Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Schools with Automotive Technology Programs: How to Choose

Automotive technicians are responsible for the repair and maintenance of automobiles. Though traditional, on-campus education programs are much more common for automotive technicians, hybrid and fully online certificate and degree options are available.

How to Choose an Online Automotive Technology School

Degree Level and Focus

Automotive technology programs are available at multiple education levels and students often choose a program based off of their desired career. At the certificate level, automotive technology programs include a curriculum designed for those who wish to maintain and repair automobiles. As degree level increases, the scope of automotive technology programs grows to encompass additional areas that prepare students to advance into management or supervisory positions, such as customer service, technical support, payroll, business management and sales. Some online certificate programs are also available for current automotive technicians looking to prepare for industry certification exams.

Program Format

Automotive technology programs with online components may be either fully online programs or hybrid programs that require on-campus labs or hands-on training. Fully online programs often use interactive programs, videos and animation to teach students. Prospective automotive technology students who learn better by doing may want to consider a hybrid program that allows them to learn by working with actual automobiles.

Online Automotive Technology Program Options

Online Automotive Service Technician Certificate

Certificate programs for automotive service technicians are available in as fully online programs. Distance learning students often learn through online quizzes, animations and illustrations. Common courses in these programs include suspension and steering, automobile electrical systems and engine fundamentals.

Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Online associate degree programs in automotive technology usually offer lectures and general coursework online, while still requiring students to attend campus for hands-on training in automobile maintenance and repair. The program coursework covers the systems and electronics within a car, including transmissions, brake systems, climate control and engines.

Online Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology

Bachelor's degree programs in automotive technology can be found in both hybrid and fully online formats. Some programs are designed around the business aspects of automotive technology, such as billing, customer service or sales. Other online bachelor's degree programs are designed specifically in automotive repair and include classes in safety management, electrical systems, structural analysis and body repair.

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