If you’re interested in how cars and trucks run and how you can service and repair them, choose BTC’s automotive technician training program, which will help prepare you for top jobs in the automotive field.

Career choices are extensive in the field of automotive technology; you’ll be well-qualified for automotive technician or service technician jobs. Or you can work as a specialist in automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical systems. If you’re looking for an Automotive Technology associate degree program or certificate program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills sought by top employers (including automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses), then check out the program at Bellingham Technical College.

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

83% BTC graduate placement rate ¹

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

Additional Requirements:

Prior to enrolling in program classes, during the mandatory GET Started appointment, students will be required to present and attest the following to the Outreach, Advising, and Counseling Department:

1. Present your valid driver's license;
2. Attest that you presented a valid driver’s license to your program advisor and that you will notify your program faculty immediately if your driver’s license is suspended OR restricted for any reason.

Important Program Notes:

1. While it is not required to have a clean driving record to enter the program, some employers and internship providers in this field may only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
2. All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year of the program.

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices specific to the automotive industry.
• Perform advanced maintenance and light repairs on various automotive systems.
• Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems.
• Provide critical thinking skills while utilizing technical information and testing procedures to diagnose customer concerns.
• Communicate work performed using trade specific language while documenting critical aspects clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrate positive work traits and excellent customer service skills.
• Research and identify emerging automotive related technologies.
• Model teamwork that is reflective of a diverse work environment.

Approximately 78% of students in the automotive technology program at Bellingham Technical College are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in the automotive technology field is $46,675, with an earning potential of about $60,299 per year.*

BTC’s General Automotive Repair and Vehicle Service Technician certificates prepare graduates for entry-level jobs at muffler repair shops, tire stores, and oil change service centers.

Most program graduates work as automotive service technicians. In larger shops, positions have become increasingly specialized. Opportunities for specialty positions include automatic transmission specialist, brake specialist, engine performance specialist, front end specialist and electrical specialist.

Potential places of employment include automotive dealerships, independent service garages, federal and local government repair shops, rental industry, service stations, specialty shops, tire and service industry, and fleet maintenance.