Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology - Associate Degree
Highly skilled technicians are needed to diagnose, service, and repair a variety of heavy equipment such as over-the-road trucks, off-the-road construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and potentially stationary power supply engines. As a graduate of the Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology associate degree program, you'll not only gain such high-tech skills and hands-on experience, you'll be prepared for management, ownership, supervisory level positions, and advanced educational options. Career opportunities include diesel and heavy equipment technician, related specialist technician, related parts support manager, industry related service manager/supervisor, industry related sales representative, business owner, and educational trainer. This program is accredited by The AED Foundation.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $12,556, Books: $2,228, Supplies: $3,500
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=104124
Requirements for Program Entry
- Please note that all new students apply to the technical diploma program. While attending you may later have the associate degree added.
Program Outcomes
- Apply hydraulic systems fundamentals
- Manage chassis, steering, and suspension systems
- Explain diesel engine systems
- Explain diesel engine service fundamentals
- Perform required preventive maintenance
- Maintain brake systems
- Analyze electronic/electrical systems
- Manage heating - A/C systems
- Comprehend power train systems
- Interpret schematic drawings
- Diagnose engine systems
- Service vehicle systems
- Communicate effectively with the customer
- Complete customer repair orders accurately
- Organize a daily work schedule
- Tabulate a daily time sheet of technician's repair work
Accreditation
The NWTC Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program is an AED Foundation (Associated Equipment Dealers) Certified Program.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Summer Before Third Semester
8 Week 1
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
- Students must earn a "C" or better in 31-804-304 Vocational Math A
Course Descriptions
Introduces diesel shop environment, safety, the use of manufacturer's service information and literature, handling hazardous materials, emphasizes general shop safety and general shop practices, basic equipment operation, rigging and lifting, hazardous material handling procedures, resume development, mock interviewing, and exploring industry career pathways.
Course Typically Offered: FallStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, proportions, and percent to their career. No prerequisites needed.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocuses on welding and cutting safety; develops skills in welding and cutting of metals used in the transportation trades. Methods of welding include gas metal arc welding (MIG) in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Methods of cutting include oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting of metals. Students will learn to set up and maintain welding equipment and weld and cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials commonly used in the transportation trades.
Course Typically Offered: FallIntroduces the student to the tools and equipment used in a heavy duty diesel shop, vehicle classifications, fasteners and repair hardware, drilling and tapping techniques, broken bolt extraction, and basic shop equipment operation. (Prerequisite:10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge skills process and understanding of welding and metal working machine safety; basic SMAW, GMAW and oxyacetylene metal joining operations and procedures. The use of basic metal cutting machines, measuring tools, and layout techniques. (Prerequisites: 10-412-170, Transportation Welding 1, 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to their career. (Pre-requisite: Completion of 31-804-304 Vocational Math A with a "C" or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringFocus on the theory of electricity. This will include studying Ohms, Kirchoff's, and Newton's Laws and how they apply to the circuits on various electrical systems on a vehicle. Students will apply these theories to troubleshoot simple circuits. (Enrolled in Diesel program, Prerequisite: 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals; Enrolled in the Automotive or Collision program, there is no prerequisite for this course)
Course Typically Offered: FallFocuses on the fundamentals of electricity, batteries starting circuits, charging circuits, and electrical circuits found on heavy duty equipment. Covers testing and troubleshooting procedures for various systems presently used in the industry, as well as how to perform electrical repairs and wiring harness repair. (Pre-requisite: 10-412-153, Intro to Electrical Systems)
Course Typically Offered: FallElectronic schematics, applications of schematics, system similarities, components, review of systems operation, practical applications in diagnosing system problems, use of special test equipment/schematics to solve problems and wiring schematic reading. (Prerequisite: 10-412-153 Intro to Electrical Systems)
Course Typically Offered: SpringFocuses on lighting systems, instrumentation, troubleshooting and diagnostics of electrical systems used on heavy duty vehicles. Students will diagnose and repair electronic engines, transmissions and ABS systems. (Prerequisite: 10-412-154, Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical 1)
