PROFESSIONAL DESCRIPTION:

Whether you are just starting out, are a highly successful automotive technician, or currently working in the field and want to upgrade your skill level, the Automotive Technology program at Allegany College of Maryland can help you realize those goals.

Automotive Technology offers a two-year career program that qualifies a student to apply for an Associate in Applied Science degree and a one-year career program that qualifies a student to apply for a Certificate. Both programs are designed to enable students to seek employment at the program's completion.

The curriculum for the two-year career program is designed to provide automotive training for those persons who wish some college education organized with a definite objective in mind. Depending upon ability and/or interest, the opportunity exists to pursue employment in automotive service or to transfer to a four-year degree program in related fields.

The one-year certificate program is structured for the student who wishes to pursue a career as an automotive service technician and also for the individual now employed in the automotive field who hopes to further his skills. This course of study provides the student with a basic knowledge of the field and the manipulative skills necessary to seek employment. The certificate program may be completed during the fall and spring semesters of the regular academic year.

Both curriculums have been designated as statewide programs by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. This means that for qualified students all, or a portion of, out-of-county tuition differential will be refunded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Allegany College of Maryland is nationally certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), an affiliate of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This organization certifies automobile technician training programs offered by high schools, postsecondary trade schools, technical institutes, and community colleges. NATEF certification signifies that the program meets uniform national standards for instructional facilities, equipment, staff credentials, and curriculum.

Graduation from both programs prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) national certification testing.

Articulation Agreements are in place with several area high schools, this allows college credit for what has been learned at their high school/ vocational program. An articulation agreement has also been signed with Pennsylvania College of Technology that allows ACM degree graduates to transfer to 45 automotive credits and other General Education classes and then work toward a Bachelors Degree in Automotive Management. Schools that have an agreement.

The following are job titles that graduates from this program now hold:

Service Manager
Service Advisor
Service Writer
General Line Technician
Parts Manager
Parts Counter Person
Fleet Manager
Part Recycler Technician
Transmission Specialist
Auto Body Technician
Alignment Technician
Automotive Instructor
Automotive Equipment Diagnostic Technician
Computer Diagnostic Technician

Starting salaries can range from $18,000-$30,000, depending on location of employment. An after gaining 5 years of experience the expected salary range is $40,000 to $100,000 again depending on location of employment.

Graduation from both programs prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) National Certification testing.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS:

There are many scholarships and various forms of financial aid available to help students with expenses at Allegany College of Maryland . The following scholarships are for students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program only:

Durrett-Roy Durrett
Kirk-Robert D. Kirk II Memorial
Wagner-Lawrence L. Wagner Memorial
Watters-Jacob Paul David Watters Memorial
Western Maryland Street Rod Association
Highland Riders Chapter of Harley Owners Group

For more information, please contact the following:


Dennis McKenzie
Director of Automotive Technology
301 784-5150
dmckenzie@allegany.edu