Automotive Technology

The demand for fully trained auto technicians has been growing in recent years, with a high retirement rate, increased car ownership and a more diverse range of vehicles on the road all contributing to create even more opportunities for aspiring mechanics.

Overview

Automotive technician careers involve everything from diagnosing and repairing issues on cars and trucks to servicing and providing preventative maintenance. These jobs are in high demand as there are millions of vehicles on the road that will need some level of service!

OFTC’s Automotive Technology programs are hands-on and allows students to gain valuable experience working on state-of-the-art equipment and training aids, and even maintain the college’s vehicle fleet which allows them to see real-world issues they’ll encounter on the job before they graduate.

Programs in the Automotive Technology department can be completed between 1 – 5 semesters.

Features

Job Stability & Security Icon
Job Stability & Security

Automotive technician careers involve everything from diagnosing and repairing issues on cars and trucks to servicing and providing preventative maintenance. These jobs are in high demand as there are millions of vehicles on the road that will need some level of service!

Little or No Cost to You Icon
Little or No Cost to You

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.  

Tuition & Fees Icon
Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Automotive Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $2,602.00 – $8,105.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $275.00 

*Visit www.OFTC.edu/departments/ to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

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Advancement Opportunities

With the motivation to learn and the drive to take on new challenges, pursuing an auto tech job is a great career choice and offers opportunities for advancement.   

It’s not uncommon for automotive technicians to increase certifications and gain mobility at their current job, or transition into customer service or management positions and advance significantly over the course of their careers. 

 

Locations

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Visit www.OFTC.edu/departments/ to view each individual program and the OFTC campus where it is taught, in part or in its entirety. 

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

Admissions Process

 

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit www.OFTC.edu/departments/ to view each individual program and its required minimum scores. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 16 years of age.

 

Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page at www.OFTC.edu/departments/ 

 

Need More Info?

 

  • For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor:  
    • 478-274-7867 (Dublin) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

Learning Format

Students can enter Automotive Technology programs program any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait. 

Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology. 

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On Campus

These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.  

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Blended

Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.

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Online Asynchronous

These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.

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Synchronous Technology

OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.

Flexible Schedule

We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.

Apply Today

Paying for College

At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.   

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. 

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
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$
834
M
Georgia awarded over $834 million in scholarships in AY22
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62
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship
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$
7.3
M
OFTC students received over $7.3 million in financial assistance in AY22
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93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY22

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Automotive Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $4,993.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $275.00 

*Visit www.OFTC.edu/departments/ to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year. 

Career Outlook

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Upon completing the Automotive Fundamentals program, graduates may gain potential employment in the following areas: Automotive Service and Sales Associate, Automotive Technician, Automotive Trainer or Instructor, Fleet Mechanic, Power Equipment Technician, or Tools, Parts and Accessory Sales. 

BLS.GOV 

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 

  • 2021 Median Annual Pay: $46,880 
  • Job Outlook: The workforce in this industry is retiring, which means there is a lot of opportunity for growth in this field.  

What does this mean to you?  There are currently more auto mechanic job openings than there are technicians to fill those roles.  This is a very stable industry with opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.

 

Learn More
99.78
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
87.30
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
57.1
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY22)

Program Benefits

Skills Learned

 

  • Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment 
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience 
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly 
  • Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined 
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires 
  • Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors 
  • Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications 
  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients 

Job Titles

 

  • Automotive Service and Sales Associate 
  • Automotive Technician 
  • Automotive Trainer or Instructor 
  • Fleet Mechanic 
  • Mechanic 
  • Power Equipment Technician 
  • Tools, Parts and Accessory Sales 

 

Diverse Settings

 

  • Automobile dealers 
  • Automotive repair and maintenance shops 
  • Self-employed workers 
  • Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores 

Graduate Testimonials

“The skills I learned in OFTC’s Automotive Technology program have helped me in multiple ways. I developed problem-solving skills that not only apply when working on cars, but with other elements of life as well. I also gained a lot of technical knowledge about common vehicles that are on the road today. The professionalism and work ethic skills learned while enrolled in the Automotive Technology program have given me a foundation to build my future on.”

Charles Perez
2021 OFTC Graduate