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Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology - AAS

If you’re interested in how cars and trucks run and how you can service and repair them, choose BTC’s automotive technician training program, which will help prepare you for top jobs in the automotive field.

Career choices are extensive in the field of automotive technology; you’ll be well-qualified for automotive technician or service technician jobs. Or you can work as a specialist in automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical systems. If you’re looking for an Automotive Technology associate degree program or certificate program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills sought by top employers (including automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses), then check out the program at Bellingham Technical College.

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

81% BTC graduate placement rate1

$62,656 starting annual wage2
$78,031 average annual wage2
$94,881 potential annual wage2

  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect three-year averages among BTC students employed in either Washington or Oregon. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

    2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

  • Estimated Program Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

 Additional Requirements:

Prior to enrolling in program classes, during the mandatory GET Started appointment, students will be required to present and attest the following to the Outreach, Advising, and Counseling Department:

  1. Present your valid driver's license;
  2. Attest that you presented a valid driver’s license to your program advisor and that you will notify your program faculty immediately if your driver’s license is suspended OR restricted for any reason.

 Important Program Notes:

  1. While it is not required to have a clean driving record to enter the program, some employers and internship providers in this field may only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
  2. All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year of the program.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

A completed college admissions application and placement in English and math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first.

To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 123

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • Quarter 1

  • AUTO 100Introduction to Automotive Technology8 CR
  • AUTO 102Introduction to Automotive Technology Lab4 CR
  • AUTO 113HVAC4 CR
  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR
  • or higher

  • Quarter 2

  • AUTO 150Engines6 CR
  • AUTO 151Electricity/Electronics2 CR
  • AUTO 152Engines Lab8 CR
  • AMATH 100Applied Occupational Math5 CR
  • or higher

  • Quarter 3

  • AUTO 160Chassis Systems8 CR
  • AUTO 162Chassis Systems Lab8 CR
  • CMST& 210Interpersonal Communication5 CR
  • OR
  • PSYC& 100General Psychology5 CR
  • OR
  • SOC& 101Introduction to Sociology5 CR

  • Quarter 4

  • AUTO 219Field-Based Experience I12 CR

  • Quarter 5

  • AUTO 220Electricity/Electronics 26 CR
  • AUTO 222Electricity/Electronics 2 Lab6 CR
  • AUTO 229Field-Based Experience II4 CR

  • Quarter 6

  • AUTO 230Transmission Systems8 CR
  • AUTO 232Transmission Systems Lab4 CR
  • AUTO 259Field-Based Experience III4 CR

  • Quarter 7

  • AUTO 279Field-Based Experience IV4 CR
  • AUTO 280Engine Performance4 CR
  • AUTO 282Engine Performance Lab6 CR
  • AUTO 290Alternative Energy and Emerging Technology2 CR

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

  • Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the automotive industry.
  • Perform advanced maintenance and light repairs on various automotive systems.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems.
  • Provide critical thinking skills while utilizing technical information and testing procedures to diagnose customer concerns.
  • Communicate work performed using trade specific language while documenting critical aspects clearly and concisely.
  • Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills.
  • Research and identify emerging automotive related technologies.
  • Model teamwork that is reflective of a diverse work environment. 

Employment Outlook

Approximately 78% of students in the automotive technology program at Bellingham Technical College are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in the automotive technology 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 for entry-level jobs at muffler repair shops, tire stores, and oil change service centers.

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

Photo of Daniel Beeson
Daniel Beeson
Automotive Technology
  • Personal Bio
    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. 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.
  • Degrees and Credentials

    Certificate, ASE Master Automobile Technician

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

    Certificate, Certified Journeyman Automotive Technician

    Certificate, ASE Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certified

Photo of Nick Lenn
Nick Lenn
Automotive Technology

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email TransportationNav@btc.edu