Program Overview

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Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Associate Degree

Program Overview

Diesel truck technicians are vital in keeping our economy moving by inspecting, maintaining and repairing large on-highway diesel vehicles, from garbage trucks to delivery trucks, fire engines, buses, semis and more.

Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.

Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Careers

The trucking industry relies on trained technicians to maintain modern equipment, and there is a shortage of qualified technicians in all areas of the diesel industry.

Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.

The field offers opportunities for continuous learning and advancement into supervisory positions or specializations, along with the satisfaction of solving complex problems.

Students are trained to work on everything from engines and fuel systems to transmissions, suspension, electronic systems, hydraulics and more.

Associate Degree Program Goals

The associate degree builds on the core classes and training requirements to earn the technical diploma. You’ll take communication, math and human relations courses to develop the essential skills to provide exceptional customer service, ensure accurate billing, and lead teams in the shop, among other responsibilities.

In addition, students who choose the associate degree path will complete a 432-hour PAID internship with one of our industry partners, gaining more hands-on, real-world experience and receiving a jumpstart on an excellent career.

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

You’ll receive real-world training essential for becoming a skilled medium and heavy truck technician. The training combines classroom work to acquire knowledge, immediately followed by practical hands-on activities in a simulated shop environment.

The program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the highest level of accreditation, Master Truck Service Technology.

Program faculty and staff are ASE Certified as Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technicians, Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialists and Truck Equipment Technicians.

The diesel engine repair class provides hands-on experience in maintaining, servicing and repairing diesel engines and engine support systems.

Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Coursework

As a student in the program, you will diagnose, service and repair:

• Engines and fuel systems
• After treatment and emissions systems
• Transmissions, drivelines and brakes
• Steering and suspension systems
• Electrical and electronic systems
• Hydraulic systems
• Air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems

In addition, you will:

• Learn workplace safety standards
• Develop relationships with industry partners
• Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems
• Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry
• Work on diesel trucks in simulated shop environments

Flexible Course Offerings

Madison College designed the program for individuals entering the field and those already working in it. You can attend full- or part-time.

Classes and lab work are held at our Madison Truax campus, though some classes are available online.

Curriculum and Experience

Pre-Program Course

A grade of C or higher in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as a pre-requisite to courses in the program.

• Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals (2 credits)

First Semester

• Metalworking for Heavy-Duty Applications (2 credits)
• Preventive Maintenance (4 credits)
• Fundamental Diesel Electrical/Electronics Systems (3 credits)
• Electrical/Electronics Systems Diagnostics (3 credits)
• College Mathematics (3 credits)

Second Semester

• Mobile Hydraulics (3 credits)
• Heavy Duty Drivetrains (4 credits)
• Brake and Suspension Systems (4 credits)
• Written Communication (3 credits)
• Contemporary American Society (3 credits)

Third Semester (Summer)

• Vehicle Inspection (2 credits)
• Occupational Experience 1 - Diesel (2 credits)

Fourth Semester

• Diesel Engine Technology (2 credits)
• Diesel Engine Repair (4 credits)
• Heavy Duty Emission Control Systems (3 credits)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

Fifth Semester

• Cab Climate Control and Refrigeration Systems (3 credits)
• Diesel Shop Management (2 credits)
• Fuel Systems (2 credits)
• Diesel Engine Diagnostics (3 credits)
• Electronic Control Systems (3 credits)
• Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)

Admission

Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities.

Admission Requirements

All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

• Admission Application
• Education Completion: Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
  • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
  • GED/HSED completion
  • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
    • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
    • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale

Waiting List

This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand.

A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.

Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements. Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.

Career Outcomes

Diesel Truck Program Outcomes

Program graduates are prepared to:

• Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
• Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and the heavy equipment industry.
• Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
• Project a professional image through timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.

Diesel Truck Technician Careers

Earning your associate degree in the Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as a:

• Diesel Equipment Technician
• Electronic Systems Diagnostic Specialist
• Engineering Assistant
• Field Service Representative
• Assistant Service Manager
• Fleet Maintenance Manager
• Shop Foreman
• Team Leader

With additional education or experience, graduates may find employment as a:

• Service Writer or Manager
• DOT Inspector
• Factory Service Representative
• Equipment Sales Specialist
• Research and Development Technician