Automotive Technology
settingsThe demand for fully trained auto technicians has been growing in recent years, with a high retirement rate, increased car ownership and a more diverse range of vehicles on the road all contributing to create even more opportunities for aspiring mechanics.
Overview
A career in automotive technology involves diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining cars and trucks—an essential service in high demand with millions of vehicles on the road today.
OFTC’s Automotive Technology programs give students hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and training tools. Students even help maintain the college’s vehicle fleet, giving them real-world exposure to the kinds of issues they’ll face on the job.
With a strong focus on practical training, this program prepares students to step confidently into the workforce as skilled automotive technicians.
Automotive Technology Programs can be completed in as little as 1 to 5 semesters.
Programs
Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
This certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair basic electrical/electronic automotive systems as an entry-level technician.
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
Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
This certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair basic electrical/electronic automotive systems as an entry-level technician. Students who complete this program have participated in an automobile technician training program that was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
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
Automotive Climate Control Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Automotive Climate Control Technician certificate program provides students with skills for entering the automotive service industry as an entry-level climate control technician. Students who complete this program have participated in an automobile technician training program that was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
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
Automotive Engine Performance Technician Technical Certificates of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Automotive Engine Performance Technician certificate program introduces students to the knowledge and skills they will need as entry level automotive engine performance technicians. Students who complete this program have participated in an automobile technician training program that was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
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
Automotive Engine Repair Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Automotive Engine Repair Technician certificate program provides the student with entry-level automotive engine repair skills. Topics include: basic shop safety, basic electrical/electronic diagnosis, principles of engine operation, basic engine diagnosis, and basic engine repair procedures. Students who complete this program have participated in an automobile technician training program that was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
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
Automotive Fundamentals Diploma
Automotive Technology
Diploma
3 Semesters
The Automotive Fundamentals program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Program graduates receive an Automotive Fundamentals diploma that qualifies them as entry-level technicians.
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
Automotive Technology Diploma
Automotive Technology
Diploma
5 Semesters
The Automotive Technology Diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Program graduates receive an Auto Technology diploma that qualifies them as well-rounded entry-level technicians.
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
Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist Technical Certificates of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
2 Semesters
The Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist certificate program provides students with the skills to enter the automotive industry as an entry level transmission, transaxle, and drive line technician. Topics covered include: shop safety, basic electrical/electronic theory and diagnosis, manual transmission/transaxle operation and diagnosis, automatic transmission/transaxle operation and diagnosis, axles operation and diagnosis, differentials operation and diagnosis, and 4WD/AWD systems operation and diagnosis.
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
Electric Vehicle Professional Technical Certificates of Credit
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Electric Vehicle Professional Technical Certificate of Credit was designed in conjunction with Hyundai subject matter experts to provide students with the knowledge and skill to prepare them for entry level employment in the electrical vehicle production industry. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective automotive shop operations, automotive electrical principles, and operation and service procedures for EV and Hybrid vehicles.
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 – Automotive Fundamentals Associate of Applied Science Degree
Automotive Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
3 Semesters
The Interdisciplinary Studies – Automotive Fundamentals degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Program graduates receive an Interdisciplinary Studies – Automotive Fundamentals degree that qualifies them as entry-level technicians.
Features
Job Stability & Security
Automotive technician careers involve everything from diagnosing and repairing issues on cars and trucks to servicing and providing preventative maintenance. These jobs are in high demand as there are millions of vehicles on the road that will need some level of service!
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 Automotive Technology department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,231.00 – $7,155.00
- Books & Supplies*: $275.00
*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
With the motivation to learn and the drive to take on new challenges, pursuing an auto tech job is a great career choice and offers opportunities for advancement.
It’s not uncommon for automotive technicians to increase certifications and gain mobility at their current job, or transition into customer service or management positions and advance significantly over the course of their careers.
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 an Automotive Technology program any semester — because when you’re ready to start on your path towards 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 Automotive Technology department programs range from:
- Tuition & Fees*: $1,231.00 – $7,155.00
- Books & Supplies*: $275.00
*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
Graduates of the Automotive Fundamentals program may find employment as Automotive Service or Sales Associates, Technicians, Trainers/Instructors, Fleet Mechanics, Power Equipment Technicians, or in Tools, Parts, and Accessory Sales.
BLS.GOV
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- 2024 Median Annual Pay: $46,670
- Job Outlook: 3% growth through 2033
What does this mean to you?
There are currently more auto mechanic job openings than there are technicians to fill those roles. This is a very stable industry with opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.
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
- Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
- Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
Job Titles
- Automotive Service and Sales Associate
- Automotive Technician
- Automotive Trainer or Instructor
- Fleet Mechanic
- Mechanic
- Power Equipment Technician
- Tools, Parts and Accessory Sales
Diverse Settings
- Automobile dealers
- Automotive repair and maintenance shops
- Self-employed workers
- Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores
"The skills I learned in OFTC’s Automotive Technology program have helped me in multiple ways. I developed problem-solving skills that not only apply when working on cars, but with other elements of life as well. I also gained a lot of technical knowledge about common vehicles that are on the road today. The professionalism and work ethic skills learned while enrolled in the Automotive Technology program have given me a foundation to build my future on."