Automotive Mechanic Schools and Programs in Kansas

Automotive technology programs help prepare graduates to work as auto service technicians in auto service facilities, maintenance departments, or the service centers of auto dealerships. Auto technicians in these and similar facilities are responsible for identifying problems with cars and light trucks, as well as repairing and maintaining the major systems of a range of modern vehicles. While not all jobs in the field require a college degree, many employers prefer to hire candidates with this type of formal training.

Kansas Auto Mechanic Schools

There are numerous options for students interested in pursuing auto mechanic training programs in Kansas. Here are a list of schools that offer education in the field:

• Washburn Tech: The automotive technology program at Washburn Tech awards graduates a technical certificate and helps prepare them for further study, if desired, to obtain an associate degree in auto tech.
  
  
• Kansas City Kansas Community College: The program at KCKCC offers three technical certificate options. The certificate programs are incremental, so students can choose to complete one, two, or all three.
  
  
• Barton Community College: BCC offers three certificate programs and two associate degree programs. The Automotive Technology and Technology Management option works in collaboration with Kansas State University to provide a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management.
  
  
• Metropolitan Community College: MCC offers three certificate programs and four AAS options, two of which are manufacturer-specific programs in collaboration with General Motors and Ford.
  
  
• Pittsburg State University: Pittsburg State offers both a two-year AAS in Automotive Service and a four-year program in Automotive Technology. The four-year program culminates in a bachelor's degree and includes general education courses.
  
  
• Manhattan Area Technical College: MATC's automotive technology program awards graduates an AAS degree, and graduates are able to transfer to Pittsburg State, Kansas State, or Fort Hays State to pursue a four-year degree.
  
  
• Johnson County Community College: The program at JCCC includes a four-semester curriculum that gives students an AAS degree.
  
  
• Salina Area Technical College: SATC offers a four-semester technical certificate program and a five-semester AAS degree program.

What to Expect from Kansas Auto Mechanic Programs

Students in automotive technology programs should expect to get classroom and hands-on education in all major automotive systems, including:

• Engines and drive trains
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering
• Electrical systems and electronics
• Fuel and emissions systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Safety systems

Hands-on training may take place at a school workshop or actual auto repair center, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the program and gain experience working with a variety of vehicles.

Kansas Auto Mechanic Certification

Automotive technicians in Kansas do not need a license to work in the field. However, some employers may only consider job candidates who hold a certificate or degree from an accredited school.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence awards an ASE Certification to experienced auto technicians who pass the ASE certification exam. To qualify to take the test, techs must have at least two years of on-the-job experience, or a combination of one year of job experience and a two-year degree from an accredited automotive tech program.

Resources for Auto Mechanics in Kansas

• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence -- ASE is a national organization that provides a certification credential for automotive technicians.