Automotive Technology

Campuses

Clarkesville

Credentials Offered

Associate Degree
Diploma
Certificate

Program Length

2-5 Semesters

TUITION-FREE ELIGIBLE

This department has programs that are eligible for 100% tuition coverage. 

Academic Programs > Transportation > Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology

Build the right foundation for your career in Auto Technology in NGTC’s state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and develop lifelong skills for both personal and professional enjoyment and career opportunities.

Highly qualified instruction with real-world experience provides focused training for students with opportunities for diagnosing and problem-solving in a variety of situations.

Starting in the classroom, move through automotive repair fundamentals, then through automotive electrical systems. From there learn about other systems such as heating and air. Throughout the course of study, students will understand how all of the pieces will fit together as a whole. Program graduates receive an Automotive Technology diploma that qualifies them as automotive technicians.

The program is aligned with the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program and emphasizes specialized hands-on training in:

  • Engine repair
  • Automatic transmission/transaxle
  • Manual drive train and axles
  • Suspension and steering
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/electronic systems
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Engine performance

Courses in the program include: 

  • Automotive Electrical Systems
  • Automotive Engine Performance
  • Automotive Engine Repair
  • Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems

Credentials You Can Earn

Associate Degree

The Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program prepares students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. 

Diploma

The Automotive Technology diploma program prepares students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Automotive Technology diploma that qualifies them as an entry level automotive technician. Upon completion of this diploma, graduates will also receive an Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician certificate and an Auto Transmission/Transaxle Technician Specialist certificate.

Certificate

Auto Electrical/Electronic System Technician Certificate

The Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair basic electrical/electronic automotive systems as entry-level technicians. Topics covered include automotive shop safety, electrical theory and circuit diagnosis, automotive batteries, starting and charging systems, instrumentation, lighting, and various vehicle accessories.

Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Technician Specialist Certificate

The Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist certificate program provides students with the skills to enter the automotive industry as entry-level transmission, transaxle, and driveline technicians. Topics include shop safety, basic electrical/electronic theory and diagnosis, manual transmission/transaxle operation and diagnosis, automatic transmission/transaxle operation and diagnosis, axles operation and diagnosis, differential operation and diagnosis, and 4WD/AWD systems operation and diagnosis.

The Automotive Technology program may accept live work projects on a very limited basis. Please consult with the instructor on a particular project that may be appropriate for live work.

Career Opportunities

Individuals who graduate from NGTC’s Automotive Technology program can hit the shop floor running if they choose to become:

Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technicians

Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialists

Graduates of the Automotive Technology program may work in a variety of fields including:

New/Used Car Dealerships

Auto Repair Centers

Additional career options can be researched on the following site(s):

Meet the Faculty

Photo of Kevin McCurry Kevin McCurry Department Chair/Automotive Technology Instructor 706-754-7755
Photo of Matthew Moon Matthew Moon Automotive Technology Instructor 706-754-7740

Build the right foundation for your career in Auto Technology at NGTC.

Updated: April 2, 2024 - CARES, CRRSAA, ARP & SSARPView the CARES Act, CRRSA & ARP Information and Covid-19 Guidance