Indian Hills Community College
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Diesel Power Technology
The Diesel Power Technology program at Indian Hills Community College gives students the training and skills they need to diagnose, repair, and maintain agriculture equipment, trucks, and various types of heavy construction equipment.
Students advance their mechanical, electrical, and computer skills in the classroom and on the shop floor as they gain hands-on experience studying diesel engines, locomotive engines, transmissions, drive lines, hydraulics, power dividers, brakes, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, electronic engine controls, automotive charging, starting, and electrical systems, tires and alignment, diesel engine overhaul, and preventive maintenance in an 18-month, six-term program.
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Power Technology program at Indian Hills Community College will be ready to secure and hold an entry-level position as a diesel mechanic in the diesel and heavy equipment industries, including agriculture dealerships, trucking companies, and service and repair facilities.
The Diesel Power Technology Course Outline
The Diesel Power Technology program is made up of the following courses:
First Term
- Basic Automotive Electricity
- Basic Automotive Electronics
- Basic Automotive Air Conditioning
- Adapters, Tools and Measurements
- Principles of Hydraulics
Second Term
- Machining for Automotive Mechanics
- Advanced Automotive Engine Repair
- Basic Automotive Drive Lines
- Automotive Charging, Starting and Electrical Systems
- Introduction to Diesel
- Approved Communications Course
Third Term
- Drive Trains
- Brakes, Tires and Alignment
- Preventative Maintenance
- Approved Culture Course
Fourth Term
- Introduction to Computers
- Diesel Engine Electronics II
- Electronic Engine Controls
- Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Fifth Term
- Initiating the Career Search
- Locomotive Engine Disassembly
- Introduction to Locomotive Engines
- Introduction to Locomotive Electrical
- Diesel Engine Overhaul
- Assembly of Diesel Engines
- Approved Mathematical Reasoning Course
Sixth Term
- Technical Power Hydraulics
- Approved Scientific Systems Course
- Vehicle Engine Diagnosis or
- Intro to Locomotive Tune-ups
- Advanced Locomotive Electrical
- Locomotive Engine Assembly or
- Engine Application and Tune-Ups
In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career Outlook
As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of Iowa was $39,410 yearly and $18.95 hourly, just 13% lower than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree
Indian Hills Community College offers an 18-month Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Power Technology. This program is Pell Grant eligible. Certain students may qualify to receive the Kibbie Grant or the Iowa Grant to help supplement the cost of their education.