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Overview
ABOUT THE DEGREE
Where is your future taking you? Start your engine and begin your journey to a growing job field with the two-year Automotive Technology program at Frontier Community College.
Students in this program will develop an in-depth knowledge of the industry and best practices through classroom instruction and hands-on training. As the automotive field continues to make technological advances, the program reflects those changes in the areas of diagnostics and repair.
The automotive lab is a spacious facility complete with the latest equipment and developments where students will receive extensive group and one-on-one training. Lab equipment includes a tire machine and balancer, computer diagnostic equipment, engine repair equipment, a Snap-on alignment machine, and an automotive lighting system trainer. The lab also contains special service tools for brake, steering, suspension, and transmission system diagnosis and repair. Several vehicles and engines are placed in the lab to provide real-world training.
QUALITY THROUGH ACCREDITATION
The Automotive Technology program at FCC is Master-certified in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which indicates the program’s commitment to meeting industry standards. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) organization examines the automotive industry and decides which skills are necessary for today’s technicians, then sets the required guidelines for automotive programs. Because the program is built around these required guidelines, students can be confident they will be adequately prepared for a career in the automotive field.
FCC’s Automotive Technology program has been Master ASE-accredited since 2009. To be Master-level certified, the program must be certified in all eight areas of ASE, which includes Engine Repair, Suspension and Steering, and Electrical Systems. This achievement not only speaks to the program’s alignment with the industry, but also sets the program at a higher level of standard among the Southern Illinois region.
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
Students in the program have the opportunity to earn several certifications prior to beginning their career as a technician.
In preparing to become an ASE-certified technician, students will take entry-level exams for each of the eight ASE categories. If a student meets the scoring requirement, FCC will pay for the student to take that exam again at the professional level. Each spring, the program will travel to Vincennes, Indiana, and sit for one professional exam. If a student passes the exam, he or she becomes ASE certified for that specific category. Once an individual passes all eight exams, they become an ASE-certified technician.
The FCC campus also serves as an NC3 certified training center that provides students with Snap-on Multimeter training and certifications. This is another certification that increases a graduate’s employability.
Each student in the program is also provided access to actual AC Delco training modules, which are presented to professional technicians by aftermarket General Motors trainers. When a student completes a module, they receive a certificate. This is just another way in which students can increase their employability when they begin their job search.
TRANSFER & EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Graduates of the degree program may also transfer into a 4-year Automotive program to earn a Bachelor’s Degree for even more career opportunities. Thanks to an articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, graduates of the Automotive Technology program can seamlessly transfer into their 4-year program for Automotive Technology.
AVAILABLE CERTIFICATES
In addition to the two-year associate degree, there are 3 specialized automotive certificates that are either stand‐alone programs or serve as ladders to the degree program. Select a title below for an overview of the program and the curriculum.
Automotive Service Specialist (AUM C526)
Auto Light Repair Tech (AUM C523)
Light Vehicle Diesel Service (AUM C533)
INTERESTED?
To join any one of the Automotive programs, or for more information, please call Frontier Community College at 618-842-3711 or email fccadmissions@iecc.edu.