Diesel Equipment Technology
settingsGain valuable hands-on experience working on state-of-the-art equipment, training aids, and even the college’s truck fleet to experience and learn real-world issues professionals encounter on the job.
Overview
OFTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program gives students hands-on experience with the tools, technology, and real-world challenges they’ll face on the job. From working on state-of-the-art training equipment to maintaining the college’s own truck fleet, students gain the confidence and skills needed to hit the ground running in the diesel industry.
The program is also certified through Daimler Trucks of North America’s Get Ahead program, giving students the opportunity to earn valuable industry certifications before graduation—boosting their résumés and career readiness.
Programs in Diesel Equipment Technology can be completed in as little as 1 to 5 semesters.
Programs
Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Diesel Equipment Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician certificate program provides the student with training for becoming an entry level diesel electrical/electronic systems technician. The topics presented include diesel shop safety and tool use, basic electrical and electronics theory, starting and charging systems, and electronic controls and accessory systems.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Diesel Engine Service Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Diesel Equipment Technology
Certificate of Credit
4 Semesters
The Diesel Engine Service Technician certificate program provides the student with training to become an entry level diesel engine service technician. The topics covered include diesel shop safety, tools and equipment, diesel electrical/electronic systems, and diesel engines and support systems.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Diesel Equipment HVAC and Maintenance Technical Certificate of Credit
Diesel Equipment Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Diesel Equipment HVAC and Maintenance certificate program introduces systems used in medium/heavy-duty trucks and heavy equipment. Classroom instruction on HVAC theory and operation along with local, state, and federal regulations are strongly emphasized. Topics include: HVAC safety; HVAC system theory and operation; A/C system component diagnosis and repair; HVAC system diagnosis and repair; HVAC operating systems and related controls; and refrigeration recovery, recycling, and handling procedures.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma
Diesel Equipment Technology
Diploma
4 Semesters
The Diesel Equipment Technology diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. The program emphasizes a combination of truck, heavy equipment, marine systems, or emergency power generator repair theory and practical application necessary for successful employment depending on the specialization area a student chooses to complete. Program graduates receive a Diesel Equipment Technology diploma that qualifies them
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Diesel Equipment Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician certificate program provides training in the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for employment as a maintenance technician on semi-trucks, trailers or other diesel equipment. The topics covered include diesel shop safety, tools and equipment, preventive maintenance procedures, truck brake systems, and truck drive trains.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Interdisciplinary Studies – Diesel Equipment Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
Diesel Equipment Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
3 Semesters
The Interdisciplinary Studies – Diesel Equipment Technology Associate Degree of Applied Science program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. The program emphasizes a combination of truck, heavy equipment, marine systems, or emergency power generator repair theory and practical application necessary for successful employment depending on the specialization area a student chooses to complete. Program graduates receive a Diesel Equipment Technology degree that qualifies them as entry-level Diesel Equipment technicians.
Features
Job Stability & Security
Some of the main advantages of being a diesel mechanic include high pay, solid labor demand, low student debt, and short training times.
Diesel professionals have opportunities to work in numerous industries where they work on various vehicle systems while utilizing new technologies. That means you can participate in the industry that most interests you.
Little or No Cost to You
With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.
Tuition & Fees
With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Diesel Equipment Technology department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,331.00 – $7,093.00
- Books & Supplies*: $1,550.00
*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change.
Advancement Opportunities
Although diesel mechanics start out with a competitive wage, earning an additional degree or certification can open many new opportunities in this field. Certifications prove mechanics are above the competition when it comes to diesel mechanic knowledge and understanding.
An Associate’s degree allows mechanics to advance higher in the company with a well-rounded education in natural sciences, mathematics, and humanities to help them obtain a position as a service manager, head mechanic, or diesel mechanic supervisor.
Locations
Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.
Online
Admissions
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!
Admissions Process
Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.
- Submit a completed application and application fee.
- Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable.
- Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog Program Page to view each individual program and its required minimum scores.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and HOPE applications online using OFTC School Code: 031555.
NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
General Requirements
Be at least 16 years of age.
Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog.
Need More Info?
For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor:
Dublin Program Advisor
For additional information on admission to OFTC, contact the Office of Admissions:
Sandersville Office of Admissions
Dublin Office of Admissions
Learning Format
Students can enter a Diesel Equipment Technology program any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait.
Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology.
On Campus
These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.
Blended
Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.
Online Asynchronous
These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.
Synchronous Technology
OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.
Flexible Schedule
We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.
Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.
And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.
Apply TodayPaying for College
At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.
With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.
Financial Aid
OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.
OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.
Sandersville
Dublin
Georgia awarded over $934 million in scholarships in AY24
of OFTC students have some form of Scholarship in AY24
OFTC students received over $6.6 million in financial assistance in FY25
More than 75% of OFTC students received some sort of Financial Aid in AY24
Contact
Sandersville
Dublin
Tuition & Fees
With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Diesel Equipment Technology department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,331.00 – $7,093.00
- Books & Supplies*: $1,550.00
*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change.
New Price Calculator
You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year.
Career Outlook
Employment Opportunities
The Diesel Equipment Technology program is intended to prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in truck service and repair or heavy equipment service and repair.
BLS.GOV
Diesel Services Technicians and Mechanics
- 2024 Median Annual Pay: $60,640
- Job Outlook: 3% growth through 2033
What does this mean to you?
Careers in the diesel and automotive technician industry are in demand, and the more a technician learns the more valuable they become to their employer. Opportunities in these fields are endless!
Learn More
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY24)
Program Benefits
Skills Learned
- Consult with customers, read work orders, and determine work required
- Plan work procedures, using technical charts and manuals
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Read and interpret diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems
- Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Test-drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly
Job Titles
- Diesel Equipment Technician
- Diesel Service Technician
- Diesel Mechanic
Diverse Settings
- Truck Transportation
- Wholesale Trade
- Local Government
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Self-employed worker
"The Diesel Program at OFTC is essential for training people who aspire to be Diesel Equipment Technicians. The training is very informative with very low tuition costs."