Accelerate Your Career with an Automotive Maintenance Diploma
Are you looking to jumpstart your career in automotive technology? The Automotive Maintenance Diploma at Iowa Lakes provides a fast-track pathway to gain the essential skills you need to enter the workforce quickly. In just three terms, you’ll receive hands-on training in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining modern vehicles, ensuring you’re prepared for high-demand jobs in automotive service and repair.
You will train in our state-of-the-art automotive lab at the Emmetsburg Campus, while working with industry-standard diagnostic tools and repair equipment. You’ll develop expertise in brake systems, steering and suspension, transmissions, and engine repair, learning from experienced automotive professionals who ensure you gain the practical knowledge that you will need to succeed in today’s fast-paced industry.
Explore career opportunities and salary projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Outlook. Ready to launch your career? Connect with an enrollment coach today and get started in automotive maintenance!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Pathways to Success
Develop Practical Skills for an In-Demand Industry
The Automotive Maintenance Diploma program is designed to equip students with hands-on skills and foundational knowledge to thrive in dealerships, independent repair shops, and service centers. Key areas of training include:
- Automotive diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Brake system inspection and repair
- Steering, suspension, and alignment services
- Preventative maintenance and shop safety
Industry Certifications & Career Advancement
As part of the program, students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, giving them an advantage in the workforce. Certification opportunities include:
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications
- Manufacturer-specific training modules
- Safety and shop management certifications
Continue Your Education with an AAS Degree
Graduates of the Automotive Maintenance Diploma program have the option to expand their skills by continuing into the Automotive Technology AAS Degree. This additional training provides more in-depth knowledge, opening doors to higher-paying roles such as service management, advanced diagnostics, and specialized repair technician positions.
With a growing demand for skilled automotive technicians, Iowa Lakes gives you the practical training, industry connections, and hands-on experience to accelerate your career in automotive maintenance and repair.
Program Details
Length
3 Terms
Degree
Diploma (37 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
AUT 106 – Intro to Automotive Technology
This course provides students with an introductory overview of automotive servicing from a maintenance and replacement standpoint while emphasizing routine maintenance procedures in the care of tires, batteries, lighting, belts, hoses, filters, and cooling systems through classroom and lab instruction.
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety
The course is designed to prepare the student to work safely in the auto shop. Students will be introduced to safety equipment, safety rules, and common accidents in the automotive service area.
AUT 200 – Automotive Automatic Transmissions & Transaxles
This course covers Automatic Transmission and Transaxle diagnosis, maintenance, and light repair/replacement. Both hydraulic and electric controlled transmissions are discussed.
AUT 608 – Automotive Electrical
The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems.
AUT 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Automotive
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment in the automotive industry.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
AUT 851 – Auto Eng Performance Diagnosis
The course provides experience in using critical thinking skills to formulate rapid and accurate diagnoses of automotive drivability systems.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Choose AUT 608 or AUT 332 and ELE 332
Term 2
AUT 164 – Automotive Engine Repair
This course provides the engine repair and maintenance information and skills needed for entry-level technicians. Preventative maintenance and in-vehicle repair are covered, along with long block removal and installation.
AUT 303 – Automotive Manual Drive Train & Axles
This course covers manual transmission repair and maintenance, providing the information and skill needed for entry-level technicians. The course will also explore preventative maintenance, in-vehicle repair, transmission and clutch removal installation, drive axle and transfer case diagnosis and repair.
AUT 504 – Automotive Brake Systems
This course covers brake system repair and maintenance, providing the necessary information and skills for entry-level technicians, and covers the preventative maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of brake systems, including mechanical, anti-lock brake, and traction control.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Term 3
AUT 404 – Automotive Suspension & Steering
This course will provide instruction in diagnosing and repairing automotive alignment and suspension system components. Electronically controlled suspension and collision avoidance system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair are also covered.
AUT 704 – Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
The course is a study of the operation, diagnostics, and of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used in the automotive industry.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Automotive Maintenance program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Select task appropriate tools and equipment.
- Practice safety in the repair and service of automotive systems.
- Identify automotive system components.
- Analyze system components for repair/replacement.
- Perform preventative maintenance.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Automotive
Industry Certifications
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications
- Various SNAP-ON Certifications
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.3%
Potential Careers
Dealership Technician, Specialized or General Technician, Service Manager, Auto Shop Owner, Vehicle or Equipment Sales
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$49,316
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$52,410
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Jason Jacobson Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator | Automotive Technology 712-852-5348 | jjacobson@iowalakes.edu |