Course Typically Offered: SpringCovers but is not limited to hydraulics principles, system schematics and symbols, pumps, valves, cylinders, motors, accumulators, filters, reservoirs, hydraulic seals, fluids, maintenance, and safety rules. (Prerequisite: 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: SpringFocus on the sub system of various OEM chassis including compressed air for brakes, avoidance collision system, and chassis configurations. Students will use OEM software to obtain OEM specifications for each sub system.(Prerequisite: 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: SpringFocus on the sub system of the various OEM engine to include air intake, exhaust system, cooling and oil system. Students will work with OEM literature for follow flow and diagnostic procedures for each system. (Prerequisites: 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals, 10-412-151, Intro to Diesel Mechanics)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course provides the learner development of the introductory skills, process and understanding of preventative maintenance inspection A and B on various types of diesel-powered equipment. The learner will be exposed to the safe and proper way of changing oil and filters, greasing as well as the materials used to correctly perform basic maintenance on vehicles. American Petroleum Institute (API) engine oil classification and Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) viscosity of oils and greases as well as various types of filters and filtration methods used on vehicles will be discussed. (Prerequisite: 10-412-101 Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThe application of theory, skills, and techniques in the diesel heavy equipment technician profession. (Prerequisite: Instructor approval required)
Course Typically Offered:This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic internal combustion (IC) engine types, IC engine theory and operation, IC engine construction and components. Practical experience and procedures for maintenance and repair of engine systems including valve train and fuel systems including pumps, governors, injectors, unit injectors, unit pumps, timing gears. High-pressure common rail theory and operation; safety. (Prerequisites: 10-412-151, Intro to Diesel Mechanics, 10-412-159, Engine Sub-Systems, 10-412-106 Diesel Engine Systems)
Course Typically Offered: FallWill cover the following but not be limited to hydraulics principles, system schematics and symbols, pumps, valves, cylinders, motors, accumulators, filters, reservoirs, hydraulic seals, fluids, maintenance, and safety rules.(Prerequisite: 10-412-156, Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems)
Course Typically Offered: FallShop safety; service manuals; preventive maintenance forms; federal inspection policy; preventive maintenance for trucks, trailers, engine brakes/retarders, construction, and agricultural equipment; and electronic trouble shooting trees. (Prerequisites: 10-412-101 - Diesel Service Fundamentals,10-412-106 Diesel Engine Systems,10-412-116 Hydraulics Technology, 10-412-172 Introduction to Maintenance, 10-412-158 - Chassis Sub-Systems)
Course Typically Offered: FallTheory of power train components, coupling systems, hydraulic retarders, mechanical transmissions, drive shafts, final drives, gear reduction boxes, planetary gear sets, chain-type final drive, belt drive systems. (Corequisite: 10-412-113 Diesel Power Train App)
Course Typically Offered: FallPractical experience and procedures for maintenance and repair of power train components, coupling systems, hydraulic retarders, mechanical transmissions, drive shafts, final drives, gear reduction boxes, planetary gear sets, chain-type final drive, belt drive systems. (Corequisite: 10-412-110, Diesel Power Train Theory)
Course Typically Offered: FallMobile hydraulics system components safety, principles of operation, diagnosis, and service. (Prerequisite: 10-412-116, Hydraulics Technology)
Course Typically Offered: FallLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringTrack shop safety, track drive component parts, system operation, inspection, system diagnoses, system repair, system service, and system maintenance. (Prerequisite: 10-412-151, Intro to Diesel Mechanics, 10-412-136, Diesel Mobile Hydraulic Systems, 10-412-113, Diesel Power Train App)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course is designed to prepare students for the Wisconsin Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) pre-trip inspection, air brake and skills test. Preparation will also be given for taking the State DOT written test including general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringDiesel engine troubleshooting steps, major check points when inspecting or operating a diesel engine, causes of poor engine performance and failure, perform engine diagnostic tests, dyno test an engine. (Prerequisite: 10-412-151, Intro to Diesel Mechanics, 10-412-159, Engine Sub-Systems)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course is designed to familiarize diesel technician students with the basics of home standby and commercial generators. Electrical fundamentals, alternators, permanent magnet generators, circuit breakers, generator switchgear, auto transfer switches and automatic voltage regulators will be covered emphasizing home standby and commercial use generators. (Prerequisites: 10-412-153, Intro to Electrical Systems, 10-412-154, Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical 1)
Course Typically Offered: SpringAll college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the learner development of the skills, process and understanding of home standby and commercial generators. The learner will be familiarized with control and monitoring systems, transfer switch installation, load bank testing, and troubleshooting. (Prerequisite: 10-412-146 Power Generation 1)
Course Typically Offered: SpringSafety; basics of air conditioning; refrigerants and oil; basic system and its functions; environmental safety practices; inspection, diagnosing, and using service tools. (Prerequisite: 10-412-101, Diesel Service Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Spring