Mid – Plains Community College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Mid-Plains Community College teaches students all aspects of heavy-duty truck service and repair.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on training each student will learn about engine design, diesel engine overhaul, electrical systems, electronic systems, air brake systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, air conditioning, and transmissions and axles. Students also learn how to properly troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electronic and mechanical engines as they perform tune-ups and overhauls. Students will also learn and develop skills in diesel mechanic welding, preventive maintenance, and equipment maintenance.
Students are required to demonstrate knowledge of work hazards and shop safety throughout the program. Utilizing their thinking and reasoning skills, students must apply the theory of diesel mechanics they learn in the classroom in order to complete the tasks assigned to them on the shop floor. Effective communication and leadership skills will be assessed, as students work independently and in teams, to complete every assigned task given to them by their instructors. Students will also be required to use industry-relevant mathematics and technical writing throughout the program.
The Diesel Technology Curriculum
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology program consists of the following classes:
- Safety
- Heavy Duty Engine Design & Fundamentals
- Heavy Duty Engine Systems Reconditioning
- Mechanics Electrical
- Equipment Maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
- Powertrain Repair
- Mechanical Hydraulic Systems
- Mechanics Air Conditioning
- Applied Welding for Prime Movers
- Hydraulic & Anti-Lock Brakes
- Diesel Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics Maintenance
- Diesel Hydraulics
- Transmissions & Drivelines
- Diesel Troubleshooting & Tune-Up
- Diesel Overhaul & Tune-Up Cummins
- Diesel Overhaul & Tune-Up Detroit
- Fuel Systems
- Fuel Systems Overhaul
- Heavy Duty Suspensions
- Engine Testing
- Engine Overhaul
- Electronic Fuel Controls
- Air & Engine Brakes
- Alison Transmissions
Students will also be required to take an appropriate Math course, Personal Finance, Basic Technical Communication, Fundamentals of Human Communication, and an appropriate Business or Computer course, to fulfill the 71 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. All students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible to graduate.
What to Expect After Graduating
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at Mid-Plains Community College will be well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to secure employment at diesel service departments, independent repair shops, and heavy-duty truck factories in the trucking, farming, lumber, and diesel locomotive industries in both the public and private sectors. Graduates may even choose to build their own private repair business.
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 Nebraska was $40,670 yearly and $19.55 hourly, 10% lower than the national average. Entry-level diesel mechanics can expect to be paid an annual salary of $28,130 and advance to $65,350 with more job experience.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diesel Technology Diploma, Diesel Technology Certificate, and Specialization Certificate
Mid-Plains Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology as well as an 18-month Diesel Technology Diploma. Mid-Plains Community 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, Diesel Technology Diploma program, and Diesel Technology Certificate program are all Pell Grant eligible.