Essential Information
Prospective auto mechanics in the state of Iowa can pursue programs at the certificate, diploma and associate degree level at community colleges. These programs educate and train students through academic coursework and hands-on training. Students may also be required to complete a co-op or internship. Typically, these programs can be complete in two years or less. The ten schools discussed below are the largest schools in Iowa offering auto mechanic training.
Des Moines Area Community College
Students enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College can pursue three auto mechanic programs at the Ankeny campus and one at the Des Moines campus. The college offers a 44-credit auto engines and tune-up diploma, 34-credit auto chassis and power train diploma and 40-credit auto maintenance and light repair technology diploma.
An associate degree program in automotive mechanics technology is available and requires the completion of 74 credits. Students in the associate degree program take courses in automotive fuel systems, automotive electricity, engine repair, automotive service management, auto brakes and alignment and electrical systems diagnosis.
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Eastern Iowa Community College District is based out of Davenport, and the district's Scott Community College offers an automotive technology associate degree program at its campus in Bettendorf. The program requires 65 credits and can be completed in four semesters. Courses cover topics in engine performance, automotive transmission, brake systems, drive trains and automotive electronics. Students are also required to complete a co-operative work experience.
Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College is located in Waterloo and offers two types of automotive technology associate degrees. The general program is five semesters and combines automotive courses with a practicum. Hawkeye also has a program with an automotive electronic technology option that focuses on the electronics involved in servicing and repairing vehicle parts and systems.
The college has an articulation agreement with the University of Northern Iowa, and graduates of these programs can enroll in the Department of Industrial Technology.
Indian Hills Community College
Students at Indian Hills Community College, based in Ottumwa, can earn an automotive technology associate degree. Students can complete the program in 18 months, and courses include engine design and systems, heating and air conditioning, performance diagnosis and testing, suspension and steering, brake systems and fuel systems.
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College is located in Fort Dodge and has a 72-credit automotive technology program. The program takes four semesters to complete and includes coursework in auto engine performing, automotive ignition and fuel systems, steering and suspensions, manual and automatic transmissions, advanced braking systems and engine repair.
Iowa Western Community College
Iowa Western Community College is based in Council Bluffs, and students can pursue a couple of automotive programs that cover parts and repairs. The community college offers an associate's degree in automotive technology and a diploma program in automotive maintenance and light repair.
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College is located in Cedar Rapids and has an automotive technology associate degree program. The program consists of 82 credits, and courses include automotive electricity, computerized engine controls, heating and air conditioning, welding principles, brake systems and hybrid electronic vehicle concepts. Students are also required to complete an internship.
North Iowa Area Community College
Based in Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College offers automotive mechanic training at the diploma and associate degree level. Faculty in these programs provide students with technical knowledge and skills to diagnose automotive ailments and make repairs.
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College's Calmar location features an automotive technology associate degree while the Peosta campus offers an automotive mechanic diploma. Students in the 48-credit diploma program are required to complete courses in engine performance and repair, brake and electrical systems, suspension and steering and transmissions.
The automotive technology associate degree program requires 75.5 credits. In addition to courses in the diploma program, students are required to complete four automotive service management courses.
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Located in Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College offers certificates, a diploma and a degree program in the automotive field. Students can pursue a 10-credit automotive drive train certificate, 13-credit automotive electrical certificate or 13-credit automotive painting certificate.
The automotive mechanic diploma is 36 credits, while the automotive technology associate degree is 65 credits. Students in both programs take courses in automotive electricity, electrical systems, suspension and steering, engine repair, brake systems and heating and air conditioning.
Career Requirements
After graduating from a program, students can take certification exams offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Exam areas include transmissions, engine repair, electrical systems, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, drive train and axles, brakes and engine performance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certification may be required by employers.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Auto Mechanic Programs | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Auto Engines and Tune-up Diploma, Auto Chassis and Power Train Diploma, Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technology Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Mechanics Technology | $4,680 in-state, $9,360 out-of-state* |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | 2-year, public; small city | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $5,184 in-state, $7,328 out-of-state* |
| Hawkeye Community College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology - Automotive Electronic Technology | $5,311 in-state, $6,021 out-of-state* |
| Indian Hills Community College | 2-year, public; remote town | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $4,224 in-state, $5,760 out-of-state* |
| Iowa Central Community College | 2-year, public; remote town | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $5,490 in-state, $7,890 out-of-state* |
| Iowa Western Community College | 2-year, public; small city | Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $5,952 in-state, $6,112 out-of-state* |
| Kirkwood Community College | 2-year, public; midsize city | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $4,832 in-state, $6,120 out-of-state* |
| North Iowa Area Community College | 2-year, public; rural fringe | Automotive Service Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology | $5,408 in-state, $7,721 out-of-state* |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | 2-year, public; distant rural | Automotive Mechanics Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $5,820 in-state, $6,420 out-of-state* |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | 2-year, public; small city | Automotive Drive Train Certificate, Automotive Electrical Certificate, Automotive Painting Certificate, Auto Mechanics Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | $4,272 in-state, $4,296 out-of-state* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
