The Automotive Fundamentals program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, occupational, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Automotive Fundamentals diploma that qualifies them as entry-level technicians.
Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to take the 609 Automotive Air Conditioning exam. Cost is $20. Students who complete this program have participated in an automobile technician training program that was certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Students are accepted into the Automotive Fundamentals program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 3 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 40 semester credit hours.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Automotive Fundamentals diploma program must have good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, math skills, and the ability to apply technology to the work environment.
Employment Opportunities
Upon completing the Automotive Fundamentals program, graduates may gain potential employment in the following areas: Automotive Service and Sales Associate, Automotive Technician, Automotive Trainer or Instructor, Fleet Mechanic, Power Equipment Technician, or Tools, Parts and Accessory Sales.
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $4,993.00
Books & Supplies: $275.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
HOPE Career Grant: The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:
- 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
- 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
- 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
- Commercial Truck Driving – $1,100 one time award
High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.
Admission Requirements
OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums:
- COMPASS/ASSET,
- SAT,
- ACT,
- PSAT,
- PACT,
- Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion,
- HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher, or High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.
The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
Curriculum
General Education Courses
Occupational Courses
| AUTT 1010 | Automotive Technology Introduction | 2 | 45 |
Auto Electrical Course Options (7 Credit Hours Required):
Option #1:
Option #2:
Auto Engine Performance Course Options (7 Credit Hours Required):
Option #1:
Option #2:
| AUTT 1041 | Automotive Engine Performance I | 3 | 100 |
| AUTT 1042 | Automotive Engine Performance II | 4 | 130 |
| AUTT 1050 | Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems | 4 | 125 |
| AUTT 1060 | Automotive Climate Control Systems | 5 | 110 |
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
Program Pathway
Year 1
Semester 1
| AUTT 1010 | Automotive Technology Introduction | 2 | 45 |
| AUTT 1021 | Automotive Electrical Systems I | 4 | 138 |
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
Semester 2
| AUTT 1022 | Automotive Electrical Systems II | 3 | 103 |
| AUTT 1030 | Automotive Brake System | 4 | 105 |
| EMPL 1000 | Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development | 2 | 30 |
Semester 3
Year 2
Semester 4
| AUTT 1050 | Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems | 4 | 125 |
| AUTT 1060 | Automotive Climate Control Systems | 5 | 110 |
| MATH 1012 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 | 45 |