Northwest Iowa Community College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Northwest Iowa Community College provides specialized training, knowledge, and skills for students who wish to pursue a career in diesel technology.
Classroom instruction in diesel theory and hands-on training provide each student with the opportunity to learn diesel engines, automotive electrical systems, automotive engine repair, brakes and chassis system, automotive engine performance, automotive heating and air conditioning, basic welding theory and application, air systems and brakes, power trains, suspension systems, hydraulics, diesel engine electronics, and truck and trailer service. Students will also be required to take classes in Math, Communications, and Social Science.
Each student will be given the opportunity to learn the latest techniques in diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and servicing diesel engines and equipment using the most modern and up-to-date equipment while being educated on the latest diesel technology trends such as bio-diesel instruction and hybrid-fuel saving technologies. Students will use laptops, technical manuals, power tools, and hand tools to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engine systems and components both independently and as a team.
The Diesel Technology Curriculum
The following courses form the Diesel Technology curriculum:
1st Semester – Fall
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Elective Communications
2nd Semester – Spring
- Brakes and Chassis System
- Automotive Engine Performance
- Elective Math
3rd Semester – Summer
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Basic Welding Theory & Application
4th Semester – Fall
- Truck and Trailer Service
- Air Systems and Brakes
- Introduction to Diesel Engines
- Truck and Diesel Lab I
- Elective Humanities/Social Science
5th Semester – Spring
- Power Trains and Suspension
- Hydraulics
- Truck and Diesel Lab II
- Diesel Engine Electronics I
- Elective General Education
6th Semester – Summer
- Truck and Diesel Lab III
- Diesel Engines Electronics II
In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Occupational 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.
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Northwest Iowa Community College will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree and will have the necessary skills and education to be employed by truck dealerships, heavy equipment dealerships, truck fleet operators, construction contractors, agriculture equipment dealerships, and independent truck repair shops.
The Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree
Northwest Iowa Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel 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.