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Flint Hills Technical College. Programs and Majors.
Automotive Technology

Mission:

Students successfully completing courses in the Automotive Technology program will be able to apply theoretical concepts and demonstrate practical application of diagnostic and repair procedures used in the automotive industry.    

Career Paths:

Graduates from the Automotive Technology program will be prepared to seek career opportunities in a variety of diverse industries, including:Student working under car Student diagnosing car
  • Car Dealerships
  • Governmental Transportation
  • Automotive Service Industries
  • Retail Auto Parts
  • Agriculture
  • Automotive Parts Sales
      

The Industry:

Automotive Technicians diagnose and repair a wide range of vehicles including passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, four-wheel drive vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks. The automotive industry is high-tech, with state-of-the-art computers being used to control all major automotive systems. A very high demand exists in the auto industry for skilled technicians.

Today's high-tech cars require highly skilled technicians to diagnose and repair their many electronic systems. Automotive technicians use a wide range of tools and specialized electronic test equipment including lab scopes, electronic scanners, computerized engine analyzers, and digital alignment systems.

Auto technicians usually work in an indoor shop and are a part of the total dealership team. Individuals working in the automotive repair industry should possess good math, reading, and communication skills and be prepared to attend classes as technology changes.

Career options exist for general automotive technician, dealership technician, parts person, shop supervisor, and service manager. There continues to be a shortage of highly qualified repair technicians at both automotive dealerships and independent repair centers throughout this region and the entire United States.     

The Program:

Prerequisites

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must have graduated from high school, have received a GED diploma, or be concurrently enrolled in high school
  • Must have own tools.
 

Instruction

Students learn to service and repair automobiles. Instruction takes place with a one-third classroom, two-thirds shop split, and includes mastering both theory and hands-on procedures. Lab work is performed on actual customer vehicles in a well-equipped shop. Students will develop the skills necessary to use a wide range of automatic tools and equipment.

Student evaluation is completed based on written examinations and hands-on demonstrations. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.  

Program Cost Sheet
Program Cost Sheet (High School)
Program Supplies List

Courses

1-year Technical Certificate
The Automotive Technology certificate program, which contains technical education courses is two semesters in length. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to apply theoretical concepts and perform diagnostic and repair procedures. A program advisory committee, composed of automotive representatives, annually updates industry expectations and employment opportunities. For graduates opting to continue their education, these certificate courses are transferable to the Automotive Technology AAS degree program. Click here for more information.
2-year Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree, with a major in Automotive Technology, is a four-semester program that contains technical, advanced technical and general education courses. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed for a wide variety of careers—ranging from automotive technician to service manager—in the automotive industry or further education. Click here for more information.

Advisory Members

Mike Bailey

Osage Chevrolet, Buick, Inc.
425 Market
Osage City , KS 66523

Scott Dorcas

Martin Muffler
7 W. 8 th
Emporia , KS 66801

Rob Wooduff

Cline Auto Supply, Inc
810 Industrial
Emporia , KS 6680

Rex Williams

Williams Automotive, Inc.
3105 W. 6 th Avenue
Emporia , KS 66801

David Ranger

John North Ford
3002 W. Hwy 50
Emporia , KS 66801

Derrick James

Longbine Auto Plaza
3012 West Highway 50
Emporia , KS 66801

Ryan Furman

John North Ford
3002 W. Hwy 50
Emporia , KS

Instructor(s):

Bill Shipman and Bret Pope     

Student Organizations:

SkillsUSA is an organization for secondary and post-secondary students in the technology fields. The organization's goal is to teach leadership skills and to actively involve students outside of the classroom in community projects. All Automotive Technology students have the opportunity to participate in VICA.