The purpose of this program is to provide specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience to prepare individuals to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of medium/heavy trucks at the entry level. The program prepares the individual to select, safely use, and maintain hand and power tools, jacks, and hoisting equipment. Instruction in the diagnosis of malfunctions and the repair of engines; fuel, electrical, cooling, and brake systems; drive train; suspension systems and maintenance are included.

The competencies in the Diesel Heavy Truck Technology program are directly correlated with the knowledge required to prepare an individual for the certification tests given by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The content is organized into competency-based courses of instruction that specify occupational competencies the individual must successfully complete according to the priorities for tasks established by the ASE Education Foundation.

A Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) may be earned at the end of the first semester, and the Diesel Heavy Truck Technician Technical Diploma (TD) may be earned upon completion of all technical courses. Students also have the option to complete the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Associate of Applied Science with a concentration in Diesel Heavy Truck Technology by completing General Education courses in addition to the technical courses.

To receive any Diesel Heavy Truck credential, the student must:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all credit hours that are to be used towards the credential.
  • Earn a “C” or better in MVSB and DHTT courses.
  • Earn an “S” (Satisfactory) in DHTT 1152 and DHTT 1252.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the skills needed for entry and advanced levels of employment in the diesel heavy truck technology industry.
  • Demonstrate the diagnosis of malfunctions and repair of engines, fuel, electrical, cooling, and brake systems, drivetrain, and suspension systems.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge needed to pass the certification exams given by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient work practices, basic occupational skills, employability skills, and strong work ethics.

First Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
MVSB 1002 Fundamentals of Safety 2
MVSB 1003 Motor Vehicle Service Basics 3
MVSB 1604 Electrical Essentials 4
DHTT 1404 Truck Brake Systems 4
DHTT 1504 Truck Suspension and Steering 4

Semester Total: 17

Second Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
DHTT 1803 Preventative Maintenance Inspection 3
DHTT 1903 Hydraulic Systems 3
DHTT 1304 Truck Drivetrain 4
DHTT 1614 Truck Advanced Electrical 4
DHTT 1152 Truck Internship I 2

Semester Total: 16

Third Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
MVSB 1703 Heating and Air Conditioning 3
DHTT 1103 Truck Engine Design 3
DHTT 1014 Truck Engine Controls 4
DHTT 1252 Truck Internship II 2

Semester Total: 12

Total Program Credit Hours: 45

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
MVSB 1002 Fundamentals of Safety 2
MVSB 1003 Motor Vehicle Service Basics 3
MVSB 1604 Electrical Essentials 4
DHTT 1404 Truck Brake Systems 4
DHTT 1504 Truck Suspension and Steering 4

CTS: Truck Suspension, Steering, and Brakes (17 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
MVSB 1002 Fundamentals of Safety 2
MVSB 1003 Motor Vehicle Service Basics 3
MVSB 1604 Electrical Essentials 4
MVSB 1703 Heating and Air Conditioning 3
DHTT 1014 Truck Engine Controls 4
DHTT 1103 Truck Engine Design 3
DHTT 1304 Truck Drivetrain 4
DHTT 1404 Truck Brake Systems 4
DHTT 1504 Truck Suspension and Steering 4
DHTT 1614 Truck Advanced Electrical 4
DHTT 1803 Preventative Maintenance Inspection 3
DHTT 1903 Hydraulic Systems 3
DHTT 1152 Truck Internship I 2
DHTT 1252 Truck Internship II 2

TD: Diesel Heavy Truck Technician (45 Credit Hours)

Students interested in pursuing the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Associate of Applied Science degree with a concentration in Diesel Heavy Truck Technology should contact the Division of Technical Education at 225-216-8367 for more information.