San Juan College
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Diesel Technology
Not only is the Diesel Technology program at San Juan College accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), it is monitored by a team of local industry employers who ensure that the latest industry trends and techniques are taught. The program provides each student with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter either the medium and heavy duty truck or construction and mining equipment service and repair fields.
Students learn diesel theory in the classroom from industry trained, ASE Master Certified instructors, and acquire valuable hands-on experience in the lab, as they test, service, and repair the diesel electrical systems, electronic systems, and fuel injection systems found on today’s Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit diesel engines. Students will also learn how to troubleshoot, service, and repair the various systems that work together to create the diesel truck and heavy equipment vehicle including, the brakes, hydraulic system, transmission, steering and suspension system, chassis system, and heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system.
Using the latest computer based diagnostic machines, shop manuals, wiring diagrams, electronic meters, and hand tools, each student will learn how to properly diagnose and repair various on-highway trucks and equipment by disassembling, inspecting, servicing, and reassembling their diesel engines and integrated system components.
Students develop valuable problem-solving, mechanical, and time management skills as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors in a thorough and timely manner. Each student will also learn effective communication and leaderships skills, as they learn to work both independently and in teams. Shop safety, ethics, and a positive workplace attitude are stressed throughout the program. Students may enter the Diesel Technology program at San Juan College at the beginning of any semester according to a schedule that meets his or her needs.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree*
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology Associates Degree program contains the following courses:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Preventative Maintenance and Inspection
- Basic Electrical
- Fluid Power
- HVAC
- Drivability
- Advanced Electrical
- Diesel Engine Overhaul
- Fuel Systems
- Advanced Steering and Suspension
- Brakes
- Drivetrains
- Advanced Brakes and Drivetrains
- Basic Welding
Students are also required to take Technical Composition, Applied Mathematics for Vocational Students, Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications, a Humanities/Social Science Elective, and an Applied Elective, in order to fulfill the 87 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Technology Heavy Line Certificate*
The Diesel Technology Heavy Line Certificate program is comprised of the following classes:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Preventative Maintenance and Inspection
- Basic Electrical
- Electrical
- Fluid Power
- HVAC
- Drivability
- Advanced Electrical
- Diesel Engine Overhaul
- Fuel Systems
- Advanced Steering and Suspension
- Brakes
- Drivetrains
- Advanced Brakes and Drivetrains
Students are required to complete each class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Diesel Technology Light Line Certificate*
The Diesel Technology Light Line Certificate program is made up of the following courses:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Preventative Maintenance and Inspection
- Brakes
- Drivetrains
- Basic Electrical
- Electrical
- Diesel Engine Overhaul
- Fuel Systems
Students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
From Education to Occupation
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at San Juan College will be well-equipped with the entry-level knowledge and skills needed to secure employment as qualified diesel mechanics, repairing and servicing on-highway trucks and construction equipment for commercial trucking companies, construction companies, and highway maintenance facilities.
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 Technical Certificate
San Juan College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. San Juan College also offers an 18-month Technical Certificate in Diesel Technology with a Diesel Mechanic Heavy Line Repair Technician concentration and a one-year Technical Certificate in Diesel Technology with a Diesel Mechanic Light Line Repair Technician concentration. All three programs are Pell Grant eligible.
*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).