Southern Oklahoma Technology Center

Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair*  

The Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair program at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center provides students with the specialized knowledge and hands-on training necessary to succeed as a qualified diesel mechanic in the medium and heavy duty diesel truck and heavy equipment repair job field. This course prepares students for the ASE Certification exams in Diesel Engines, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Preventive Maintenance Inspection.

Students are given in-depth lectures on mechanical theory and diesel fundamentals in the classroom, developing important verbal and written communication skills, mathematical skills, and problem-solving skills through class participation and written assignments. 

In the laboratory, students observe demonstrations and are guided by their instructors, as they learn, hands-on, how to properly inspect, diagnose, and repair, diesel engines, cooling systems, lubrication systems, truck suspension systems, air brakes, hydraulic brakes, clutches, electrical systems, and electronic fuel systems. 

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated auxiliary systems, using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, wiring diagrams, service manuals, hand tools, and power tools, students develop the mechanical aptitude and specialized skills necessary to inspect, test, service, and maintain today’s medium and heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. 

Students also learn about the value of teamwork and effective time management, as they work alone and in groups to complete every task assigned to them by their instructors in a proficient and timely manner. Shop safety, ethics, and professionalism are also stressed throughout the program. 

The Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair program at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center has been approved for up to nine hours of college credit at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee.

From Education to Occupation 

Students who successfully complete the Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair program at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to gain employment as a qualified diesel mechanic in the medium and heavy duty diesel truck and heavy equipment repair industry. Graduates can expect to secure an entry-level position at diesel truck dealerships, heavy equipment dealerships, fleet shops, and independent service garages. 

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.

The Undergraduate Certificate

The Southern Oklahoma Technology Center offers two separate Undergraduate Certificates in Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair. The first Undergraduate Certificate in Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair is a 41-week NATEF aligned program with a Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Technician concentration. The second Undergraduate Certificate in Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Repair is a 39-week program with a Medium/Heavy Diesel Truck Heavy Line Technician concentration. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible. 

*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and aligned with the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).