if spending the day surrounded by cars, engines and tools is an appealing method to facilitate make a living, the initial step toward a career in automotive technology often to gain a somewhat in automotive technology. in sacramento, students will complete the required training at american river college. on the market degrees embrace associate of science degrees in automotive analysis, automotive part service technician, automotive technology, and an associate of science somewhat in diesel mechanics. 

American River College
american river college ( arc ), in sacramento, ca may be a 2-year public college, one among many within the los rios community college district. the school is accredited via the western association of schools and colleges. consistent with possibly the most recent data on the market, within the 2006-2007 school year, the school awarded 424 associate of science degrees. approximately 35, 000 students attend arc connected to part- or full-time basis. 

the colleges automotive technology curriculum is accredited via the national automotive technology foundation ( natef ). the school is a component of one's professional automotive training center partnership to enable students to labor with automotive dealerships and schools for hands-on experience. for students who definitely are not inquisitive about completing general education requirements, arc offers certificates in many automotive technology subjects. 

Automotive Technology Degrees 
associate of science in automotive analysis 
this program prepares students for entry level positions as technicians functioning on smog and driveability problems. graduates in this program have the abilities needed to pursue automotive service excellence ( ase ) certification in many areas, together with engine performance, engine repair and automatic transmissions or transaxles. students are conjointly set to take a look at for californias enhanced-area smog check license. students should complete 60 credits together with 52 automotive-related credits and different general education courses. students complete courses in automotive data acquisition, brakes, suspension and steering systems, electrical systems, manual drive trains and axles, transmission and transaxles, engine repair, performance and electronic engine controls. 

automotive part service technician associate of science degree 
graduates in this somewhat program will surely be qualified to repair numerous automotive elements. this program differs coming from the a. s. in automotive analysis as students are needed to complete fewer automotive-related courses, barely 40 credits worth, and to facilitate make along the balance with general education credits. needed courses embrace study of mathematics for automotive technology, brakes, talent and speed development, engine repair and heating and air conditioning systems. upon completion in this program, students ought to able to show safe work practices and comprehend federal rules for handling hazardous materials. 

Associate of Science in Automotive Technology
this program focuses on engine management systems, emission controls and diagnosis and repair of automotive systems. a graduate in this program might possibly be qualified for automotive service excellence ( ase ) certifications, that might can be found in handy in securing a job. students complete 60 credit hours in courses that introduce them into steering and suspension systems in vehicles and 2 courses in engine performance technology. different needed courses embrace drive trains and axles - manual and automatic. students will surely be ready to complete the state certification take a look at connected to smog. 

Diesel Mechanics Associate in Science Degree 
the associate of science in diesel mechanics focuses on repair of diesel engines and understanding how hydraulic systems work in diesel engines. students are needed to complete courses in preventive maintenance, electrical and brake systems and learning to retrieve and utilize information and manuals for management of diesel tractor emissions.