Dec 11, 2024  
2018-2019 Course Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Caterpillar Technology, AAS


The Caterpillar Technician program prepares students for a career in the area of diesel repair, focusing on Caterpillar products. Instruction is in the repair, maintenance and testing of diesel engines, power trains and other components of trucks and construction equipment.

This program is accredited by the AED Associated Equipment Distributors, www.AeDnet.org.

For more information about the Caterpillar program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/cat.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Students may start any semester.


This program is taught between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Complete a mechanical aptitude and ability test.
  4. Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Caterpillar Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

These courses may have a different order of completion.

Semester 1


Option 1 - Select 1 Course


Semester 6


  • Option 2 - Select one course Credits: 3
  • Option 3 - Select one course Credits: 3-4
  • Option 4 - Select one course Credit: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 82*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$156.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6
Books (approximate)   462 464 150 150 40 413
Supplies     80      80    45
Equipment-Tools (approximate) 3000          

Approximate total for program: $17,676**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Diagnose mechanical and functional failures in Caterpillar equipment.
  • Remove, repair and install various components from Caterpillar equipment.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical and hydraulic systems in Caterpillar equipment.
  • Modify existing machinery to improve or adapt from its original design.
  • Make recommendations concerning the repair and maintenance of Caterpillar machinery.
  • Order parts and submit repair bills and estimates for the repair of Caterpillar machinery.
  • Use special tools and equipment to diagnose the condition of Caterpillar machines, systems and components.
  • Plan and organize work requested to repair Caterpillar equipment.
  • Use computers to retrieve information and service Caterpillar equipment.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Be goal-oriented.
  • Be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Be able to follow directions and work well with others.
  • Be able to use mechanical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.
  • Be able to grasp new ideas and concepts rapidly.
  • Ability to read and comprehend new information.
  • Ability to communicate with others in the industry.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • Graduates may be moved into management positions.
  • Some positions require a Class A CDL license.
  • There is a minimum investment in tools.
  • Graduates will usually be required to serve two or three years as a Caterpillar technician apprentice before attaining journeyman status.
  • Possess a strong personal commitment to succeed as a Caterpillar technician.
  • Average starting salary-anticipated $43,500 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies


This Program will..

  1. Demonstrate skill and knowledge on repair of a variety of trucks, off road (construction), and agricultural equipment.
  2. Demonstrate operational skills and maintenance practices on trucks, off road (construction), and agricultural equipment.
  3. Assess power train, hydraulic, and air conditioning components.
  4. Trace hydraulic schematics, air conditioning, and air brake diagrams.
  5. Service air conditioning systems.
  6. Test engines with a dynomometer.
  7. Identify, test, and adjust various types of nozzles and injectors.
  8. Identify, inspect, and adjust various fuel pumps and injection pumps.
  9. Use schematic diagrams to identify components and connections on electronic diesel engines.
  10. Connect and operate diagnostic equipment used with electronic diesel engines t diagnose faults and examine parameters.
  11. Demonstrate ability to diagnose and repair electrical systems such as charging, starting and accessory. Calculate both AC and DC electrical circuits using Ohms law.
  12. Use a variety of measurement tools.
  13. Read and understand a manual.
  14. Disassemble, inspect and assemble a diesel engine.
  15. Perform tune-up procedures on different engines.

Nondiscrimination Statement


DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).(2018)