Mesalands Community College
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program at Mesalands Community College provides students with the education and training needed to service and repair Class 8 trucks and diesel power equipment.
Students learn the fundamentals of the diesel engine system through classroom lecture and hands-on training, by first observing the instructor and then performing the assigned task themselves.
In the laboratory, students use their mechanical skills and analytical thought process to troubleshoot, disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their intricate system components. Welding for diesel mechanics and proper preventative maintenance techniques are also be taught. Each student will gain valuable hands-on experience using the latest digital diagnostic equipment, technical manuals, gauges, and hand tools to diagnose and repair the various diesel powered components and integrated auxiliary systems found in today’s diesel engines.
Ethics, workplace safety, communication, and class participation are also stressed throughout the program as students learn to work both independently and in groups, completing every task that is assigned to them by their instructors in a timely and efficient manner.
The Diesel Technology Associates Degree
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program is comprised of the following classes:
- Shop Essentials
- Welding I
- Electricity Fundamentals
- Diesel Electronics
- Applied Diesel Electricity and Electronics
- Diesel Performance and Diagnostics
- Hydraulic Brake Systems
- Air Brake Systems
- Suspension Systems
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Engine Fundamentals
- Diesel Engine Rebuild
- Mechanical Fuel Systems
- Electronic Fuel Systems
- Final Drives
- Manual Transmissions
- Hydraulic Fundamentals
- Preventative Maintenance
- Capstone Portfolio Course
Students are also required to take Student College Success, English Composition, Basic Algebra or Higher, Public Speaking, Introduction to Computers, a Social Science/Humanities requirement, and a Science requirement, in order to fulfill the 76 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students must complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Career Outlook
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at Mesalands Community College will have the mechanical skill and technical knowledge necessary to secure employment as an entry-level diesel truck and heavy equipment mechanic in the diesel powered truck, agricultural, construction, diesel-powered marine, and power generation fields. Related occupations include plant maintenance technician, service adviser, parts specialist, parts manager, terminal dispatcher, and sales representative.
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 New Mexico was $42,100 yearly and $20.24 hourly, just 7% lower than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Applied Science Certificate
Mesalands Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Mesalands Community College also offers a one-year Applied Science Certificate in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.