Automotive Service Technician Program
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Program Details
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Automotive Service Technician program helps prepare you to pursue a career as an automotive service technician. We combine classroom style education with hands-on learning to prepare you for what a career as a automotive service technician will be like once you graduate. By the end of our program you’ll be prepared to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and EPA 609 A/C Technician certification.* Our Automotive Service Technician program is available at our San Antonio and Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Arlington campuses.
Diploma: 71.5 Credit Hours, 13 Months.
*STVT cannot guarantee job placement, salary or employment *STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
Skills You’ll Cover in This Program
Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.
Learn how to diagnose and repair common malfunctions in domestic and imported engines.
Discover the normal function of computerized and mechanical car systems. Use this knowledge to identify malfunctions, their impact on performance, and how they can be resolved.
Discover how to examine different car components and identify common issues across electrical and mechanical systems.
Learn how to reduce the chances of a car breaking down by providing regular maintenance such as oil changes, wheel alignments, hose and filter exams, and more.
Learn how to repair, maintain, and replace a transmission.
Learn how to properly repair heating, air conditioning, and related electrical systems in cars and light trucks. Practice recovering, recycling, and handling refrigerants per EPA 609 guidelines.
Learn how to inspect, diagnose, and repair tires, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, power steering, traction control systems, and more.
Study electrical theory as it relates to components like car batteries, charging systems, air conditioning systems, and more.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the highest employment level for automotive service technicians across the US. Between 2022 and 2032, the job growth for this field is projected to remain steady. This means, on average, around 67,700* positions may become available each year.
Graduates of our Automotive Service Technician program have found entry-level work as:
Graduates of our Automotive Service Technician program be qualified for entry-level roles* as:
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Diesel Technicians
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Service Technicians
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Lube Technicians
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Mechanics
Service technicians who perform repairs or maintenance to motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems or MVAC-like systems must earn the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Section 609 certification.
*This is a national figure. Conditions in your location may be different. **STVT cannot guarantee employment or salary ***STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment. ****The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others.
Find This Program At These Campuses:
Arlington
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2241 S Watson Rd, Suite 181 Arlington, TX 76010
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682-284-0990
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CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, CDL Training: Class B, Diesel Heavy Truck Technician, Electrical, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Basic Refrigeration, Medical Clinical Assistant
Corpus Christi
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2000 S Padre Island Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX 78416 -
361-360-4168
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Automotive Service Technician, CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, Combination Welding, Dental Assisting, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Basic Refrigeration, Medical Clinical Assistant
McAllen
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1800 S. Main, Suite 500
McAllen, TX 78503 -
956-322-4790
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Automotive Service Technician, CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, Electrical, Business Studies, Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Basic Refrigeration, Dental Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Clinical Assistant
San Antonio
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1600 N. Westgate Drive, Suite 400
Weslaco, TX 78599 -
210-998-1802
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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Basic Refrigeration, Automotive Service Technician, Combination Welding, CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, Diesel Heavy Truck Technician
What Students Have To Say
“It didn’t feel satisfying bouncing from job to job; I wanted a career where I could prosper and learn as much as I can… I called one day; dropped by in person; and I started school the literal next day.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Service technicians are found across a wide range of industries. They provide a wide range of technical expertise and services, which can vary depending on their industry. Automotive service technicians provide electrical and mechanical support to automotive shops and/or dealerships by:
- handling oil changes
- diagnosing and repairing transmissions
- repairing automotive electrical systems and more
An automotive mechanic traditionally focuses on hands-on mechanical repairs (engines, brakes, suspension), while an automotive technician has higher-level training in complex electronics, computer systems, and diagnostics.
Yes, automotive service technicians can specialize in one or more areas of automotive repair through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The ASE offers a wide range of certification tests and practice tests. They also offer a refrigerant recovery and training program and Entry-Level Certification tests for students. Each certification quiz focuses on different mechanical systems, vehicle types, electrical systems, and more.
Our Automotive Service Technician program teaches students how to repair cars and light trucks such as pickup trucks and vans.
Automotive service technicians use a mix of technical, interpersonal, and analytical skills. Some skills they have may include, but aren’t limited to:
- diagnostic skills and more
- technical proficiency with diagnostic equipment and computer systems
- vehicle inspections
- repair and maintenance techniques
- communication
- refrigerant reclamation and recycling
Take the Next Step Today
Let us help you on the path to build your dream career. Get in touch with our team to help you find the program that is the right for you and take the steps to get started.