Program Tips

Academic Advising

Academic advisors assist students by providing recommendations to ensure success based on the student's previous academic experience, academic assessments, and responsibilities outside of being a student. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support/Academic Advising).

Technology Requirements

Students should have access to a computer/device with reliable Wi-Fi at home/off campus. The program has a laptop cart available, however, if you would like to purchase your own device, a windows based laptop with the minimum specifics below is recommended:

Windows/PC:

Windows 10 64-bit (preferred)
Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit)

RAM: 8GB
Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
Processor: 2.4+ GHz

404-335 Automotive Fundamentals

This course starts 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester (32 hours) and students will need to pass this course to continue in the program. 

Program Format

This program offers two options:

• Group A section with Automotive courses Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Group B section with Automotive courses Monday - Friday, 2 - 6 p.m.
• The 2nd year of the program is one section scheduled Monday - Friday, 7 - 11 a.m.

The program includes a hands-on lab which operates on a set schedule and attendance is required. Course instruction includes a hybrid component which is a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning. Students will need a “C” average in the Automotive courses to advance to the second year.

Tools

Tools will be provided for student's use as part of the program, other than the supplemental tool and equipment items, specific tool set is NOT required to start the program.  Due to space concerns, students will NOT be allowed to bring in their own tools or tool boxes.  Students will be assigned a tool box set and will be responsible for repair or replacement of any missing or damaged tools.  Students will have the opportunity to meet with tool vendors during the program to make tool purchases to use in the workforce.

ASE Exams

The ASE credential enhances students’ employability. Upon completion of this program, students may choose to complete the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams. See instructor for test dates, registration information, and fees charged by ASE. More information about ASE can be found at ase.com.

Winter Term

Students in the Auto Maintenance/Auto Technician programs are required to complete 404-355 Automotive Computer Systems during the winter term scheduled for three weeks in January and part of the second semester in the program.

Driver’s License Reminder

A valid driver’s license is not a requirement for entry into the program. However, in order to test drive customer and school-owned vehicles, you must have a valid driver’s license. Due to insurance reasons, it is imperative that you inform your instructor as soon as possible if your driver’s license becomes revoked or suspended over the course of the school year. You must also inform your instructor if you have any restrictions on your license.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/cpl.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student�s program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Advanced Placement into Automotive Technician (2nd year)

Applicants interested in continuing into the two-year Automotive Technician program will declare their intent with the Admissions Office after the end of their initial fall semester of enrollment and before February 15th of the following winter/spring semester. (A minimum of 14 students will be selected to proceed to the second year of the Automotive Technician program).

• Provisional Selection will be based on applicants receiving a “C” average in all of the following first semester courses: 404-336 Basic Vehicle Maintenance, 404-339 Automotive Brake System, 404-355 Automotive Computer Controls, 404-351 Automotive Engine Performance 1, 404-337 Automotive Electricity 1, and 804-360 Math for Technical Trades
• Final Selection will also include applicants receiving a “C” average in all of the following second semester courses: 404-350 Automotive Steering & Suspension Systems, 404-355 Automotive Engine Performance 2, 801-356 Applied Job/Interpersonal Communication, 404-338 Automotive Electricity 2, 442-313 Welding Automotive Technician
• Tie-Breaker - Date of initial application to the one-year program will be used in cases of identical selection criteria.

Previous graduates of a one-year Automotive Maintenance Technician program who meet the above criteria may apply for advanced placement to the two-year program. Contact the Admissions Office for application information. 

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 @ 8:19 a.m.