Arizona Western College

Automotive Mechanic (Occupational Certificate)

What are your employment options once you receive an Occupational Certificate in Automotive Mechanics from Arizona Western College? After completing this program you can work in any entry-level position including as an automotive technician.

Just what exactly will you learn over the course of this program? You will become competent in a number of automotive systems, and learn the skills necessary to diagnose and perform corrective procedures. The Automotive Service Excellence certification exams are what the program is designed to prepare you for.

In this program, what type of classes can you look forward to?

Automotive Engines:

When you take this course you will be sure to learn everything you need to know about automotive terminology and the design of automotive engines. Engine overhaul will be one topic of discussion, and heads, cylinder blocks, and the other engine parts will be explored.

Automotive Brakes:

The program will educated students on the various components, designs, and materials for braking systems. We provide training on the theory and operation of current automobile brake systems and anti-lock brakes.

Automotive Electrical Systems Applications:

In this lab you will receive hands-on experience in automotive electrical components. You will also learn about the diagnosis and replacement of electrical components.

Can I finish this certificate quickly?

Two or three semesters is all it takes to finish this 36-credit certification course.

Automotive Technology (A.A.S.): Occupational Degree

What can I do with this an Automotive Technology (A.A.S.) Occupational Degree?

You will be able to seek employment as an automotive technician or other entry-level option.

If you enroll in a CTE program, what are the benefits for you?

With our Career Technical Education programs, students can develop skills in career technical areas. Good skill development leads to employment and improved employment opportunities. Programs like Automotive Technology include a lot of skills. You will learn computer information systems, electrical trouble shooting, power tools, and welding along with others.

So just how long does it take to complete this degree?

Four or five semesters is all it takes to complete this 65-credit degree program.

General Information

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  • Carnegie Classification:
  • Associate's--Public Rural-serving Large
  • Religious Affiliation:
  • Not applicable
  • Federal Aid:
  • Eligible students may receive Pell Grants and other federal aid (e.g. Direct Loans).

Estimated Student Expenses (Before Aid)

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Undergraduate academic year prices

Detailed Expenses 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007
Tuition and fees
In-state $1,880 $1,304 $1,200
Out-state $6,440 $5,864 $5,760
Books and supplies $1,269 $1,240 $1,200
Living arrangement
Detailed Expenses 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007
Room and board (On Campus) $4,898 $4,630 $4,468
Other (On Campus) $5,076 $4,961 $4,300
Room and board (Off Campus) $4,736 $4,630 $4,468
Other (Off Campus) $7,189 $7,027 $6,800
Other (Off Campus with Family) $7,189 $7,027 $6,800
Total Expenses 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007
In-state
On Campus $11,854 $10,895 $9,968
Off Campus $13,805 $12,961 $12,468
Off Campus with Family $9,069 $8,331 $8,000
Out-state
On Campus $16,414 $15,455 $14,528
Off Campus $18,365 $17,521 $17,028
Off Campus with Family $13,629 $12,891 $12,560

Financial Aid

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Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students, 2007-2008

  • % of students receiving any financial aid:
  • 73.00, 27
  • 73%
  • % of students receiving grant aid by type:
  • 73.00,60.00,12.00,18.00
  • Total grants: 73%
    Federal: 60%
    State/Local: 12%
    Institutional: 18%
  • Average amount of grant aid received by type:
  • 4279,3787,1694,3477
  • Total grants: $13,237
    Federal: $3,787
    State/Local: $1,694
    Institutional: $3,477

Retention and Graduation Rates

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First-to-Second Year Retention Rates

Retention rates measure the percentage of first-time students who are seeking bachelor s degrees who return to the institution to continue their studies the following fall.

Retention Rates for First-Time Students Pursuing Bachelor s Degrees
  • Student retention (Full-time):
  • 55.00, 45
  • 55%
  • Student retention (Part-time):
  • 43.00, 57
  • 43%

Percentage of Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2007 and Returned in Fall 2008

Overall Graduation Rate and Transfer-Out Rate

The overall graduation rate is also known as the "Student Right to Know" or IPEDS graduation rate. It tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students to see if they complete a degree or other award such as a certificate within 150% of "normal time" for completing the program in which they are enrolled.

Some institutions also report a transfer-out rate, which is the percentage of the full-time, first-time students who transferred to another institution.

Note that not all students at the institution are tracked for these rates. Students who have already attended another postsecondary institution, or who began their studies on a part-time basis, are not tracked for this rate.

Overall Graduation and Transfer-Out Rates for Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2002
  • Overall graduation rate:
  • 19.00, 81
  • 19%
  • Transfer-out rate*:

Percentage of Full-time, First-Time Students Who Graduated or Transferred Out Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program

(*) Not all institutions report transfer-out rates.

Bachelor s Degree Graduation Rates

Bachelor s degree graduation rates measure the percentage of entering students beginning their studies full-time and are planning to get a bachelor s degree and who complete their degree program within a specified amount of time.

6-Year Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity for Students Pursuing Bachelor s Degrees
  • (!)American Indian or Alaska Native:
  • 0.00, 100
  • 0%
  • (!)Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander:
  • 9.00, 91
  • 9%
  • (!)Black or African American:
  • 8.00, 92
  • 8%
  • Hispanic/Latino:
  • 15.00, 85
  • 15%
  • White:
  • 16.00, 84
  • 16%
  • Race/ethnicity unknown:
  • 5.00, 95
  • 5%
  • Non-resident alien:
  • 10.00, 90
  • 10%

Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2002 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program

(!) Interpret data with caution. There are insufficient cases for a reliable estimate.
One or more categories are not present in the race/ethnicity graph because of an insufficient number of cases.

Programs/Majors

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Completions 2007-2008

Mechanic and repair technologies/technicians

ProgramAssociate1 to <2 year Certificate<1 year Certificate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician122
Heating/AC/Ventilation/Refrig Maint Technology/Technician241
Category total363
Grand total363

Varsity Athletic Teams

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2007-2008 Varsity Athletes

NJCAA Division I Men Women
Baseball 26 -
Basketball 15 15
Football 107 -
Soccer 23 -
Softball - 16
Volleyball - 10

Accreditation

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Institutional Accreditation

Agency Periods of Accreditation Status
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission1968-01-01-Accredited

Specialized Accreditation

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Agency / Program Periods of Accreditation Status
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology2006-10-01-Accredited
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
Agency / Program Periods of Accreditation Status
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission1971-12-01-Accredited