Automotive Maintenance Technician

Technical Diploma
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Why choose Automotive Maintenance Technician?

  • Skilled maintenance technicians are always needed to keep our cars and trucks running efficiently and safely.
  • Get the training you need to be the frontline problem solver who performs maintenance and diagnoses and repairs tire, braking, and suspension concerns.
  • Gain the confidence to start your career in automotive repair facilities and retail service centers, or choose to continue your education by pursuing the Automotive Technician technical degree.
It’s true that automobiles today are increasingly high tech and computer controlled, but they continue to be hardworking machines with engines and complex systems of moving parts. Technicians who are skilled in the ongoing maintenance and repair of these classic components keep our cars and trucks running efficiently and safely—and they protect our investment.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

Mid-State’s Automotive Maintenance Technician program prepares students for entry-level automotive repair work with special emphasis on mechanical relationships, basic engine performance, and suspension systems.

You’ll learn from industry experts to test and maintain basic automotive systems. You’ll also apply the techniques learned in lecture in an automotive shop laboratory setting, with access to state-of-the-art hand and power tools and complex electrical diagnostic equipment. Graduates will have the confidence to start their careers in automotive repair facilities and retail service centers or may choose to continue their education by pursuing the Automotive Technician associate degree.

Outcomes

  • Demonstrate professionalism appropriate to the auto service industry.
  • Perform maintenance and light repair of automotive steering and suspension systems.
  • Perform maintenance and light repair of automotive brake systems.
  • Perform maintenance and light repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems.

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: $5,097.94
  • Books: $157.30 
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $40.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $5,295.24

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.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32404307 Suspension & Steering Systems  5
  32404308 Braking Systems-Automotive  5
  32404375 Service Practices in Automotive Industry  1
  31442320 Welding Foundations 1  1
  32404340 Intro to Electricity for the Automotive Industry  1
  31442321 Welding Foundations 2 1
  10457119 Fabrication Fundamentals 1 1
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  32404330 Applied Fluid Power  2
  32404311 Electrical Systems-Auto 5
  32404324 Engine Repair 5
  Term Total   12 Credits
       
  Program Total   27 Credits

Instructors

CURT ANDRES, BS, MS

Curt earned his master’s degree from Iowa State University. He holds several ASE certifications, including Master Auto Technician. To keep up to date on industry trends, he attends several training events yearly and takes science and technology courses from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“I enjoy seeing the growth of my students’ abilities throughout the year.”


MATT MANICKI, BS

Matt holds a bachelor’s degree from UW–Stout. Prior to Mid-State, he was assistant director at Tuner School, where he taught high-performance modifications and driving. Most of his experience is from the performance and exotic car market. Matt stays current on today’s vehicles by attending several training sessions each year and owning and operating a repair business.

“I love teaching at Mid-State because our small class sizes allow me to talk with students rather than at them. They also promote better student-to-student interaction.”

Careers

  • Automotive Apprentice
  • Automotive Parts Sales/Service
  • Tire and Lube Technician
  • |Automotive Service Attendant

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

“The automotive industry is growing at a record pace. Len Dudas motors continues to seek out qualified people with auto technician education, and Mid-State continues to provide us with qualified candidates.”

TODD OKRAY
GENERAL SALES MANAGER, LEN DUDAS MOTORS
STEVENS POINT, WI

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.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Automotive Maintenance Technician Pathway Graphic