Program Features
The Pratt Community College Automotive Technology Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. It includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
PCC’s Automotive Technology Program is a hands-on program which meets the requirements for Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation—the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Automotive technology students work in a shop environment; the environment includes current industry-level equipment. The qualified faculty are ASE certified master technicians who update their knowledge and skills through professional development and automotive industry opportunities.
On campus students work in a live shop, completing work for customers. Instructors and students at all locations may participate in car shows and other networking/recruiting activities. All these experiences prepare students to test and become ASE certified prior to graduation, enhancing the students' earning potential and career opportunities.
Contact our Admissions office to get started.
Degree and Certificate Options
Associate of Applied Science, Automotive Technology
Certificate A, Automotive Service Technician – Level I
Program Learning Outcomes for Automotive Technology
By the end of the Automotive Technology Program, Students are expected to complete the following.
I, ____________________, will comply with personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing; eye protection; hand tools; power equipment; proper ventilation; and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals/materials in accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
RATING SCALE: N No Exposure - No experience or knowledge in this area
L Limited Skill - Requires instruction and close supervision
M Moderately Skilled - Performs job completely with limited supervision
S Skilled - Works independently
Personal Standards
NLMS
0000 Reports to work daily on time; able to take directions and motivated to accomplish the task at hand.
0000 Dresses appropriately and uses language and manners suitable for the workplace.
0000 Maintains personal hygiene appropriate for the workplace.
0000 Meets and maintains employment eligibility criteria, such as drug/alcohol-free status, clean driving record, etc.
0000 Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and reliability.
Work Habits/Ethic
NLMS
0000 Complies with workplace policies/laws.
0000 Contributes to the success of the team, assists others and requests help when needed.
0000 Works well with all customers and coworkers.
0000 Negotiates solutions to interpersonal and workplace conflicts.
0000 Contributes ideas and initiative.
0000 Follows directions.
0000 Communicates effectively, both in writing and verbally, with customers and coworkers.
0000 Reads and interprets workplace documents; writes clearly and concisely.
0000 Analyzes and resolves problems that arise in completing assigned tasks.
0000 Organizes and implements a productive plan of work.
0000 Uses scientific, technical, engineering and mathematics (STEM) principles and reasoning to accomplish assigned tasks.
0000 Identifies and addresses the needs of all customers, providing helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable service and advice as needed.
0000 Respectful of tools and property used in school and workplace environment.
0000 Contributes to an inclusive environment where every coworker and customer feels welcomed, heard, and valued.
Shop and Personal Safety
NLMS
0000 Identify general shop safety rules and procedures.
0000 Utilize safe procedures for handling of tools and equipment.
0000 Identify and use proper placement of floor jacks and jack stands.
0000 Identify and use proper procedures for safe lift operation.
0000 Utilize proper ventilation procedures for working within the lab/shop area.
0000 Identify marked safety areas.
0000 Identify the location and the types of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment; demonstrate knowledge of the procedures for using fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
0000 Identify the location and use of eye wash stations.
0000 Identify the location of the posted evacuation routes.
0000 Comply with the required use of safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and shoes during lab/shop activities.
0000 Identify and wear appropriate clothing for lab/shop activities.
0000 Secure hair and jewelry for lab/shop activities.
0000 Identify vehicle systems which pose a safety hazard during service such as: supplemental restraint systems (SRS), electronic brake control systems, stop/start systems, and remote start systems.
0000 Identify vehicle systems which pose a safety hazard during service due to high voltage such as: hybrid/electric drivetrain, lighting systems, ignition systems, A/C systems, injection systems, etc.
0000 Locate and demonstrate knowledge of safety data sheets (SDS).
Tools and Equipment
NLMS
0000 Identify tools and their usage in automotive applications.
0000 Identify standard and metric designation.
0000 Demonstrate safe handling and use of appropriate tools.
0000 Demonstrate proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance of tools and equipment.
0000 Demonstrate proper use of precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometer, dial-indicator, dial-caliper).
0000 Perform common fastener and thread repair, including removing broken bolts, restoring internal and external threads, and repairing internal threads with a thread insert.
Preparing for Vehicle Service
NLMS
0000 Identify information needed and the service requested on a repair order.
0000 Identify purpose and demonstrate proper use of vehicle protection such as: fender covers, mats, seat, and steering wheel covers.
0000 Perform a vehicle walk-around inspection; identify and document existing vehicle conditions such as body damage, paint damage, windshield damage.
0000 Perform a vehicle multi-point inspection and complete a vehicle inspection report.
0000 Demonstrate use of the three C’s (concern, cause, and correction).
0000 Create a plan of action for each specific service or diagnostic situation.
0000 Review vehicle service history.
0000 Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer concern, related service history, cause, and correction.
Preparing Vehicle for Customer
NLMS
0000 Ensure vehicle is prepared to return to customer per school/company policy (floor mats, steering wheel cover, etc.)
Kansas Promise Scholarship Opportunities
Automotive Technology program students from Kansas are eligible for the Kansas Board of Regents Promise Act Scholarship. This scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, which means that a student may receive a scholarship in the amount of aggregate tuition, required fees, books and materials minus all other financial aid (including grants and scholarships) that does not require repayment.
For more information:
https://prattcc.edu/financial-information/kansas-promise-scholarship-pr…
https://www.kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-ac…
Career Options
Automotive Master Mechanic
Automotive Engineering Technician
Automotive Body and Related Repairer
Accreditation
The automotive training program at Pratt Community College has received ASE Training Program accreditation by the ASE Education Foundation.
More Information
Automotive Certifications
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Need more info on high school students earning college credit through PCC? See videos below and learn more about the Automotive pathway on our high school College Start-Career Technical Education (CTE) web page.
Click picture to load video on Kingman campus:
Click picture to load video on Attica campus: