The 45-week course at Universal Technical Institute, located in Houston, offers combined classroom and hands-on study. Classes include brakes, maintenance, hydraulics and computers. Additional electives offered provide expertise with specific manufacturers and last six to 14 weeks. Texas State Technical College West Texas, located in Waco, offers classes in testing, maintenance, hydraulics, power train and electronic controls. Classes take two years for an associate of science degree in diesel technology. The school offers financial aid and placement services.
Western Technical College is located in El Paso. The certificate program spans 14 months for classes taken during the day and 22 months for classes taken at night. Coursework is divided evenly into hands-on and classroom instruction. Courses include fundamentals, systems, applications and an externship. Western Technical College offers job placement and financial aid to all students.
Located in Grand Prairie, Lincoln College of Technology offers training in diesel engine repair, diagnosis and maintenance. Students can obtain a diploma, associate or an advanced degree. Information on diploma courses and advanced degree specifics are available from the Grand Prairie campus. Lincoln College of Technology provides national placement as well as financial aid in the form of loans and grants.
Online training is another option to the traditional classroom setting. Two such institutions that offer diesel mechanic programs include Penn Foster and Ashworth College. Penn Foster offers certificate and career diploma programs in diesel mechanics. Concentrated studies include diesel engine fundamentals, fuel injection systems, electrical systems and transmissions. Training typically takes seven months to complete with flexible hours and varied assignments. Penn Foster also offers a preferred purchase program through Snap-on tools. The auto mechanic course at Ashworth College covers 18 comprehensive classes, including maintenance, safety and vehicle systems. Ashworth College offers financial aid through loans and grants. Tuition includes applicable study guides, textbooks and exams. The length of the course spans six months.