Are you fascinated by diesel engines and heavy-duty vehicles? Do you envision yourself as a skilled technician, diagnosing and repairing complex machinery? The Diesel Truck Technology Associate Degree program is your pathway to a rewarding career in the high-demand field of diesel truck maintenance and repair. This comprehensive two-year program provides you with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to excel as an entry-level diesel technician.
This program is meticulously designed to equip you with the latest techniques in diesel technology, covering everything from advanced diagnostics to efficient repair procedures, preventative maintenance strategies, and critical safety protocols. You will be prepared to tackle the industry-recognized mechanic certification tests (ASE) for heavy-duty trucks, demonstrating your competency to potential employers. Graduates of our Diesel Truck Technology program are well-prepared for diverse roles, including:
- Tune-up and Performance Technicians
- Brake and Transmission Specialists
- Refrigeration System Technicians for Trucks
- Diesel Truck Repair Technicians
- Fleet Maintenance Technicians
- Service Writers and Customer Service Representatives
- Sales and Service Professionals in the Diesel Industry
Exciting Career Avenues for Diesel Truck Technicians
The demand for qualified diesel truck technicians is consistently strong, creating a wide array of career opportunities across various sectors. Our graduates find fulfilling and stable employment with:
- Truck Dealerships Specializing in Heavy-Duty Vehicles
- Farm and Agricultural Equipment Dealers
- Earth-Moving and Construction Equipment Companies
- Trucking and Transportation Companies
- Power Generation Facilities
- Construction Companies with Heavy Equipment Fleets
- Truck Service and Repair Centers
- Engine Repair and Machine Shops
- Truck Equipment Distributors and Suppliers
- Independent Service Garages
- Automotive and Diesel Parts Manufacturers
- Sales and Distribution Networks
- Insurance Companies (Claims and Assessment)
Our program boasts strong industry connections, and our graduates have successfully launched their careers with leading regional employers such as Cleveland Brothers CAT, Five Star Equipment, and Kenworth of Pennsylvania. These companies, and many others, actively seek out graduates from our Diesel Truck Technology program due to our reputation for producing highly skilled and industry-ready technicians.
Program Goals: Building Skilled and Professional Diesel Technicians
Our Diesel Truck Technology program is structured around three core goals, ensuring our graduates are not only technically proficient but also professional and adaptable in the dynamic diesel industry.
Goal 1: Developing Essential Skills and Safety Awareness
We are committed to ensuring our graduates possess the critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and safety consciousness necessary for success from day one.
- Student Learning Outcomes:
- Master the correct utilization of safety equipment and adhere to best practices in shop environments, prioritizing personal and workplace safety.
- Develop strong visualization skills to proactively identify potential issues and hazards before undertaking any task, promoting preventative safety measures.
- Effectively manage multiple tasks while consistently upholding stringent safety protocols and demonstrating efficient time management in a demanding technical setting.
Goal 2: Fostering Professionalism and Lifelong Learning
The diesel technology field is constantly evolving. We instill in our graduates the importance of continuous professional development and ethical conduct.
- Student Learning Outcomes:
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and technically with managers, supervisors, colleagues, and clients, fostering effective teamwork and customer relations.
- Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, actively seeking ongoing training opportunities to remain at the forefront of diesel technology advancements and adapt to industry changes.
Goal 3: Meeting Industry Needs and Providing Diverse Skillsets
Our curriculum is directly aligned with the demands of the diesel truck technology industry, providing graduates with versatile skills applicable across various diesel professions.
- Student Learning Outcomes:
- Become proficient in diagnosing and troubleshooting heavy-duty vehicle brake systems, identifying safety concerns and malfunctions with precision.
- Gain expertise in diagnosing and repairing a wide array of diesel engine types, from routine maintenance to complex overhauls.
- Develop comprehensive skills in diagnosing and repairing steering and suspension systems, ensuring vehicle handling and safety.
- Master the diagnosis and repair of driveline components, maintaining vehicle power delivery and performance.
- Acquire the ability to diagnose and repair HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system issues in vehicles, ensuring driver and passenger comfort.
Comprehensive Course Outline
Our program’s curriculum is carefully structured across four semesters, providing a progressive learning experience that builds from foundational knowledge to advanced diesel truck technology applications.
| CREDITS |
|---|
| SEMESTER 1 |
| Introduction to Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology |
| Introduction to Diesel Electricity & Electronics |
| Brake Systems for Diesel |
| Brake Systems for Diesel Lab |
| Steering and Suspension Systems for Diesel |
| College Algebra I and Trigonometry or Math for Transportation |
| First-Year Experience |
| SEMESTER 2 |
| Advanced electrical Systems for Diesel |
| Advanced Electrical Systems for Diesel Lab |
| Diesel Fuel Injection and Emissions |
| Diesel Fuel Injection and Emissions Lab |
| Diesel Engine Performance and Tune-up Procedures |
| Diesel Engine Performance and Tune-up Procedures Lab |
| Industry Communication |
| Physical Science or How it Works |
| SEMESTER 3 |
| Manual Transmission Overhaul |
| Manual Transmission Overhaul Lab |
| Differentials and Drive Line |
| Diesel Engine Overhaul |
| Diesel Engine Overhaul Lab |
| Welding and Flame Cutting for Vehicles |
| Welding and Flame Cutting for Vehicles Lab |
| Introduction to Business |
| Art in Industry & Lab |
| SEMESTER 4 |
| Transportation Safety & Certifications |
| Automatic Transmission Diagnostics, Basic Hydraulics |
| Automatic Transmission Diagnostics, Basic Hydraulics Lab |
| Applied Diesel Truck Principles and Applications |
| Applied Diesel Truck Principles and Applications Lab or Internship |
| Advances in Diesel Truck Technology |
| HVAC Vehicle Systems |
| HVAC Vehicle Systems Lab |
| Customer Service |
| MINIMUM CREDITS TO GRADUATE |
For detailed course descriptions, please visit the Course Catalog.
Embark on your journey to become a skilled diesel truck technician. Enroll in the Diesel Truck Technology Associate Degree program and accelerate your career in this vital and evolving industry.
