High Plains Technology Center

Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technology  

The Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technology program at High Plains Technology Center is designed to give individuals the education and training needed to service and repair medium/heavy duty diesel trucks and heavy equipment using a full systems approach.

Students receive classroom lectures on diesel theory and develop strong verbal and written communication skills as they complete academic assignments given to them by their instructors.

In the laboratory, students acquire valuable hands-on training, as they are carefully guided by industry experienced instructors on how to properly test, diagnose, and repair diesel engine systems, electronic systems, electrical systems, medium/heavy diesel truck drive trains, medium/heavy truck brakes, medium/heavy truck steering and suspension systems, and medium/heavy diesel truck heating and air conditioning systems. 

Using the latest computerized diagnostic machines, gauges, test meters, technical manuals, hand tools, and power tools, students develop important analytical and mechanical skills, as they disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble the diesel engines and integrated auxiliary systems found on today’s medium/heavy duty diesel trucks and heavy equipment with their own hands.

Students will also learn about the value of teamwork and effective time management, as they work alone and in groups, to complete the assignments given to them by their instructors proficiently and accurately, using current guidelines developed by business, industry, and labor. Professionalism, integrity, and shop safety are also stressed throughout the 35 week program.

Job 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 Oklahoma was $40,550 yearly and $19.49 hourly, just 11% lower than the national average.

Graduates of the Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technology program at High Plains Technology Center will be heavily qualified to gain an entry-level position as a medium and heavy duty diesel mechanic, electrical/electronics specialist, air conditioning specialist, fuel injection specialist, or air brake specialist, in the medium and heavy duty diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry. Graduates can expect to secure employment in the transportation, construction, agriculture, mining, gas compression, and oil and natural gas exploration and extraction industries. 

The Undergraduate Certificate

High Plains Technology Center offers a 35-week Undergraduate Certificate in Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technology with a Medium/Heavy Diesel Service Technician concentration. Students can also receive a HPTC Diesel Mechanic Certification of Completion, as well as certifications in Air Conditioning, Air Brake, and Cummins Engine. The 35-week Undergraduate Certificate program is Pell Grant eligible.