Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program in Nashville
Want to turn your love of cars into a satisfying career? The Nashville Auto-Diesel College Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program provides the hands-on training and diagnostic skills you need to work on today’s high-tech vehicles. From engine performance and electrical systems to diagnostics and drivetrain repair, you learn to maintain, troubleshoot and repair automotive systems using industry-standard tools and techniques.
Start building a career that helps keep America moving in the booming Nashville automotive sector1. Enroll in the Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program at our Nashville, Tennessee campus today.
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program Delivery
Day, afternoon and evening programs are available. Hands-on instruction is provided on-campus, with some coursework delivered online. Lincoln Tech also utilizes animations and simulations so you can experience interactive learning that enhances skill development, reinforces concepts, and allows you to practice troubleshooting in a risk-free environment.
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 55.0
- Instructional Hours: 1320
- Completion Time: Approximately 57 weeks
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program Classes and Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with automotive experts, the Lincoln Tech academic approach ensures that our programs align with current employer requirements and technological advancements. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, your courses are designed to provide you with automotive knowledge and skills. You learn to correctly test, diagnose, replace, repair and adjust the components of the mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, and accessory systems on current automobiles. And you gain invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program Learning Objectives
- Diagnose, repair, and maintain automotive systems such as engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical components.
- Perform tire services, wheel alignments, and suspension repairs.
- Use industry-standard diagnostic tools and equipment to troubleshoot vehicle issues effectively.
- Work with computerized engine management systems to diagnose fuel, ignition, and emission controls.
- Perform routine vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Interpret manufacturer guidelines and technical manuals to follow vehicle repair and maintenance procedures.
- Understand the basics of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles.
- Demonstrate professionalism, time management, and problem-solving skills in a real-world automotive service setting.
- Adhere to safety protocols in an automotive repair environment to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Communicate effectively with customers and coworkers about vehicle issues, repairs, and cost estimates.
- Prepare for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification exams.
Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Automotive Service Technology Diploma Program in Nashville, you may find entry-level employment opportunities at:
- Automotive dealerships
- Fleet maintenance companies
- Tire and lube service centers
- Specialty or performance shops
Automotive Service Opportunities in Nashville
Graduates of the Automotive Service Technology Diploma program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations2 such as:
Automotive Service Technology — Nashville
AUXX100 — Diploma Program
CIP Code: 47.0604
SOC Code: 49-3023
Day, Afternoon, Evening Programs
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 55.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 1320 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
Provide the graduate with the entry-level knowledge and skills required to correctly test, diagnose, replace, repair and adjust as necessary the components of the mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, and accessories systems on current automobiles. Upon completion of this program, the graduates will be qualified for entry into the automotive service career field as a technician capable of analysis, problem solving, performing most common service operations and under supervision, more specialized or involved tasks with a dealer, independent shop or other service outlet. Students will be required to complete out-of-class assignments in each course.
In addition to the technical training, a critical aspect of a Lincoln education is developing the professional skills that are required by our employers. Students will need to demonstrate skill proficiency through a series of professional development activities and seminars which are integrated into each course. The modules include:
- Student Success
- Financial Literacy
- Professional Development
- Career Success
Foundation Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None. |
Course Description
The overall goal of this course is to facilitate a smooth transition to school by engaging the student in curriculum focusing on academic, career, and life skills. Students will make connections with key personnel within the school that will assist with their questions and provide guidance throughout their education.
The student will be introduced to automotive and diesel systems, industry certifications, and job opportunities. Students will learn essential skills for the vehicle technician including safety, tool and equipment fundamentals, and the proper use of measurement tools such as dial indicators, micrometers, and calipers.
The automotive and diesel content will be balanced by an emphasis on skills that will enable students to be successful in school and in life. These skills will include time management, financial management, goal setting, learning strategies, career planning, and critical thinking strategies.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None. |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with a detailed study of the modern internal combustion gasoline engine from the basic principles of design and operation to inspection, precision measurement, fitting, and reconditioning, including cooling systems, coolants, lubricating systems, and engine lubricants.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose various engine concerns through visual and auditory inspection. Students will learn how to disassemble, measure, troubleshoot, service, and reassemble a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None. |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with practical theory in basic and solid state circuitry, including body electrical systems, operation and service of automotive storage batteries, automobile charging systems, starting systems, and lighting systems. Students will evaluate components using both conventional and electronic diagnostic equipment.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose basic electrical, charging, starting, and lighting circuits through the use of diagnostic equipment to include test lights, multimeters, and continuity testers. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
Core Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100, AUX103, AUX109 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of conventional and computerized engine control systems and scientific engine testing and tuning. Students will receive detailed instruction on operating principles, testing, replacement and repair of the ignition systems, by-products of combustion, including fuel supply and air induction systems, related emissions controls, and the principles of turbocharging. Emphasis is placed on troubleshooting, replacement, overhaul, and adjustment of fuel injection systems, including computer control models.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to use diagnostic scan tools to retrieve emission control trouble codes and determine necessary repairs. Students will learn how to diagnose no-start/no-fuel problems on hot and cold engines. Students will learn how to operate exhaust gas analysis equipment and determine necessary action. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive coverage of drive train components, including theory, operating principles, service, and repair techniques of the clutch, differential and rear axles. Gearing, levers, hydraulics, component design, troubleshooting, replacement, disassembly, repair, service techniques, and assembly are emphasized. Manual and 4X4 transfer gear boxes, drive-shafts, U-joints, front and rear differentials, and manual transaxles are featured.
