Online Schools with Diesel Mechanics Courses and Degrees

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>To become a diesel mechanic, you'll want to earn how to maintain and repair diesel engines for all sorts of vehicles, including medium and heavy-duty trucks, buses, tractors, bulldozers and combines. Your tasks as a diesel mechanic may include routinely checking brakes, wheels and steering, solving mechanical problems and staying up-to-date with changing technologies, among other tasks. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Steering, braking, suspension and transmissions systems in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maintenance or Automotive Technology programs</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Work on a private vehicle while following along in the textbook/manual</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfOnlineProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Online Programs are Available?</h3> <p>Online diesel mechanics programs are hard to find, but there are some available and may include training in heavy truck maintenance as well. As an alternative, you can enroll in an online automotive technology program. In an automotive technology program, you'll likely study diesel engines in addition to exploring topics related to gasoline-powered vehicles. Alternative fuels may be studied as well. These programs are often aimed at those who are working as interns or apprentices in an automotive repair shop. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSchoolsHaveOnlinePrograms">What Schools Have Online Programs?</h3> <p>Penn Foster Career School offers an online bachelor's degree in Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maintenance, while the following schools offer online degrees in automative technology: </p> <ul><li>Penn College </li><li>Northampton Community College </li><li>Bircham International University </li><li>University of Alaska Anchorage </li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoIChooseASchool">How Do I Choose a School?</h3> <p>You'll want to look for programs that offer some sort of certification preparation. This could include the school providing you with a copy of the ASE Test Preparation Series, a study guide for students interested in becoming ASE-certified. Certification from ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is an industry standard for all automotive technicians, including diesel engine technicians and mechanics. This national certification is typically not required for employment, but it may increase your chances of advancing in the profession. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIAccessTheOnlineSchool">How Do I Access the Online School?</h3> <p>You'll most likely need a school-provided user ID and password to access course content and materials. Textbooks and training manuals may be shipped to your home. Exams are typically administered online. Access to an online library may be possible as well. Help from a librarian or other staffer via e-mail may be available, too. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfTrainingWillIBeAbleToAcquire">What Kind of Training Will I Be Able to Acquire?</h3> <p>Hands-on training is very important in this profession. However, the distance learning school you enroll in probably won't supply you with diesel engines or automobiles for you to practice on. To fully internalize the course content, you'll probably need to work on a vehicle of your own or that of a friend or family member. Topics covered in an online diesel mechanic program include: </p> <ul><li>Brakes </li><li>Electronics </li><li>Drivelines </li><li>Truck engines </li><li>HVAC systems </li></ul><p>Topics in an online automotive technology program include: </p> <ul><li>Technical communication </li><li>Automotive technology management </li><li>Diagnostic procedures </li><li>Metallurgy </li><li>Occupational health and safety </li><li>Business law</li></ul>