Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology - Certificate - Vehicle Service Technician
Choose this program to prepare for a rewarding career as an automotive service technician or mechanic. Occupational choices are extensive in this specialized field; you could work as an automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical specialist.
If you’re looking for a program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills you’ll use with employers such as automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses, then check out Automotive at BTC.
The entry point for the Automotive Technology program is fall quarter. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to enroll in this associate degree and certificate program.
Employment Information
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
82% BTC graduate placement rate1
$38,480 starting annual wage2$49,587 average annual wage2
$61,922 potential annual wage2
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.
Prior to registering for program classes, students are required to submit the following documentation to the Admissions Office:
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Copy of your valid Driver's License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);
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Current complete 3-year driving record from Washington State DOL. This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;
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Signed Industry Expectations form indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards.
Important Program Notes:
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You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;
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Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
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Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order his/her driving records. You may obtain a copy of your current "Abstract of Driving Record" at your local Department of Licensing or by accessing the Washington State Department of Licensing;
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A renewed copy of your valid driver's license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) will again be required at the start of your second year in the program;
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All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
ACCUPLACER Classic (valid for 5 years from testing date):
- Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a grade of C or higher
- Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a grade of C or higher
- Arithmetic score of 38 or MATH 090 or ABE 050 with a grade of C or higher
ACCUPLACER Next-Generation (starting January 23, 2019):
- Reading score of 247 or RDG 085 with a grade of C or higher
- Writing score of 245 or ENGL 092 with a grade of C or higher
- Arithmetic score of 230 or MATH 090 or ABE 050 with a grade of C or higher
Program Application Form: Core Program Entry Packet
What are My Next Steps?
Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-SupportProgram Outcomes
After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:
- Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the automotive industry.
- Evaluate and use technical information and testing procedures from a variety of sources to diagnose and repair various automotive system failures.
- Perform maintenance and light repair common to the automotive industry.
- Diagnose and repair common electrical and electronic system failures.
- Perform diagnostics and repairs consistent with an entry-level automotive technician.
- Communicate and document work performed using trade specific language.
- Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills as a member of a technical team.
Employment Outlook
About 78% of BTC Automotive students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in this field is $46,675, with an earning potential of about $60,299 per year.*
BTC’s General Automotive Repair and Vehicle Service Technician certificates prepare graduates to work in entry-level automotive positions like lubrication, tire, and muffler service positions.
Most program graduates work as automotive service technicians. In larger shops, positions have become increasingly specialized. Opportunities for specialty positions include automatic transmission specialist, brake specialist, engine performance specialist, front end specialist and electrical specialist.
Potential places of employment include automotive dealerships, independent service garages, federal and local government repair shops, rental industry, service stations, specialty shops, tire and service industry, and fleet maintenance.
Faculty & Support
Daniel Beeson
Dan Beeson has been an Automotive Technology instructor at Bellingham Technical College since 1996. He has more than a decade of hands-on experience as an Automotive Technician and is currently an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician with an Advanced Engine Performance Specialist certification. <br /><br /> Dan received his apprenticeship training in the San Jose, California area and became a journeyman automotive technician in 1988. He worked primarily for GM dealerships in California and Washington, eventually reaching the level of Chevrolet Master Technician specializing in drivability, fuel injection, and electronics troubleshooting. In addition, Dan has worked as a trainer with Snap-On Training and Clark College.
