What is Automotive Technology?
Enrollment for Spring 2024 is Now Open
The Automotive program is now accepting new students every semester. The available seats are first come first served. Once the seats have filled, a waitlist will be created. Please contact the Program Coordinator today to schedule an advising session for enrollment or to learn more about the program.
In today's automotive industry there is a high demand for technologically advanced technicians.
Instruction in systems such as engines, fuel, on-board computers, transmissions, steering, suspension, and brakes is the basis for this program.
The Automotive Technician option provides knowledge of the various systems used to develop skills in troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance, servicing and repairing automobiles. The program, which is designed to be completed in two years, prepares graduates for entry-level service technician jobs in the auto repair industry. The student may be provided a work-study experience alternating between periods of work on-site and work in a classroom-laboratory setting.
The student may take the ASE exams in these areas when they have completed the requirements for these tests.
ASE Certification
Information on ASE testing can be found on the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website (new window).
NATEF Program Certification
The Automotive Program at BCTC is currently Accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. The Program Coordinator continues to hold Automotive Service Excellence Master Certification Status.
Information on NATEF program certification can be found at the following web site http://www.natef.org.
ASE for College Credit
A student who has passed and received certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) may earn up to a maximum of 54 credit hours equivalent to the course(s) within the program of study as specified by the Automotive Technology Curriculum. Credit will be granted ONLY upon receipt of an official proof of certification credential stating the date issued. A copy of the credential must be filed as part of the student's permanent record. The credential must be accepted within four years of the issue date on the credential. Students must met residency requirements for credentials.
Articulation Agreement
Five credit hours for:
- ADX-150 Engine Repair (3)
- ADX-151 Engine Repair Lab (2)
Five credit hours for:
- AUT-180 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles (3)
- AUT-181 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab (2)
Five credit hours for:
- AUT-130 Manual Transmissions (3)
- AUT-131 Manual Transmissions Lab (2)
Five credit hours for:
- AUT-160 Suspension and Steering (3)
- AUT-161 Suspension and Steering Lab (2)
Five credit hours for:
- AUT-110 Brake Systems (3)
- AUT-111 Brake Systems Lab (2)
Ten credit hours for:
- ADX-120 Basic Automotive Electricity (3)
- ADX-121 Basic Automotive Electricity Lab (2)
- ADX-260 Electrical Systems (3)
- ADX-261 Electrical Systems Lab (2)
Four credit hours for:
- ADX-170 Climate Control (3)
- ADX-171 Climate Control Lab (1)
Fifteen credit hours for:
- AUT-140 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems (3)
- AUT-141 Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems Lab (2)
- AUT-142 Emission Systems (3)
- AUT-143 Emission Systems Lab (2)
- AUT-240 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis (3)
- AUT-241 Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis Lab (2)
Uniform Policy
The Automotive Technology program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College has a mandatory uniform policy. Students are required to adhere to the policy at all times unless otherwise directed by the instructor.
| Subject | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Shirt | Dark blue with a six inch sleeve, collar, and at least three buttons. Shirts must be tucked in and buttoned (with the exception of the top three) at all times. (No name badges or company insignias.) |
| Pants | Dark blue in color. No jeans. Shorts may be worn but must be a dark blue, work style. Pants are to be worn around the waist. |
| Shoes | No requirements, but safety work shoes or boots are recommended. If shoes have strings they must be tied. |
| Belt | Required at all times. No large buckles. |
| Hats | May be worn but must be kept clean. |
| Hair | Long hair must be tied back. |
| Jewelry | Rings, chains, bracelets, facial jewelry, watches, earrings or any other items deemed a safety hazard by the instructor are not permitted. (NO EXCEPTIONS!) |
| Safety Glasses | Students must supply their own eye protection and have it available each day and must have clear lens. Safety glasses must be worn while working in the lab! |
What are my career choices?
Jobs in the industry include more than repair technicians at new vehicle dealerships. Opportunities are also available in fleet service, with independent repair facilities and as service writers and parts sales.
Job Titles
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Automotive Electrician
- Manual Transmission Technician
- Drive Train Technician
- Automatic Transmission Technician
- Transaxle Technician
- Brake Repairer
- Engine Repairer
- Front End Mechanic
- Tune-Up Mechanic
What are my degree, diploma or certificate options?
The catalog describes the course requirements for completing the credential. Students are required to schedule an appointment with their assigned academic advisor to ensure achievement of their academic goals.
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic (new window)
- Automotive Electrician (new window)
- Automotive Transmission-Transaxle Technician (new window)
- Brake Repairer (new window)
- Engine Repairer (new window)
- Front End Mechanic (new window)
- Manual Transmission Technician (new window)
- Tune-Up Mechanic (new window)
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time
status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
