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Automotive Service Technician

Application Code: 
0451
Degree Received: 
Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
Academic Department: 
Automotive Trades
Description: 

This specialization includes 1,800 hours of practical and classroom training in general automotive repair geared to automotive dealership and independent garage practice. Students receive experience on all types of automobiles, including domestic, imported, gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels. All systems of the automobile are covered in the instruction including the latest gasoline fuel injection, electronic controls, emission controls and automatic transmission overhaul.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

Recommended: Algebra (Math A)

Technical Standards:

Applicants in the automotive service technician program must meet the following physical requirements.

  • Must be able to follow all safety standards in each shop.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds up to eye level without assistance.
  • Must be able to communicate orally with a person six-10 feet away.
  • Must be able to diagnose mechanical failures that are distinguished audibly.
  • Must be able to visually read information retrieved from our informational sources, computers, and manuals.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
Accreditation/Certification: 

Graduates may take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Students are eligible for New York State inspection certification upon successful completion of their freshman year.

Features & Facilities: 
  • 2000 national winner-automotive program Award of Excellence sponsored by Industry Planning Council
  • Provides opportunity to prepare as a line technician for dealerships and independent repair shops
  • Supports ASE certification, NYS Inspection, and New York State's Automotive Technicians Training Programs
  • Large shop that enables 95% live work
  • Up-to-date equipment
  • Faculty current with changing automotive technology
  • NATEF master certified
Articulation Agreements: 

Two-year BOCES graduates who have an 80 percent class average, have a letter of recommendation from their vocational instructor, and who present a portfolio may be allowed to advance beyond minimum requirements and improve the grade for the college courses, pursue individual interests within a course, or sample course work in a separate automotive program to broaden their experience.

Graduation Requirements: 

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a "C" average.

Career Opportunities: 
  • Automatic Transmission Technician
  • Automotive Technician Specialist
  • Automotive Diagnostic Specialist
  • Brake Specialist
  • Drivability Specialist
  • Fuel System Specialist
  • Independent Repair Shop Owner
  • Manufacturer's Service Representative
  • Marine Engine Service Specialist
  • Service Manager
  • Service Salesperson
  • Shop Foreman
  • Wheel Alignment Specialist
Transfer Opportunities: 

Upon successful completion of this program, students may also continue in Alfred State's BBA program in technology management.

The Mercedes-Benz North America ELITE program is offered to qualifying seniors. Accepted students attend an intensive 16-week training program at no charge provided they complete the training and are employed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer for a period of six months.

Volkswagen Technician Program partners with qualifying seniors for specialized training, interviews with three USA dealers of the student's choice, relocation assistance up to $1,000, and reimbursement of student loans up to $7,000.

Typical Semester Layout: 

The students receive 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training of which 1,400 hours are lab work. There are one-and-one-half hours of lecture with four-and-one-half hours of lab work each day, for five days, 15 weeks a semester. The approximate class size is 20 freshmen and 15 seniors.

First Semestercredits
AUTO 1109 Brakes, Steering, and Suspension Systems 9
AUTO 1124 Automotive Welding 4
AUTO 1135 Automotive Basic Electronics & Component Overhaul 5
      18
Second Semestercredits
AUTO 1169 Tune up, Electronic Engine Controls & Electrical Diagnosis 9
AUTO 1149 Inspection, Maintenance, Air Conditioning & Cooling and Heating 9
      18
Third Semestercredits
AUTO 3409 Engine Service 9
AUTO 4449 Drive Train Service 9
      18
Fourth Semestercredits
AUTO 3429 Advanced Electronics & Engine Performance 9
AUTO 4439 Shop Management and Enhanced Systems 9
      18

Continuing Students: Students successfully completing the general automotive service technician program receive first priority for space if they wish a third year (senior year) in heavy equipment, truck & diesel technician or motorsports technology. They may be admitted to autobody repair with the department chair’s approval.

Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details200820092010
Receiving Degrees 41 41 39
Responding to Survey 34 (83%) 30 (73%) 26 (67%)
Employed 28 (82%) 16 (53%) 18 (69%)
Employed in Field 28 (100%) 15 (94%) 18 (100%)
Transferred 6 (18%) 14 (47%) 8 (31%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --
Employment and Transfer Salary Information: 

Less than $20,000 (1)
$20,000 - $29,999 (1)
Prefer not to disclose (16)

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