Which Seattle Schools Have Auto Mechanic Programs?

Automotive mechanic programs in the Seattle area can prepare you for certification. Programs typically include a variety of specialization options, such as engine control systems, diagnostics, electrical control systems and transmissions, to name a few. Learn about local Seattle programs and degree opportunities in the automotive mechanics field.

What You Need to Know

You can pursue an automotive technology program at the certificate and associate's degree levels. These programs are most commonly offered at 2-year, public colleges. Certificate programs can take 1-7 quarters to finish, while associate's degree programs generally take two years to graduate. Most programs include internship and cooperative work experiences that give you the hands-on skills to apply for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. Keep reading for detailed info on automotive technology certificate and associate's degree options, so you can pick the right school for you.

Schools Offering Auto Mechanic Certificate Programs in Seattle

Green River Community College

Green River Community College (GRCC) offers several automotive certificate programs designed to prepare you for ASE certifications. The engine performance program helps you develop automotive leadership skills needed to work in or operate an automotive business. In addition to topics such as hazardous materials handling, engine control system sensors and spark plugs, you'll also learn about repairing engine systems using diagnostic equipment. GRCC offers certificates in heating and air conditioning, transmission and transaxle, electrical systems, brakes, steering and suspension, as well as an associate degree automotive technology program.

• Program Name: Automotive Technology - Engine Performance Certificate of Proficiency
• Program Length: one quarter, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,053 per year for Washington state residents; $4,482 per year for non-residents (effective 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Must take placement test to demonstrate reading proficiency; proof of driver's license for new students
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 8,471 students (all undergraduate)

Renton Technical College

The automotive technology certificate program teaches you the modern technology needed to work on the vehicles of today. In addition to completing CPR/First Aid and auto-related courses, you'll complete a cooperative work experience at a local dealership in the second year of the program. Upon graduating, you'll have an ASE certificate in refrigerant recovery and recycling and a Washington State Emission certification. You'll also be prepared for various ASE certifications, such as engine repair, manual drive train, engine performance, among others.

• Program Name: Automotive Technology Certificate of Completion
• Program Length: seven quarters, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $5,466 per year for Washington state residents; $5,902 per year for non-residents (effective 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: At least 18 years of age; high school courses in science, math, power or auto mechanics; COMPASS test; high school diploma or GED certificate; valid Washington State driver's license with good driving record; counselor and instructor interview
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 3,546 students (all undergraduate)

South Seattle Community College

The Automotive Technology Training Center at South Seattle Community College offers an ASE Master and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified training program that will prepare you for various careers in the automotive industry. In addition to general education courses, you'll complete courses in automotive engine diagnosis and repair, air conditioning and heating, automotive welding, engine computers and automotive transmission diagnosis and repair.

• Program Name: Automotive Technician Certificate
• Program Length: Six quarters, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,717 per year (effective 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,177 students (all undergraduate)

Schools Offering Auto Mechanic Associate Degree Programs in Seattle

Bates Technical College

The automotive technology program at Bates Technical College is certified by the NATEF and designed to meet ASE requirements. You'll learn about various aspects of automotive mechanics, including fuel injections, brake systems, clutches and manual transmissions, four- and all-wheel drives, engine assembly and basic ignition systems. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to take ASE certification exams.

• Program Name: Associate of Technology - Automotive Technology
• Program Length: eight quarters, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $5,391 per year for residents; $10,889 per year for non-residents (effective 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; nearly 4,445 students (all undergraduate)

Green River Community College

The associate degree program is a modular-based, self-paced program that provides you with hands-on training working in the shop. Your courses include shop procedures, steering and suspension, heating and air conditioning, engine repair, engine performance and automotive leadership. Students in an approved apprenticeship get credit towards the degree and work experience required for certification. You'll also have an opportunity to obtain work experience in a local automotive business.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,053 per year for Washington state residents; $4,482 per year for non-residents (effective 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Must take placement test to demonstrate reading proficiency; proof of driver's license for new students
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 8,471 students (all undergraduate)

Renton Technical College

The Ford ASSET program, the result of a team effort between RTC, Ford Motor Company and sponsoring Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealerships, will prepare you for work as an automotive technician in Ford dealerships. The curriculum alternates between classroom/lab studies and full-time work at participating Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealerships as cooperative education. Course topics include manual transmissions and drive trains, engine performance, brake systems, automotive mathematics and basic shop skills. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to obtain both ASE and Ford Motor Company Service Technician Specialty Training certifications. You must meet the admission requirements for both Renton Technical College and the Ford dealership program.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Automotive, Ford ASSET
• Program Length: eight quarters, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $5,466 per year for Washington state residents; $5,902 per year for non-residents (effective 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: At least 18 years of age; high school courses in science, math, power or auto mechanics; COMPASS test; high school diploma or GED certificate; valid Washington State driver's license with good driving record; counselor and instructor interview
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 3,546 students (all undergraduate)

In Seattle, Green River Community College and Renton Technical College offer both certificate and associate's degree programs in automotive mechanic fields. Additionally, South Seattle Community College offers a certificate program and Bates Technical College has an associate's degree program.