Three Best Schools That Offer Diesel Mechanic Programs
Higher Education Articles November 7, 2012Diesel mechanics inspect and repair vehicles that have diesel engines such as construction machines, trucks and buses. Before these vehicles can be restored to working order by diagnosing malfunctions, parts and systems have to be inspected, batteries have to be checked and wheels adjusted.
Given the number of diesel engines in use, there is a huge demand for diesel mechanics. While a high school diploma is sufficient qualification, many recruiters require diesel mechanics to have postsecondary training.
In this article, I’ll take a look at the top three schools in the United States that provide such courses that include diesel technology certification and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs.
Pennsylvania College of Technology – Williamsport, PA
Affiliated to Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania College of Technology has degree programs and applied technology certification programs that attract over 6,400 enrollments every year. The college was named the 36th premier institution of its kind in the Northern region of the United States. Successful completion of the A.A.S. in Diesel Technology program will provide students the additional option of preparing for the EPA Technician certifications in motor vehicle air-conditioning and stationary refrigeration; they target manufacturer certifications. Instead, students could choose to become experts in areas such as engine overhaul, brake service, tune-ups and vehicle inspection to become eligible for a diesel technician certificate.
San Jacinto College – Pasadena, Texas
San Jacinto College attracts over 28,000 students annually for its two-year course. The school conducts personal enrichment programs, and technical and workforce training courses at its three campuses located in Pasadena as well as in its seven extension centers.
The school was ranked 4th out of 50 for best associate degree programs offered in science technologies by Community College Week, in 2011. In its Associate of Applied Science program relating to diesel technology, the college trains students in areas such as shop safety, electrical systems, brake systems and testing and repair of diesel engines. A Diesel Technology Certificate that spans three terms is offered at the school.
Tidewater Community College – Norfolk, Virginia
The college attracts about 46,000 enrollments annually for its two-year courses making it one of United States’ biggest schools. Programs in computer-aided design, electromechanical controls technology, electronics technology and automotive technology among other areas are offered at the school’s Engineering and Industrial Technology department. Tidewater Community College offers a career studies certificate program in diesel and industrial machinery repair that students are taught how to maintain trucks and heavy equipment. Additionally, the school has a marine diesel technician program for students who prefer working with boats.
Diesel Mechanics Statistics
Top Schools with Diesel Mechanics Programs
| School Name | Tuition | Size | Degrees Granted | Degrees Granted By Type |
| WyoTech – Laramie Laramie, WY |
Unknown | 1,261 | 570 | Certificate (338), Associate (232) |
| WyoTech – Blairsville Blairsville, PA |
Unknown | 1,325 | 505 | Certificate (395), Associate (110) |
| University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OH |
$13,430 | 4,465 | 388 | Certificate (127), Associate (261) |
| UTI Arizona Avondale, AZ |
Unknown | 2,036 | 360 | Associate (360) |
| Lincoln Tech – Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN |
Unknown | 1,787 | 338 | Certificate (256), Associate (82) |
| Lincoln Tech – Grand Prarie Grand Prairie, TX |
$19,341 | 465 | 315 | Certificate (315) |
| Arizona Automotive Institute Glendale, AZ |
$31,964 | 1,087 | 278 | Certificate (278) |
| Lincoln Tech – Denver Denver, CO |
Unknown | 821 | 173 | Certificate (87), Associate (86) |
| UTI – Illinois Chicago, IL |
Unknown | 1,840 | 169 | Certificate (169) |
| UTI Texas Houston, TX |
Unknown | 2,208 | 166 | Certificate (166) |
