Automotive Service Technician Program
Create Your New Future
Program Details
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Automotive Service program helps prepare you to pursue a career as an automotive service technician. We combine classroom style education with hands-on learning to prepare you for what a career in automotive service technician will be like once you graduate. By the end of our program you’ll be prepared to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and EPA 609 A/C Technician certification.* Our Automotive Service Technician program is available at our San Antonio and Corpus Christi campuses.
Diploma: 71.5 Credit Hours, 13 Months.
*STVT cannot guarantee job placement, salary or employment *STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
What’s Covered
Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.
Learn how to diagnose and repair common malfunctions in domestic and imported engines.
Discover the normal function of computerized and mechanical car systems. Use this knowledge to identify malfunctions, their impact on performance, and how they can be resolved.
Discover how to examine different car components and identify common issues across electrical and mechanical systems.
Learn how to reduce the chances of a car breaking down by providing regular maintenance such as oil changes, wheel alignments, hose and filter exams, and more.
Learn how to repair, maintain, and replace a transmission.
Learn how to properly repair heating, air conditioning, and related electrical systems in cars and light trucks. Practice recovering, recycling, and handling refrigerants per EPA 609 guidelines.
Learn how to inspect, diagnose, and repair tires, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, power steering, traction control systems, and more.
Study electrical theory as it relates to components like car batteries, charging systems, air conditioning systems, and more.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the highest employment level for automotive service technicians across the US. Between 2022 and 2032, the job growth for this field is projected to remain steady. This means, on average, around 67,700* positions may become available each year.
Graduates of our Automotive Service Technician program have found entry-level work as:
- Diesel Technicians
- Express Service Technicians
- Lube Technicians
- Mechanics
- Service Technicians
Service technicians who perform repairs or maintenance to motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems or MVAC-like systems must earn the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Section 609 certification.
*This is a national figure. Conditions in your location may be different. **STVT cannot guarantee employment or salary ***STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment. ****The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Service technicians are found across a wide range of industries. They provide a wide range of technical expertise and services, which can vary depending on their industry. Automotive service technicians provide electrical and mechanical support to automotive shops and/or dealerships by:
- handling oil changes
- diagnosing and repairing transmissions
- repairing automotive electrical systems and more
We delve deeper into automotive service technician responsibilities, education, how to become one, and more in this blog.
Mechanics primarily handle the hands-on repairs. Automotive service technicians use computers to diagnose and repair cars. They also have more training and certifications than mechanics.
Yes, automotive service technicians can specialize in one or more areas of automotive repair through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The ASE offers a wide range of certification tests and practice tests. They also offer a refrigerant recovery and training program and Entry-Level Certification tests for students. Each certification quiz focuses on different mechanical systems, vehicle types, electrical systems, and more.
The BLS projects a steady job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics between 2022 and 2032. Annually, this means an average of around 67,000 positions may become available.
Our Automotive Service Technician program teaches students how to repair cars and light trucks such as pickup trucks and vans.
Automotive service technicians use a mix of technical, interpersonal, and analytical skills. Some skills they have may include, but aren’t limited to:
- technical proficiency with diagnostic equipment and computer systems
- vehicle inspections
- repair and maintenance techniques
- communication
- refrigerant reclamation and recycling
- diagnostic skills and more
Ready To Enroll?
Start at STVT to begin the skills-based career training you’ve been dreaming of. Our flexible scheduling and affordable options make it a great place for you to pursue your diploma in Automotive Service Technology. Talk to an admissions representative today.
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