are lower than those for the AAS-T degree. Please see the AAS-T Entry Page for AAS-T requirements.

ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 38 or a C grade in MATH 090 or ABE 050 .
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085 , and ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092 .

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Automotive Technology AAS Degree and Certificate completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. AAS-T Degree requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and minimum grade of C/2.0 for all academic courses.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Automotive Technology, AAS

Associate of Applied Science - Transfer

Automotive Technology, AAS-T

Certificate