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automotive technology

Spokane Community College’s automotive technology program is an industry leader in training technicians for successful careers in the automotive field.

In this program, you’ll learn, for example, tune-ups, brake repair, automotive electrical system repairs, Transmission Repair, Heater and A/C diagnosis and repair and so much more. Much of your learning will take place as you work on actual project cars in our fully equipped, on-campus shop. Courses prepare you for ASE certification.

Whether you want to work at a dealership, independent garage, fleet shop, specialty shop, etc., this program provides the skills needed for a broad range of opportunities in the transportation field.

  1. Describe how an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditions system works.
  2. Discuss the refrigerants used and their impact on the environment.
  3. Explain airflow management and sensors and actuators used.
  4. Comprehend the refrigerant recycle importance and effects on the environment.
  5. Discuss engine constructions, energy and power of an engine.
  6. Discuss compression ratio, torque and horsepower.
  7. Discuss synthetic engine oils and their advantages.
  8. Discuss hybrids engine precautions.
  9. Learn theory and principles of computerized engine controls, automotive exhaust emissions, and fuel injection and ignition systems.
  10. Working knowledge of the brake system and component identification.
  11. Basic knowledge of the diagnostic process of the brak system.
  12. Working knowledge of the suspension system and component identification.
  13. Working knowledge of the alignment equipment and basic adjustments.
  14. Principles of late model automatic transmissions, transaxles and sub-assemblies.
  15. Operation of automotive manual transmissions and transaxles, differential, transfer case, drive line, and constant velocity joints.
  16. Diagnose and repair automotive electrical and electronic systems to industry standards (*ASE/NATEF).
  17. Use multi-meters, scopes, test lights, etc. properly to perform repairs and diagnostics.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations, and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program only in the first quarter. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and the four related classes identified in footnote 1. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while pursuing their degree. Students must complete all courses with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 109 - 127


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
APLED112
Applied Mathematics   1
4
APLED113
Introduction to Computers for Technology   1
2
APLED121
Applied Written Communication   1
4
APLED123
Leadership Skills for Business and Industry   1
4
AUTO 100
Introduction to Automotive  
4
WELD 155
Auto Welding  
1
Total Credits
 
19

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 115
Theory of Electrical & Electronics  
11
AUTO 116
Diagnosis of Electrical & Electronics  
7
Total Credits
 
18

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 111
Theory of Brakes  
6
AUTO 112
Applications of Brakes  
4
AUTO 131
Theory of Suspension and Steering  
5
AUTO 132
Application of Suspension and Steering  
3
Total Credits
 
18

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 119
Theory of Heating and Air Conditioning  
4
AUTO 120
Application of Heat and AC  
2
AUTO 211
Theory of Engines  
7
AUTO 212
Application of Engine Repair  
5
Total Credits
 
18

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 113
Theory of Auto Transmissions/Transaxles   2
6
AUTO 114
Application of Auto Transmissions/Transaxles   2
4
AUTO 129
Theory of Manual Drive Train/Transmissions   2
5
AUTO 130
Application of Manual Drive Train/Transmission   2
3
Total Credits
 
18

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 117
Theory of Engine Performance  
11
AUTO 118
Application of Engine Performance  
7
Total Credits
 
18

Seventh Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
 
Optional Summer Course - High Performance Engines   3
0 - 18
Total Credits
 
0-18

Optional Summer Course - High Performance Engines  

 

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 270
High Performance Engines  
18
1 This related education requirement may be met with any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean.
2 Auto 266 and 267 may be substituted. A maximum of 18 credits of cooperative education is allowed. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3 AUTO 270 for automotive technology students desiring to receive additional training may be taken summer quarter either after the 3rd or 6th quarter. Instructor permission required. Completion of this course will entitle the student to a certificate of completion issued by the dean of instruction for technical education.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 10,697
$ 12,020
$ 23,154
Books
$ 841
$ 841
$ 841
Course Fees
$ 579
$ 579
$ 579
Institutional Fees
$ 744
$ 744
$ 3,687
Supplies and Materials
$ 3,000
$ 3,000
$ 3,000
Total Costs
$ 15,861
$ 17,184
$ 31,261

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

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Kira Fredricks

Pathway Specialist
Kira.Fredricks@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8306

 

Corinna Donnerberg

Academic Counseling Liaison
Corinna.Donnerberg@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8037

 

Alaynah Hardesty

Workforce Transition Specialist
Alaynah.Hardesty@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7398

 

Jeff Coffee

Program Lead

 

Steve Mack

Department Chair

 

Rob Deyo

IBEST Instructor
Rob.Deyo@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8262

 

Michelle Grover

APLED Department Chair
Michelle.Grover@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7191