Diesel Technology, AAS

Major Code: 3708

Program Description

This program is designed to prepare graduates for positions as diesel technicians for both on and off highway equipment. The program has been developed in response to industry demand in conjunction with various consortium members. This program offers individuals the opportunity to complete the full outline of courses listed below on site at BridgeValley Community and Technical College or transfer diesel technology credit from various Career Technical Centers which offer similar programs. Credit may also be transferred from individuals completing industry training from Caterpillar, Komatsu, Cummins or Detroit. Individuals completing industry based training must confer with the program advisor for credit equivalency. Students may also be interested in the Entrepreneurship skill sets offered by the Business & Health Management department.

Program Goals and Objectives

In addition to the learning outcomes set forth in the general education core curriculum for the associate degree, specific outcomes for this program have been established.

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Apply industry-based safety standards in the work environment.
2. Understand two-and four-stroke engine operation, electrical and hydraulic system principles and mechanical operations.
3. Apply principles of suspension and steering, brakes, drive train, and computer analysis.
4. Perform general maintenance and troubleshooting.
5. Practice approved safety procedures in various work situations.
6. Read and interpret vehicle and component service manuals and write clear, accurate, and complete service reports.
7. Diagnose and repair mechanical and electronic fuel injection malfunctions.
8. Demonstrate the correct use of basic hand tools, special tools, and testing equipment.
9. Perform vehicle safety inspections as required by state and federal laws.
10. Overhaul and tune diesel engines.
11. Test, adjust, and align truck suspension systems
12. Diagnose and repair common malfunctions to brakes, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
13. Interpret schematics and wiring diagrams, test starting, charging, lighting, and accessory systems.
14. Understand the potential health and safety hazards in the work place and how to properly document and perform corrective action.
15. Apply basic electronic principles to engine control and data storage.

Program Assessment

Program outcomes are assessed by a variety of means, including quizzes, unit tests, oral presentations, written reports, and final examinations. Outcomes based on technical expertise are assessed by the WorkKeys Applied Technology exit exam, which measures the skills people use when they solve problems with machines and equipment found in the workplace. The primary areas of assessment are electricity, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics. General education outcomes are assessed through the General Education Portfolio.

Advanced Placement Credit for High School/Vocational-Technical Center/College Programs

High school level diesel technology coursework is not necessary for entrance into the program. Introductory subjects are incorporated as part of the program. Students, who have completed vocational or EDGE courses, may receive credit for advanced placement. Articulation/EDGE agreements are in place with various vocation-technical centers. Advanced placement is also available for students with prior college experience. Please contact the department chair.

Careers in Diesel

Diesel service technicians and mechanics have opportunities in a wide range of industries such as truck transportation, government, repair and maintenance, mining, timber, construction, railroad, marine, and manufacturing. Typical job titles include: bus mechanic, diesel mechanic, diesel technician, fleet mechanic, general repair mechanic, mechanic, service technician, trailer mechanic, transit mechanic, truck mechanic, shop foreman, and service manager.

The median national wage for Diesel service technician is $42,320 per year or $20.35 per hour as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statstics (BLS) May 2012.