Automotive Technology

Program Overview

The Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Automotive Technology program allows you to start with and develop the basic fundamentals before advancing to the necessary job skills and related work procedures needed to gain employment in the automotive industry. This progression will include the use of technical service manuals, testing equipment, electronic ignition systems, rear, front, and four-wheel drive, and power steering and brakes.

We are continually updating our curriculum to assure that you, our students, are able to work with the same tools and equipment found in the industry today. As advanced technology is introduced with new automobiles each year, electronics are used in brakes, transmission, steering systems, and a variety of other components. You will use the latest with up-to-date computerized diagnostic devices and much more.

The shop training is set up in a very similar way to repair bays in an automotive dealership. We schedule customer work from the community so that the learning environment is hands-on for job training. You learn actual on-the-job procedures for trouble shooting, looking up parts, figuring a job sheet and relating with customers.

Course Outline Minimum Required Tool List Program Accreditation

Degree and Certificate Options

Associate of Applied Science
(or Technical Certificate)

Projected Salary

$25,000– $40,000 per year

Estimated Costs

Download the Estimated Program Costs Worksheet

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Faculty

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Admissions Checklist

Below is a list of items Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Admissions Team will need prior to your acceptance into the Automotive Technology program.

A Northwest Tech Application Completed and Submitted
High School or GED Transcript Submitted
(If Applicable) College Transcript Submitted
ACT or AccuPlacer Scores Submitted (AccuPlacer Testing can be scheduled on-site at the Northwest Tech campus)

Required items can be submitted in person at the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest campus, Via postal mail addressed to:
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Admissions,1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS or through email communications with admissions@nwktc.edu.

Job Placement

Since 2020, the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Automotive Technology program has placed 100% of its graduates directly out of school.

Graduate Placement Report

Learning Outcomes

Accurately diagnose, repair and service suspension and steering systems.
Diagnose and repair fuel injection and emissions system.
Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and repair electronic systems and components.
Diagnose and repair drive train system components and transmissions.
Accurately diagnose, repair, and service brake systems.
Service and repair heating and air conditioning systems according to state, local and federal guidelines.
Diagnose and repair individual engine component systems.
Demonstrate effective reading, writing, speaking, listening and time management skills.
Demonstrate mathematical skills.
Operate basic computer programs.
Construct a resume.

Advisory Committee

Brian Bauman
Rich Smith
Curtis Littrell
Dennis Taylor
Brian Shippert
Bob Kirby
Chris Kraft
Grant Jones
Ron Murray
Mike Ramsey
Brandon Corbett
Thea Ratliff