Automotive Technology

Automotive technicians must have good mechanical skills plus a thorough understanding of automotive computer and electrical systems to perform preventive maintenance, diagnose breakdowns, and make repairs on today’s automobiles. Technicians use many kinds of tools, ranging from simple hand tools to complicated electronic equipment. The journeyman technician is trained to perform a variety of repairs, and many technicians will specialize in such areas as engine performance, brakes, front-end alignment, transmissions, air conditioning, and engine repair.

Clark College is a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified institution that has been training automotive technicians for over 50 years. The Automotive Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as technicians. Instruction includes both classroom theory and extensive hands-on experience in the shop where the student encounters real day-to-day automotive problems.

As a Toyota Technical Education Network training center, Clark offers automotive students several options for specializing in the servicing of Toyota vehicles. This manufacturer-affiliated program won the Automotive Industry Planning Council's (AIPC) Award of Excellence competition for 2002 and received national recognition in 2001 from the National Institute for

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the American Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc., and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc.
For more information on Toyota Technology, see the Associate in Applied Science Degree program guide.

Students must complete all major area courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better in order to successfully complete the program and earn the award.

Fast Track Option

Clark College is now offering an evening Fast Track program that allows you to complete your Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology (AUTO) courses in 14 months; or even faster with the addition of daytime classes. You can also finish courses for a Certificate of Proficiency in a condensed timeframe. General education requirements can be taken at your convenience.
Courses are offered in ten-week sessions held Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sessions do not follow the Clark College quarterly calendar, so please see the current class schedule for start and end dates. You must complete AUTO 108 Safety Basics & Electricity or AUTO 110 Automotive Basics with a grade of “C” or better before enrolling in all other Fast Track courses. All required AUTO classes are offered each quarter in the Fast Track format.
Call Bev Vogler at (360) 992-2309 or Tom Curvat at (360) 992-2551 to put your automotive technology career on the Fast Track.