Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology

Associate of Applied Science - Transfer Degree (AAS-T)

The Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Associate of Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) Degree program prepares students with the skills required to maintain everything from trucks and tractors to ferries and forklifts. Our ASE-based curriculum is certified to the latest in NATEF standards, and will prepare you for all aspects of diesel and heavy equipment repair. Advanced standing may be granted for work experience and/or related training. Students are responsible for obtaining required tools before instruction begins.

The Associate of Applied Science Transfer Degree builds upon previously acquired knowledge and skills to develop leadership and communication abilities. This degree is designed for students to learn technical skills for employment, but who may also want to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or a four-year institution.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Associate of Applied Science - Transfer Degree (AAS-T) Full Time: 7 to 8
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available
137.0 - 143.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Students must meet with an advisor for entry into this program. A placement test is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success.

  • Inspect, diagnose, disassemble, repair, replace and service each of the major systems in various types of vehicles.
  • Locate sources, create parts write-ups, calculate costs and explain repair or service.
  • Handle customer needs, complaints, questions and special challenges.
  • Access and apply manufacturer's specifications in repair and replacement.
  • Work safely and responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards.
  • Demonstrate ability to pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test required for NATEF certification.
  • Communicate and document service records.
  • Compute costs, time and measurements.
  • Work independently and in groups to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles.
  • Use technology to test vehicles.
  • Work with accuracy, dependability, proficiency and in a timely manner, when servicing equipment.

  • Agriculture Diesel Engine Technician
  • Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist
  • Commercial Shipping Diesel Engine Technician
  • Construction Industry Diesel Engine Technician
  • Forestry & Logging Diesel Engine Technician
  • Freight Rail Diesel Engine Technician
  • Marine Vehicle & Equipment Dealership Diesel Engine Technician
  • Transportation/Commercial Trucking Diesel Engine Technician
  • Truck & Heavy Equipment Dealership Diesel Engine Technician
  • Waste Management Diesel Engine Technician

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Full Time Cost

Quarter Credits Resident Non-Resident International
1 15 $1,540.90 $1,718.90 $3,524.30
2 21 $1,773.85 $1,954.61 $3,868.55
3 21 $1,773.85 $1,954.61 $3,868.55
4 15 $1,540.90 $1,718.90 $3,524.30
5 16 $1,601.92 $1,780.84 $3,593.26
6 16 $1,601.92 $1,780.84 $3,593.26
7 16 $1,601.92 $1,780.84 $3,593.26
8 12 $1,357.84 $1,533.08 $3,317.42

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter

Quarter Start Dates: Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology classes begin in Fall.

Students may still enroll in the program during other quarters to begin their related academic classes (Not required if a student has already completed these classes. Students must provide an official transcript.).

Class Times: Check the online class schedule. Students will meet during the class timeframe listed, however in order to maintain safe distances in on-site labs students will be grouped and have specified times on campus. Please check with your instructor for more information.

Other related academic classes are required that meet outside of these class times. These classes can be completed online and/or in-person depending on availability. Check with an advisor regarding when to take related academic classes.


Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course focuses on introducing students to keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet applications, email, graphic presentations and performing Internet research. Students will also practice effective communication skills and become familiar with industry specific software. Prereqs: Compass scores. Coreqs: MVM 101, MAT 110, HDM 171.

BUS 159 5.0

Learn current regulations and practical fork lift operation in order to obtain a lift truck operator's safety certification card.

HDM 171 2.0

This introductory course covers safety and Material Safety Data (MSD); tools and equipment;gathering vehicle maintenance information; repair orders, repair manuals, parts and time estimating guides; component identification; component theory and fasteners.

MVM 101 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course focuses on skills required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) including safety procedures compliant with OSHA regulations, hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, and equipment used in the repair of both trucks and equipment in the heavy duty diesel mechanic industry. Inspection and maintenance are also a major part of this course. Prereqs: MVM 101, BUS 159, HDM 171, MAT 110. Coreq: HDM 105.

HDM 100 8.0

This course focuses on skills required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) including safety in welding, oxy-acetylene welding, oxy-acetylene brazing, oxy-acetylene cutting, arc welding as well as MIG welding. Identifythe type of welding process to be used when joining various types of metals in different situations. Prereqs: MVM 101, BUS 159, MAT 110. Coreq: HDM 100.

HDM 108 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course introduces students to skills necessary for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification including electrical theory, diagnosing electrical system problems, removal, repair and installation of electrical components from vehicles. The function and construction of each component, diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 110 8.0

Building on the introductory course, students will focus independently on electrical theory, data scan tools, and diagnosing electrical and electronic system problems including truck accessories necessary for NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and diagnosis and service procedures will be covered. Prereqs: MVM 101, BUS 159, HDM 171, MAT 110 with a 2.0 or higher or by instructor permission. Coreq: HDM 110.

HDM 115 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course will cover diagnostic theory, systems problems and evaluations, removal, repair and installation of tires, alignment, steering and suspension components of heavy duty diesel vehicles to meet NATEF certification. Prereqs: MVM 101, BUS 159, HDM 171, MAT 110 with a 2.0 or higher or by instructor permission. Coreq: HDM 125.

HDM 120 8.0

Contents of this course include: diagnostic theory; systems problems and evaluation, removal, repair and installation of hydraulic, air brake and ABS components from vehicles to meet NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 125 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course will focus on theory, systems problems and evaluation, reading and reviewing diagrams, and removal, repair and installation of hydraulic and pneumatic components of heavy duty diesel vehicles to meet NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 130 8.0

Contents include: Theory, diagnosing system problems and evaluation, and removal, repair and installation of heavy duty diesel drive train components from vehicles to meet NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 135 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course focuses on theory, diagnosing system problems and evaluation, and removal, repair and installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components from vehicles to meet NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 140 8.0

This course focuses on theory, diagnosing system problems and evaluation, and removal, repair and installation of gasoline engine components from vehicles to meet ASE standards. The function and construction of each component, and diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 145 8.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Contents of this course include: Diesel engine theory, diagnosing system problems and evaluation, and removal and installation of a diesel engine from a vehicles to meet NATEF certification. The function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered

HDM 150 8.0

This course covers advanced theory, diagnosing systems problems and evaluation, and the rebuilding of a diesel engine to meet NATEF certification. The advanced function and construction of each component, and their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

HDM 155 8.0

Credit range: 1 - 7
Total required credits for HDM 197: 1 - 7

Requires program advising. Please see a program advisor or counselor for details.

Gain experience and practice with mechanical repair procedures and skills performed regularly on the job site. Tasks, skills content, format and projects vary depending on the job site. Prereq: Permission.

HDM 197 7.0