Great Basin College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Great Basin College teaches students all aspects of over-the-road truck and heavy equipment service and repair.
Students are introduced to heavy equipment technology in the classroom and acquire hands-on training in the laboratory as they inspect, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engines, electrical systems, electronic systems, diesel brakes, heavy duty transmissions, power trains, hydraulic systems, and mobile conditioning systems.
Each student will learn how to properly test, diagnose, and service electronic and mechanical engines using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, wiring schematics, gauges, hand tools, and power tools.
Students also develop important thinking and reasoning skills, as well as effective communication and leadership skills as they work independently and in teams, completing each job-related task assigned to them by their instructors.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program consists of the following career-specific classes:
- Shop Practices
- Basic Diesel Engines
- Basic Vehicle Electronics
- Mobile Air Conditioning
- Heavy Duty Transmission and Power Train
- Diesel Brakes and Pneumatics
- Advanced Diesel Engines
- Electronic Diesel Engines
- Fluid Power
- Welding I
- Welding II
Students must also take English/Communications, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Human Relations, and Humanities or Fine Arts in order to fulfill the 70 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. Students are required to complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Achievement
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology Certificate of Achievement program is comprised of the following career-relevant courses:
- Shop Practices
- Basic Diesel Engines
- Basic Vehicle Electronics
- Mobile Air Conditioning
- Heavy Equipment Transmission and Power Train
- Diesel Brakes and Pneumatics
- Advanced Diesel Engines
- Electronic Diesel Engines
- Fluid Power
- Welding I
- Welding II
Students are also required to take English/Communications, Computation, and Human Relations in order to fulfill the 56 credit requirements of the Certificate of Achievement program. In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
What to Expect After Graduating
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Great Basin College will be well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to secure employment as an entry-level diesel truck and heavy equipment mechanic at fleet companies, truck dealerships, truck repair shops, mining companies, and construction companies. Graduates may also choose to work in related fields as parts specialists, equipment sales, and warehouse distribution management.
As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for diesel mechanics working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics employed in the state of Nevada was $53,960 yearly and $25.94 hourly.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diesel Technology Diploma, Diesel Technology Certificate, and Specialization Certificate
Great Basin College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology, as well as an 18-month Diesel Technology Diploma. Great Basin College also offers a 9-month Diesel Technology Certificate, as well as a Renewable Fuels Certificate, Fuel Systems Certificate, Powertrain Certificate, and Basic Engine & Electrical Certificate. The Associate of Applied Science Degree program, the Diesel Technology Diploma program, and the Diesel Technology Certificate program are all Pell Grant eligible.