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Program Overview

Automotive Technology, C.C.C. (44 Credit Certificate)

The Automotive Technology program consists of a 24-credit Automotive Service Technology certificate, a 44-credit Automotive Technology certificate, and a 68-credit Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) that are responsible for training individuals to attain an entry-level position in the automotive industry. The certificates cover a broad range of instruction that may be found in the program outline of this master plan. An appropriate amount of time is spent in each area to thoroughly cover needed instructional material as well as to gain hands-on skills.

The program utilizes both theory and practical application of material to help the students gain needed knowledge and skills. Due to the increasing complexity of systems in today’s automobile, it is important to know why a procedure is done as well as how it is done. Understanding how a system functions, therefore, has an important role to play in this program of study.

Each student must successfully complete written test material on theory and related topics as well as successfully demonstrate the practical application of this information in the laboratory environment.

Prerequisites for this program should include a solid background in math and science in general with emphasis on basic math, formulas, percentiles, fraction and decimal conversion, and the use of precision measuring equipment, physics, chemistry, and metallurgy. These areas are taught as part of the program of study, but it would be helpful to have these skills in advance.

Review the guided degree pathway where you will find a detailed plan for your courses and other requirements each semester that prepare you for graduation and your transfer goals.

Locations

Florida Gateway College (Main Campus, Building 056)

Testing Entrance Requirements

Students must take the TABE (if required) and complete all requirements associated with admission to FGC.

Hours

Students are expected to attend class from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday. This schedule provides 4.5 hours of instruction each day for a total of 18 hours per four-day week, excluding holidays and school breaks as outlined in the current school calendar. These hours only cover the core required automotive certificate courses. General education courses required for completion of the A.A.S. will be taken outside these listed hours at the student’s convenience. Online, afternoon, or evening classes are all possibilities. Class times are subject change.

COSTS

Total Cost: $6,978.94
(This cost includes classes, lab fees, books, personal tools, and uniforms as required.)

44

Credit hours

100%

On-site training

30+

Years of Instructor’s experience

FGC Fall 2019FGC Fall 2019FGC Fall 2019

Careers at a Glance

Starting Salaries

Starting Salaries in the State of Florida range from $24,000-$26,000. Your anticipated salary depends on your level of certification and ASE Certifications.

This depends on level of certification and ASE certification.

Employment Opportunities

In the state of Florida, there are currently over 1,300 employment opportunities, according to Indeed.com, just on the automotive side. This does not include Marine, Diesel, and Heavy Equipment.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the demands of the chosen program. More information about these requirements is presented in the following section. Applicants make an initial application through the Admissions Office. A minimum skills evaluation is part of the admission process. It is highly recommended that students meet with the program faculty prior to entering the program.

For the Automotive Technology certificate programs, the admission requirements include:

  • Complete the FGC online application
  • Take the TABE if required (see below)
  • Meet with an advisor
  • Meet with the program faculty prior to enrollment
Program Notes

Essential Training Tasks

Florida Gateway College’s Automotive Technology program requires its students to participate in real-world activities as part of the learning process. The below lists cover the physical and mental and emotional requirements to succeed in this program.

Physical Requirements

As a part of this program, students must have the ability to:

  1. Maintain a high degree of manual dexterity
  2. Stoop
  3. Kneel
  4. Lift at least 50 pounds and walk with it
  5. Use voice, hearing, and sight effectively to perform jobs in the automotive field
  6. Crouch or bend
  7. Use fingers to perform precise movements
  8. Crawl
  9. Differentiate colors
  10. Handle and finger supplies
  11. Use depth perception
  12. Work in an atmosphere of loud noise
  13. Work in an atmosphere of changes in temperature
  14. Perform repetitive tasks
  15. Measure accurately
  16. Work without close, direct supervision
  17. Work on multiple tasks and priorities
  18. Perform and complete complex tasks

Mental and Emotional Requirements

As a part of this program, students must have the ability to:

  1. Handle confrontation and frustration and assist in problem resolution
  2. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagrammatic form
  3. Work with others
  4. Cope with high levels of stress
  5. Perform mathematical computations at a level of tenth grade or higher
  6. Make fast decisions under pressure
  7. Cope with anger, fear, and hostility of others in a calm manner
  8. Demonstrate a high degree of patience
  9. Read and understand computer and related equipment
  10. Work in close or crowded areas
Program Guide & Syllabi

The college credit certificate in General Automotive Technician is offered to prepare students for entry-level employment in the automotive service industry.

The following is a suggested sequence for the courses:

First Semester: 9 Credit Hours

  • AER 1082 Introduction to Vehicle Systems & Services – 3 credits
  • AER 1602 Electrical/Electronic Systems I – 4 credits
  • AER 1073 Parts & Service – 2 credits

Second Semester: 8 Credit Hours

  • AER 1596C Brake Systems, ABS, & Traction Control Systems – 4credits
  • AER 1197 Engine Diagnosis & Repair – 4credits

Summer Semester: 7 Credit Hours

  • AER 1496 Steering and Suspension Systems – 3 credits
  • AER 2694 Electrical/Electronic Systems – 4 credits

Third Semester: 10 Credit Hours

  • AER 1695 Chassis Electronics – 3 credits
  • AER 2398 Manual Transmission/Drive Trains – 3 credits
  • AER 1758 HVAC Systems – 4 credits

Fourth Semester: 10 Credit Hours

  • AER 2298 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles – 3 credits
  • AER 2870 Alternative Fuel and Propulsion – 3 credits
  • AER 2840 Engine Control Systems/Diagnostics II – 4 credits
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate proper safety practices and procedures.
  • Diagnose and repair engines and engine control systems.
  • Diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems.
  • Diagnose and repair transmissions.
  • Diagnose and repair the steering, suspension, and brake systems.
  • Diagnose and repair automotive HVAC systems.
  • Perform preventative maintenance.