This course also provides the student with knowledge and skills needed to successfully diagnose and make needed repairs to automatic transmissions and transaxles. Emphasis is placed on power-flow, operation, design, servicing equipment, troubleshooting, disassembly, inspection, replacement, assembly, testing, and adjustment.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose, inspect, remove and replace a clutch. Students will learn how to diagnose, clean, inspect, disassemble, and reassemble a transmission/transaxle. Students will learn how to diagnose, inspect, remove, replace, and service front wheel-drive components and rear-wheel drive components. Students will learn how to perform necessary diagnostic tests using special equipment including scan tools to retrieve transmission/transaxle related trouble codes. Students will learn how to perform necessary service, repairs, and adjustments to automatic transmissions and transaxles. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
For Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Service Technology With Volkswagen, and Automotive Service Management Technology programs: AUX100, AUX103 For Diesel and Truck Service Technology, Diesel and Truck Service Management Technology and Heavy Equipment Service Technology programs: AUX103, MHT100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with theory and application of automobile air conditioning and heating systems. Students will also be presented with the operation of various automobile accessories to include: power windows, door locks, and seats, and air bag operation and service.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose abnormal operation of air conditioning and heating systems, remove and replace air conditioning and heating system components, and evacuate and recharge automobile air conditioning systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100, AUX103 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with a more in-depth knowledge of electrical and electronic principles, and advanced circuit applications. Students will learn about automobile computerized control systems as they apply to engine and body control as well as transmission, suspension, braking systems, and other computerized systems. Computer operation, sensors, and actuators are emphasized.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose automotive electrical and electronic circuits using a variety of diagnostic equipment to include digital volt-ohm meters, continuity testers, test lights, graphing multimeters, and oscilloscopes. Students will learn how to use diagnostic scan tools to retrieve trouble codes from vehicle computers and determine necessary repairs. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of design, operating principles, maintenance and service of the automotive brake systems and traction control. Emphasis is placed on diagnosis and service of rotors and drums with measuring and resurfacing included. Anti-lock braking is covered from operating principles through diagnosis and service.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose mechanical and hydraulic problems within the vehicle braking systems. Students will learn how to diagnose computer control problems within the anti-lock and traction control systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with detailed instruction of the design and operating principles, maintenance and service of automobile suspension and steering systems including steering geometry and alignment angles. Emphasis is placed on wheel alignment procedures, including computerized four-wheel alignment. Service and diagnostics are stressed including McPherson struts, rack and pinion steering systems, and tire design and applications. New technologies are covered to incorporate electronic steering, and in-depth coverage of computerized suspension systems.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose, inspect, and service steering system components using industry standard equipment. Students will learn how to diagnose inspect, remove and replace rear-wheel and front-wheel drive suspension component. Students will learn how to perform alignments on front and rear wheel drive vehicles. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
For Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Service Technology With Volkswagen, and Automotive Service Management Technology programs: AUX100, AUX103, AUX208 For Diesel and Truck Service Technology, Diesel and Truck Service Management Technology and Heavy Equipment Service Technology programs: MHT100, AUX103, AUX208 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the students with exposure to an actual shop environment, procedures, and protocol by applying prominent skills obtained in previous courses. This course will also provide the student with an orientation and introduction to the management and business component of the automotive industry. The management and procedures associated with automotive related businesses are emphasized including employee/employer expectations, the service write-up process, business organizational structure, career opportunities, customer relations, personnel management, facilities, business records, insurance, and safety. Knowledge relating to management practices within an automotive business will help the student adapt and acclimate to the working environment.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to prepare an employment resume and application. Students will learn how to complete various forms used in automotive businesses. Students will learn how to properly interview for employment. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
AUX100, AUX103, AUX109, AUX202, AUX208, AUX110, AUX211 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the students with exposure to an actual shop environment, operational procedures, and protocol by applying prominent skills obtained in previous courses. Emphasis is placed on the performance and understanding of workshop tasks performed by entry-level technicians. Knowledge testing and skills application are highlighted among the topics.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Maximum time frame: 82.5 credits.
*Prerequisite required.
2 O-Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3023.00?st=TN&g=Go, Retrieved on August 6, 2025.
2 These companies have hired one or more 2021 – 2024 Lincoln graduates to work in their field of study.
Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia will be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
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