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Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician
Technical Diploma
Why choose Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician?
- Get the training you need to maintain and repair vehicles like buses, large trucks, and equipment used in agriculture and construction.
- Diesel systems require different fuel, are different in design, and have different needs and requirements when being serviced—making for a specialized skill set that’s in high demand.
- A great career for those with mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and a desire to work with their hands.
What is the difference between gasoline and diesel engines? Beyond requiring a different fuel, diesel engines are quite different in design and have different needs and requirements when being serviced. Add to this that diesel engines are put to the test in hard-working vehicles like buses, large trucks, and equipment used in agriculture and construction, and it’s no surprise you need a specialized diesel technician to work on them.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 58
Start Dates: Fall
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of Mid-State’s Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program have the knowledge and skills to confidently diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems in trucks, buses, construction equipment, farm equipment, and industrial machinery.
Through hands-on classroom learning and training on state-of-the-art equipment, you will learn to perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, rebuild components, and respond to field service calls. You’ll also participate in field trips, tours, and equipment demonstrations, and you’ll get real-world experience by maintaining Mid-State’s vehicle fleet and operating onsite equipment.
Outcomes
- Diagnose major systems in the diesel and heavy equipment industry.
- Repair major systems in the diesel and heavy equipment industry.
- Service major systems in the diesel and heavy equipment industry.
- Practice personal and professional work habits.
- Document complaint, cause, and correction.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $10,812.01
- Books: $413.35
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $40.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $11,265.36
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32412375 | Service Practices in Diesel Industry | 1 | |
| 32412308 | Braking Systems-Diesel | 5 | |
| 32412309 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 5 | |
| 32412340 | Intro to Electricity for the Diesel Industry | 1 | |
| 31442320 | Welding Foundations 1 | 1 | |
| 31442321 | Welding Foundations 2 | 1 | |
| 10457119 | Fabrication Fundamentals 1 | 1 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32412312 | Drivetrains | 4 | |
| 31801368 | Workplace Communication | 1 | |
| 32412313 | Electrical Systems | 4 | |
| 32462301 | Mobile Hydraulics | 2 | |
| 32412305 | Preventive Maintenance-Diesel | 3 | |
| Term Total | 14 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32412303 | Heating/AC-Diesel | 3 | |
| 32412324 | Engine Repair | 5 | |
| 32412327 | Fuel Systems & Alternative Fuels | 5 | |
| 31804305 | Applied Mathematics | 2 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32806351 | Applied Science | 2 | |
| 32412311 | Advanced Electricity-Diesel | 5 | |
| 32412330 | Capstone-Live Diesel Repair | 2 | |
| 32412310 | Engine Performance & Emissions-Diesel | 5 | |
| Term Total | 14 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 58 Credits |
Instructors
SCOTT ENGEL, BS
After working in the transportation industry for several years, Scott realized his passion was to teach what he loved. He received his diesel and heavy equipment technician technical diploma from Western Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from the UW–Stout. Scott has taught for over 20 years in the diesel field and enjoys working with local industry and learning cutting-edge technology that he can incorporate into his program.
“My biggest reward as a teacher is to see my students thriving in their new careers, knowing I helped get them there.”
CHRIS OMERNIK, BS
Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in career, technical education, and training from UW–Stout. He also holds an associate degree from Mid-State Technical College as well as a technical diploma in diesel and heavy equipment repair. He is an ASE master certified technician and a Hunter certified alignment technician. He has worked for over 20 years in the diesel and heavy truck industry and continues to work with truck OEMs, dealerships, and private shops in order to keep up to date on current technology used on heavy trucks as well as with industry needs for technicians.
“There is nothing better than the ‘aha’ moment with a student, that moment when a concept ‘clicks.’ I love that Mid-State’s environment creates those moments for students on a regular basis."
Careers
- Bus and Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Fleet Maintenance Technician
- Agriculture Equipment Technician
- Locomotive Technician
- Over the Road Truck Technician
- Portable Power Technician
- Refrigerated Trailer Technician
- Trailer Technician
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Accreditation Information
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This program meets the requirements for Master Truck Service Technology Accreditation, the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Take the Next Step
"Mid-State prepares you by providing hands-on training from passionate instructors, cutting edge facilities, and real-life experiences."
RICHARD VAN DER GEEST
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
