Nevada Community Colleges
Automotive Technology Programs
Automotive technology programs at community colleges in this state. ASE-aligned coursework for technicians and service writers.
3 colleges · 53 sections · 28 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Auto-tech programs at Nevada community colleges prepare students for ASE-certified service technician careers at dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty performance/heavy-equipment facilities. The 53 sections at 3 NSHE colleges this term combine shop hours on real vehicles with theory in engines, transmissions, brakes, electronics, HVAC, and (increasingly) electric and hybrid drivetrains.
Most Nevada programs are NATEF-accredited and aligned to ASE testing — graduates can sit for individual ASE exams (A1 engine repair, A4 suspension/steering, etc.) and stack credentials over their career. The diploma or AAS gets students into the shop; the ASE certifications and dealer-specific training (Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Honda PACT) are what determine long-term pay.
Colleges offering Automotive Technology
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Automotive Technology is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
| College | Sections | Courses | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | 32 | 15 | — |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | 14 | 10 | — |
| Western Nevada College | 7 | 5 | — |
Automotive Technology Availability Snapshot
How automotive technology sections are being offered across 3 colleges in Nevada this term (53 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person53 (100%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)17
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)10
- Evening (5 PM and after)26
Start dates
Sections begin on 9 distinct dates. 24 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 20 distinct instructors across 3 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
College of Southern Nevada2 programs
Western Nevada College9 programs
Common Automotive Technology courses
- AUTO 105BIntroduction to Automotive Service(6 sections)
- AUTO 101Introduction to General Mechanics(6 sections)
- AUTO 115BAutomotive Electricity and Electronics I(3 sections)
- AUTO 117BAdvanced Automotive Electronics(3 sections)
- AUTO 136BEngine Repair(2 sections)
- AUTO 145BAutomotive Brakes(2 sections)
- AUTO 155BSteering and Suspension(2 sections)
- AUTO 165BAutomotive Heating and Air Conditioning(2 sections)
- AUTO 205BManual Drivetrain and Axles(2 sections)
- AUTO 216BAutomatic Transmissions(2 sections)
- AUTO 235BEngine Performance III/Diagnostics(2 sections)
- AUTO 240BNevada 1g Emission Inspection Preparation(2 sections)
Career outlook for Automotive Technology graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare Nevada’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I need to buy my own tools?
- Eventually yes. Most Nevada programs supply the shop tools you'll use during training, but ASE-certified service technicians at dealerships and independents are expected to bring their own. Tool collections build over a career; budget $3-8k in the first year of full-time employment, much more over time. Some shops offer tool-purchase assistance for new hires.
- What's the pay range for an auto tech?
- Starting techs (apprentices, lube-rack roles) earn $15-20/hr at most Nevada shops. Master-certified techs with multiple ASE credentials at busy dealerships earn $25-45/hr, often on a flat-rate (book-time) system that rewards faster, more efficient work. Diesel and specialty techs (BMW, Mercedes, performance shops) earn the upper end. Independent-shop ownership is the long-tail career path.
- Are EV-specific training and certifications part of the program?
- Increasingly yes. Most Nevada community college auto-tech programs have added high-voltage safety training and intro EV-drivetrain content in the last few years; some offer dedicated EV-tech credentials. The dealer-specific programs (Ford ASSET-EV, GM ASEP-EV) cover brand-specific procedures and are the strongest credential for EV-focused careers.
- Do I need an associate degree or just the diploma?
- For getting hired as a tech, the one-year diploma plus ASE certs is enough at most Nevada shops. The AAS adds business courses, management, and writing — useful if you eventually want to run your own shop or move into service-advisor / shop-foreman roles. Many techs come back for the AAS after a few years in the field.
Compare Automotive Technology programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Nevada’s automotive technology programs stack up.
Other programs in Nevada
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.