Nov 21, 2024  
2019-2020 Course Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technology Diploma


The Auto Mechanics Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in the high-technology automotive service industry and to update those who are already employed.

The Auto Mechanics Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program is a comprehensive training program designed to cover all aspects of automotive repair. Graduates with an AAS degree find employment in dealerships, independent service facilities, corporate repair facilities and automotive parts establishments. They are employed as automotive technicians, insurance claims adjusters, automotive instructors, parts specialists and repair technicians in related fields.

There are three separate diploma options, which can be taken individually or in combination. One option prepares graduates for job entry in current automotive technology tune-up and engine repair  . Another option prepares graduates to enter the automotive industry trained in the latest power train and chassis  repair techniques. A third option prepares graduates to enter the automotive industry as a maintenance and light repair technician. Diploma recipients may receive an AAS degree   by completing the additional courses required for the Auto Mechanics Technology AAS degree.

This diploma option prepares graduates for a career in automotive maintenance and minor repair. This will include the light repair and maintenance of electrical systems, brakes, suspension, steering, alignment, heating, air conditioning and engines.

For more information about the Auto Mechanics Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/automotive/automechanics.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Auto Maintenance & Light Repair diploma is available only at the Ankeny campus.

Students start Fall or Spring semester. (Daytime program only)


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Attend any required information/registration session.
  3. Complete the following assessments.
    • Reading ACCUPLACER Next Gen test 
    • Writing (Language) ACCUPLACER Next Gen test  
    • Math (Numeric) ALEKS placement  
    • Mechanical Reasoning test 

Graduation Requirements


To earn a diploma in Auto Maintenance Light Repair a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 3


Total Credits Required to Complete the Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Diploma - 44


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$160.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate)   500 500 150
Equipment-Tools (approximate) 3500 100 100

Approximate total for the program: $11,890**

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Service automobiles to keep them from developing mechanical problems (preventive maintenance).
  • Make systematic examinations and adjustments; repair and replace defective parts of cars and trucks.
  • Diagnose drivability problems so repairs can be made.
  • Use different kinds of testing equipment, such as engine analyzers, compression gauges, and electrical test meters, lab scope and computers.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Use your hands to do technical and manipulative skills with accuracy.
  • Use hand tools and interpret readings from meters, gauges and computers.
  • Establish effective interpersonal relations with customers and coworkers.
  • Read and understand technical information off a computer and from technical manuals.
  • Ability to diagnose problems and take proper remedial measures.
  • Lift and carry objects up to 60 pounds.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Basic math and reading skills are a must.
  • Students must provide own hand tools; approximately $3,500.
  • Average starting salary Auto Mechanics Tech. A.A.S. degree-$33,280 (2017-2018 Placement Report).

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)