Capital Area Technical College offers a technical diploma in automotive technology. It uses lecture and workshop-based courses to teach students the proper use and maintenance of power tools and the skills needed to diagnose and repair engines and attached automotive systems, including drive train, suspension and fuel systems. Graduates will be properly prepared to take the certification test offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The technical diploma program in automotive technology includes only a few lecture-based courses. These are the freshman seminar, introduction to computers, job-seeking skills, customer service, customer service sales and special projects courses. The rest of the program includes courses with lab hours in the workshop. These courses include wheel alignment repair, steering system repair, engine block assembly repair and general engine diagnosis and repair. An automotive internship is also required as part of the program.
Admissions to Capital Area Technical College involves completing an application, showing proof of a high school diploma or GED certificate, paying a small fee, taking an entrance test and completing an assessment exam. Transfer students should also submit sealed copies of their transcripts. All students are required to attend a new student orientation session, which will offer additional information about the school and particular programs offered.
Compared to other trade schools in Louisiana, Capital Area Technical College is relatively inexpensive. In addition to being the only one that trains mechanics in Baton Rouge, it is also the only nonprofit, public institution. This means that it charges less per credit. Financial aid is available to students with need. Any student interested in finding out information on how to finance their mechanic studies can talk to the financial aid advisers provided by the school.