Objectives
The Automotive Technology program consists of 1200 hours of instruction (68 quarter credit hours) and is available in two schedules. Both the Day and Evening sessions require twelve months for completion on the basis of approximately 25 hours of instruction per week. All terms of the program are independent, thus the sequence in which they are offered to students may vary.
This program is currently taught in a Blended format (lecture material on-line and hands-on skills on-campus) and is also offered residentially (all classes and labs on campus) at the Worcester, MA campus. As part of their program materials, students receive a device which is fully compatible with the Learning Management System (LMS) used in both delivery methods. Once COVID flexibilities end, Veterans’ Benefits will only be available for the residential version of this program.
Student from either delivery method could be assigned to the same on campus lab shifts. Campus lab hours are 7-2 and 6-10. Students taking day labs in the Blended program need to plan on 2-3 lab sessions per week, based on course needs. Students taking evening labs in the Blended program need to plan on 3 lab sessions per week and an occasional Saturday lab from 8-2. Lab schedules will be distributed to Blended students prior to the start of each term. Residential students attend M-Th 7-2.
Students will need approximately 25 hours per week for instruction (whether online or on campus), activities and simulations and for on-campus lab work, with an additional six hours per week for reading assignments and other homework activities. For Blended classes, course materials, assignments, and homework are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through the Learning Management System (LMS).
This program intensively covers automobile service and repair. Students will develop an understanding of the theory and practical application related to all automotive parts, systems, functions, performance, diagnostics and repair. Emphasis is placed on acquiring proficiency in the use of computer-based diagnostic equipment essential for analyzing and troubleshooting today’s high tech cars including CAN (Computer Area Network), fuel injection, electronic ignitions, transmissions, brakes, steering and suspension.
The Automotive shop is equipped with the same equipment currently in use by most automotive service and repair facilities. This includes various kinds of scan tools, computer diagnostic oscilloscopes, emissions diagnostic equipment, computerized alignment machines, brake lathes, valve grinding machinery, wheel balancing equipment, and specialized pneumatic and hand tools. The maximum number of students being taught in an on-line class is fifty and the maximum in lab is twenty-five.
Students at the Worcester campus participate in an enhanced curriculum that will include advanced Blended and electric vehicle technology.
The program helps prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests and graduates may choose to become certified once the tests are passed and the ASE work experience requirements are met.
The graduates entering the Automotive Service industry will have sufficient knowledge and skill for entry level employment as a specialized or general automobile technician in a new or used car dealership or independent repair facility. Graduates may qualify for the following types of entry-level positions within the industry:
- General Automotive Technician
- Brake technician
- Tune-up specialist
- Engine Rebuilder
- Transmission Specialist
- Parts specialist
- Service Advisor
- Warrantee claims clerk
Technology Requirements
For students who, under unusual circumstances, need to access the LMS using something other than their school issued device, the technology requirements are:
Microsoft: Windows 10 (Need to use Chrome Browser or Firefox - current versions as released only)
iOS Devices: Current iOS release as issued by Apple
Chrome OS: Current version of ChromeOS as released by Google
Required Software: PDF viewing software - Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended
Bandwidth: recommend minimum of 5Mbps download and 1Mbps upload as tested on www.speedtest.net
Required Tools, Books & Supplies
There are certain tools, books and supplies that students will need to successfully master the skills and information taught in their program. For the most part, this equipment consists of items that will also be used when the student graduates and begins work in the occupation for which he or she has been prepared.
The Materials Fee covers all books, devices, tools, instruments, uniforms, supplies, and other materials that the students will receive from PCI during the course of their attendance in their program. (Any E-books issued are usually permanent once the student downloads them to their device. On-line access is usually limited to one year commencing with the day the E-book is activated. E-book access limits are based on publisher requirements and not within PCI’s control. E-book license limits are subject to change by the publisher without notice.) The amount of this fee is specified at the time the student submits his or her application. Even if costs increase, or instructors add items to the required course materials, students will never pay more than the fee specified in their Enrollment Agreement.
When a Blended delivery method is used, all courses are delivered in a Blended format, with lecture on-line and hands-on components on-campus. When a residential delivery method is used, all courses are taught on-campus.
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