Program Overview

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician, AAS

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician AAS degree educates and mentors students in the latest technology, equipment, ideals, and fuel systems that power the diesel and heavy equipment industry today and in the future. It prepares students for lifelong learning and skill development, helping students realize their potential to be successful in their careers and improve our community, economy, and environment.

Program Description

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician AAS degree students learn how to diagnose problems and perform repairs on various vehicle components, including engines, fuel, cooling, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, brake, suspension, undercarriage, power-shift, and drive-train systems in the trucking and heavy equipment industry. Students will spend their first term training in a transportation core curriculum. The laboratory area simulates an industry environment. Students who have met the course objectives may be placed in a cooperative work experience to further develop their skills on the job.

Program Outcomes

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician AAS degree graduates will:

• be prepared to obtain an entry-level repair technician position in their field
• perform repairs on various diesel vehicles, vehicle components, and equipment
• develop lifelong educational and employment goals
• establish an appreciation for life-long learning
• be prepared to succeed on the ASE certification and OEM certification exams
• meet minimum competency in eight categories identified as essential for employability:
  • adherence to policy and procedure
  • technical knowledge
  • skill application
  • work planning
  • quality of work
  • quantity of work
  • interpersonal skills
  • oral and written communication
• demonstrate advanced skills in:
  • diagnostics
  • repair and maintenance
  • electronics
  • hydraulics
  • power train
  • engines
  • pneumatics
  • undercarriage
  • brakes
  • welding
• demonstrate communication, critical thinking, cultural humility, information literacy, and teamwork skills
• meet Humanities, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, and Written Communication general education distribution area outcomes

Program Requirements

Annual Course Sequence

The classes listed below are offered in sequential order. ENGL 93 and MATH 87 or AHSE 66 must be taken prior to any DHET course. Placement into ENGL 99 or higher and MATH 98 or higher meets this requirement. Students must have a valid Washington State driver’s license to enroll in this program.

• Quarter One
  • DHET 110 Basic Mechanic Knowledge and Skills 10 credits
  • MATH 105 Applied Math 5 credits (or any college-level Quantitative Reasoning course)
• Quarter Two
  • DHET 220 Electrical Theory and Systems 15 credits
• Quarter Three
  • DHET 230 Internal Combustion Engines 15 credits
  • ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
• Quarter Four
  • DHET 210 Welding and Fabrication for Mechanics 10 credits
  • DHET 190 Cooperative Work Experience Seminar I 1 credit
  • DHET 197 Cooperative Work Experience I 1-5 credits (4 credits required)
• Quarter Five
  • DHET 140 Hydraulics 15 credits
  • SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• Quarter Six
  • DHET 145 Running Gears, Brakes, and Power Transfer Systems 15 credits
  • CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)

General Education Requirements - 20 Credits

• MATH 105 Applied Math 5 credits (or any college-level Quantitative Reasoning course)
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)

Diversity and Social Justice Requirement

Within the degree requirements, students must complete a 3-5 credit course that meets the college’s Diversity and Social Justice (DSJ) requirement. DSJ courses are designated in the college schedule and are designed to meet other general education or technical requirements simultaneous to meeting the DSJ requirement.

Total Program Credits: 105-106