Get a jumpstart on an in-demand career maintaining, diagnosing and repairing medium and heavy diesel trucks.
Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology
Program Number: 104123
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
65 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Financial Aid Available
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Estimated Program Cost
$12,278.85
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- Program Overview
Diesel truck technicians are vital in keeping our economy moving by inspecting, maintaining and repairing large on-highway diesel vehicles, from garbage trucks to delivery trucks, fire engines, buses, semis and more.
Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.
Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology Careers
The trucking industry relies on trained technicians to maintain modern equipment, and there is a shortage of qualified technicians in all areas of the diesel industry.
Get the skills you need to get started in a high-demand career. The Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program will prepare you for entry-level employment as a diesel truck technician in a truck dealership, fleet maintenance or an independent repair shop.
The field offers opportunities for continuous learning and advancement into supervisory positions or specializations, along with the satisfaction of solving complex problems.
Associate Degree Program Goals
The associate degree builds on the core classes and training requirements to earn the technical diploma. You’ll take communication, math and human relations courses to develop the essential skills to provide exceptional customer service, ensure accurate billing, and lead teams in the shop, among other responsibilities.
In addition, students who choose the associate degree path will complete a 432-hour PAID internship with one of our industry partners, gaining more hands-on, real-world experience and receiving a jumpstart on an excellent career.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
You’ll receive real-world training essential for becoming a skilled medium and heavy truck technician. The training combines classroom work to acquire knowledge, immediately followed by practical hands-on activities in a simulated shop environment.
The program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the highest level of accreditation, Master Truck Service Technology.
Program faculty and staff are ASE Certified as Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technicians, Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialists and Truck Equipment Technicians.
Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Coursework
As a student in the program, you will diagnose, service and repair:
- Engines and fuel systems
- After treatment and emissions systems
- Transmissions, drivelines and brakes
- Steering and suspension systems
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems
In addition, you will:
- Learn workplace safety standards
- Develop relationships with industry partners
- Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems
- Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry
- Work on diesel trucks in simulated shop environments
Flexible Course Offerings
Madison College designed the program for individuals entering the field and those already working in it. You can attend full- or part-time.
Classes and lab work are held at our Madison Truax campus, though some classes are available online.
- Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisem*nt report), please see Advising Services.
Pre-Program Course
A grade of C or higher in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as a pre-requisite to courses in the program.
10-412-100
Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals
2 credits
First Semester
10-412-110
Metalworking for Heavy-Duty Applications
2 credits
10-412-137
Preventive Maintenance
4 credits
10-412-144
Fundamental Diesel Electrical/Electronics Systems
3 credits
10-412-145
Electrical/Electronics Systems Diagnostics
3 credits
10-804-107
College Mathematics
3 credits
Second Semester
10-412-112
Mobile Hydraulics
3 credits
10-412-155
Heavy Duty Drivetrains
4 credits
10-412-164
Brake and Suspension Systems
4 credits
10-801-195
Written Communication
3 credits
10-809-197
Contemporary American Society
3 credits
Third Semester (Summer)
10-412-139
Vehicle Inspection
1 credit
10-412-195
Occupational Experience 1 - Diesel
2 credits
Fourth Semester
10-412-184
Diesel Engine Technology
2 credits
10-412-185
Diesel Engine Repair
4 credits
10-412-189
Heavy Duty Emission Control Systems
3 credits
10-801-196
Oral/Interpersonal Communication
3 credits
Fifth Semester
10-412-125
Cab Climate Control and Refrigeration Systems
3 credits
10-412-138
Diesel Shop Management
2 credits
10-412-175
Fuel Systems
2 credits
10-412-177
Diesel Engine Diagnostics
3 credits
10-412-188
Electronic Control Systems
3 credits
10-809-199
Psychology Of Human Relations
3 credits
- Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to MadisonCollege are required to complete theInternational Admission Process.
Application Dates
Spring 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2025
Fall 2025
- Application available on September 15, 2024
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
Theonline applicationallows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:- High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSEDtranscript
- College transcript(s) showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review theStart of Semester Checklistto prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center atEnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.eduor 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technology career.
It's Free to Apply
- Career Outcomes
Diesel Truck Program Outcomes
Program graduates areprepared to:
- Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
- Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and the heavy equipment industry.
- Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
- Project a professional image through timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and supervisors.
Diesel Truck Technician Careers
Earning your associate degree in the Diesel Medium and Heavy Truck Technician program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Diesel Equipment Technician
- Electronic Systems Diagnostic Specialist
- Engineering Assistant
- Field Service Representative
- Assistant Service Manager
- Fleet Maintenance Manager
- Shop Foreman
- Team Leader
With additional education or experience, graduates may find employment as a:
- Service Writer or Manager
- DOT Inspector
- Factory Service Representative
- Equipment Sales Specialist
- Research and Development Technician
Related Programs
Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Apply Now!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades
Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105
1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704
tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday:8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)
