Southern High School (jcps.jefferson.k12.ky.us) in Louisville, Kentucky, runs a Magnet Academy that offers four-year programs in Automotive Collision Technology and Automotive Technology. Both programs are authorized by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). The automotive technology program offers students instruction in transmission and suspension service and repair, tune-ups and basic service maintenance. The automotive collision technology program offers choices to specialize in either collision repair, estimating or refinishing. Teaching includes techniques in welding, analyzing the extent of the damage and general repair work procedures. Students participating in the Magnet Academy also can gain hands-on training working as interns in local auto repair businesses.
Jefferson Community and Technical College is a large postsecondary institution with six campuses located around Louisville and a student body of 15,000. The automotive technology department offers two year AAS and diploma level automotive technician programs. Both utilize study opportunities for students to work on-site as well as classroom study. Students also can obtain certificates in engine and break repair, tune-up maintenance technology and automotive technology. Tuition is calculated by credit hour. At the time of publication, for example, resident tuition is $130 per credit hour. The credit hours needed depend on the level of study. The automotive electrician certificate requires 10 credit hours and the automotive technician diploma requires 67 credit hours of study. The college offers financial aid.
Within a 50-minute commute from Louisville, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (elizabethtown.kctcs.edu) offers certificates, diplomas and associate in applied science degrees in automotive technology. The college has operated in Elizabethtown since 1964 and graduates approximately 500 students every year. The AAS degree automotive technology program includes studies in general subjects and core technical skills, with an automotive parts/service writer option. The full program consists of 199 credit hours, with each credit hour costing $130 for Kentucky residents at the time of publication. Students can apply for financial aid, grants, scholarships and waivers, as well as direct student loans.
If you live in Louisville, but need a more flexible way to study, online programs offer a viable option. You can study from home, at the pace and hours that most suit you, and still gain a valuable education in automotive technology. Colleges such as Penn Foster Career School (automechanicschools.com) offers certificates and diplomas online for auto repair, auto detailing and auto body repair. Even though students use online distance study methods, instructors are available to consult and advice students as needed.