All Mid-State campuses are closed Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, January 1, in observance of the Winter Break. We look forward to assisting you when we open again on Thursday, January 2. See our list of online services that remain available during the college closure.
Automotive Technician
Technical Diploma
Why choose Automotive Technician?
- Automobiles today are high-tech machines. Automotive technicians are the highly skilled experts who keep us moving.
- Get the training you need to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks, and work on traditional mechanical systems as well as a growing number of electronic systems controlled primarily by computers.
- This career is for problem solvers who would love to troubleshoot using computerized diagnostic equipment.
Automobiles today are no longer merely mechanical. We enjoy the perks of driving ourselves from one place to another in a high-tech machine, but maintaining and repairing our vehicles is no longer within reach for most owners. We rely on skilled automotive technicians to keep us moving.
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: 59
Start Dates: Fall
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s Automotive Technician program gives students the experience and skills they need to diagnose and repair today’s vehicles. The program emphasizes engine and transmission repair, the drive train and axles, suspension and steering systems, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.
You’ll receive instruction from industry experts and have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including a variety of hand and power tools and complex electrical diagnostic equipment. Hands-on learning and opportunities to diagnose and repair cars for real customers will have you ready to enter the workforce with confidence.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the auto service industry.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive internal combustion engines.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmission/transaxle systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual drive train and axle systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive steering and suspension systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive brake systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems.
- Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engine performance 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: $10,900.73
- Books: $345.80
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $40.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $11,286.53
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32404307 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 5 | |
| 32404308 | Braking Systems-Automotive | 5 | |
| 32404375 | Service Practices in Automotive Industry | 1 | |
| 31804305 | Applied Mathematics | 2 | |
| 10457119 | Fabrication Fundamentals 1 | 1 | |
| 32404340 | Intro to Electricity for the Automotive Industry | 1 | |
| 31442321 | Welding Foundations 2 | 1 | |
| 31442320 | Welding Foundations 1 | 1 | |
| Term Total | 17 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32404311 | Electrical Systems-Auto | 5 | |
| 32404324 | Engine Repair | 5 | |
| 32404330 | Applied Fluid Power | 2 | |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32404323 | Automatic Transmissions | 5 | |
| 32404325 | Manual Transmissions | 5 | |
| 31801368 | Workplace Communication | 1 | |
| 32806351 | Applied Science | 2 | |
| 32404313 | Electronic Control Systems | 2 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32404322 | Heating/Air Conditioning | 3 | |
| 32404312 | Advanced Electrical Systems-Auto | 5 | |
| 32404326 | Fuel Control System-Auto | 5 | |
| 32404320 | Hybrid Systems-Auto | 1 | |
| 32404377 | Business Practices in the Transportation Industry | 1 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 59 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 and Light Truck Technician
- Automotive Master Mechanic
- Engine Technician
- Automotive Machine Shop Technician
- Automotive Parts Salesperson
- Automotive Technician Specialist
- Maintenance Technician
- Small Engine Technician
- Specialty Shop 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
-
This program meets the requirements for Master Automobile 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’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”
STEPHANIE BORSKI
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
