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Hands-On Training

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Online And On-Campus Classes

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Committed Career Service Team

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Laptop For Every Student

What The Automotive Technician Program At NCC Offers You

NCC’s Automotive Technician hybrid program is specifically designed to prepare you for in-demand automotive roles and ASE certifications that automotive employers in Nevada look for when hiring. For the first 7 months, industry experts teach and guide you through classroom, online, and in-shop lab instruction, covering engine diagnostics, brake and suspension servicing, electrical testing, and repair documentation. You will gain hands-on training inside NCC’s Automotive Technician Shop on the main campus: a purpose-built auto shop designed to mirror real workplace setups. Here, you will practice raising vehicles on professional lifts, servicing brake systems, pulling diagnostic codes, and looking up procedures in Mitchell 1 ProDemand—the same software top local shops expect you to know when hired. In the last 2 months, you join a real automotive facility through a 180-hour supervised externship right here in Las Vegas. This hands-on practice allows you to work alongside professional service teams, developing shop instincts, building networks, and gaining workplace confidence. You receive comprehensive career support at NCC, including one-on-one career counseling tailored to your automotive career goals. From writing a resume to practicing for interviews, we are committed to helping you find the right fit in dealerships, independent repair shops, and commercial fleets across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
A confident woman in a blue jumpsuit holds a wrench, promoting the automotive technician program with a 9-month graduation.
CLASSES START

October 5th, 2026

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    median annual salary icon
    $48,290
    Median Annual Salary *1
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    12%
    Projected Growth *2
    Retention Rates Icon
    800
    Projected Annual Job Openings in Nevada *2

    Automotive Technician Program Accreditation

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    NCC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Their contact information is listed below for applicants who wish to request additional information regarding the program’s accreditation.

    6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730

    North Bethesda, MD 20852

    Phone: 301-291-7550
    info@abhes.org
    Hear From NCC's Graduates
    Review stars Review stars Review stars Review stars Review stars
    (1140 reviews)
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    "Northwest Career College is one of the best schools "
    "Northwest Career College is one of the best schools I’ve attended in Las Vegas. Everyone is kind, friendly, and always willing to help. They encourage students to succeed and provide excellent study guides and resources. All of the professors are knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. I would highly recommend Northwest Career College to my friends and family. "

    Sara K

    Northwest Career College Graduate

    Two auto repair technicians in blue coveralls work on a car engine during their auto repair technician training.
    Tiana Thompson
    Tiana Thompson
    Reviewed on Google
    I love NCC and that stand for Northwest Career College This the place that u want to thru but learn
    Anabel Zamora
    Anabel Zamora
    Reviewed on Google
    Everyone was super sweet and supportive! The process was quick and easy. I’m super excited especially to be able to
    Claudia Rocha
    Claudia Rocha
    Reviewed on Google
    Very happy and excited for what's to come. Going back to school is much diferent. The year I graduated was
    Jeanette Balsamo
    Jeanette Balsamo
    Reviewed on Google
    I've just recently started here at NCC my experience so far has been amazing! Everyone from front desk staff to
    Michelle Scott
    Michelle Scott
    Reviewed on Google
    Had a great first day everyone is really helpful can't wait to get to the end of this amazing new
    Anthony Simmons Jr
    Anthony Simmons Jr
    Reviewed on Google
    NCC Allows me a safe and fun Work environment, where i can successfully learn and flourish in my selected field.

    Why Choose Automotive Technician Training At
    Northwest Career College?

    You should enroll in the Automotive Technician program at NCC, which combines classroom, online, and hands‑on lab training with a real‑world externship, preparing you for entry‑level technician roles across many automotive sectors, including dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty facilities in Nevada.
    Icon representing flexible scheduling for Northwest Career College programs

    ASE Entry-Level Certification Preparation

    Prepare for ASE Entry-Level Automobile certifications (E1–E8) and EPA 609 Refrigerant Handling through a curriculum built to validate your technical knowledge to Nevada service managers before graduation.

    Begin your dental assisting career in 9 months

    Structured, Multi-Module Curriculum

    Build comprehensive expertise across core systems including brakes, engines, and HVAC through structured modules that reinforce safety, diagnostics, repair writing, and workplace professionalism, and become job-ready in just 9 months.

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    Real-World Shop Workflows

    Master daily repair operations by completing digital vehicle inspections, writing repair orders, documenting the "3 C's" (Concern, Cause, Correction), and using Mitchell 1 ProDemand software.

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    Purpose-Built ATS Facility

    Train in NCC’s Automotive Technician Shop (ATS) building—a modern auto repair shop equipped with professional lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, brake lathes, and OBD-II diagnostic scan tools.

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    Supervised 2-Month Field Externship

    Learn directly through 180 externship hours in a Las Vegas auto shop or dealership, building valuable professional connections and developing daily workplace confidence.

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    Flexible Schedules & Career Guidance

    Manage your work-life with day or night classes, plus access comprehensive career coaching, resume building, and career placement assistance in Nevada.

    3 Steps To Becoming An Automotive Technician
    STEP - 1
    1Start Your Journey
    You will have a dedicated admissions advisor upon enrollment to guide you on what to expect, introduce you to your instructors, tour our auto shop, and help you determine whether this program is the right fit for your career goals.
    STEP - 2
    2Study & Gain Experience
    You acquire mechanical and diagnostic knowledge through NCC’s blended coursework, hands-on lab training, and a 2-month supervised externship to prepare for ASE Entry-Level exams.
    STEP - 3
    3Launch Your Career
    Our Career Services team helps you create a professional resume and master interview techniques. We arrange one-on-one career workshops, conduct mock interviews, and connect with Nevada dealerships and repair facilities to start your career.
    Apply Now

    What You Will Learn In NCC's Automotive Technician Classes

    Through NCC’s automotive technician classes, you’ll progress from shop simulations to real-world diagnostic and service tasks, building the skills, confidence, and expertise needed to excel in an automotive technician career, with a curriculum aligned with ASE Entry-Level Automobile standards.

    AT101: Shop Foundations (Safety, Tools, and Professional Practices)

    Start your technician journey by mastering the safety standards, professional behaviors, and shop workflows that today’s automotive service employers expect.

    • Automotive hand & power tool selection
    • Automotive service information research
    • Automotive shop safety & PPE practices
    • Hazardous material handling
    • Industry-standard repair workflow and repair order interpretation
    • Teamwork & ethical shop practices
    • Time management & accountability
    • Vehicle identification (VIN, year, make, model)
    • Wiring diagram navigation

    AT102: Vehicle Inspections, Maintenance, and Repair Documentation

    Learn how professional technicians evaluate vehicle condition, perform routine maintenance, and clearly document findings for customers and service advisors.

    • Battery, oil, and filter service
    • Brake, steering & suspension inspections
    • Comprehensive vehicle inspections
    • Concern-cause-correction (3C) documentation
    • Electrical & HVAC visual inspections
    • Fluid inspection & replacement
    • Professional customer communication
    • Repair estimate preparation and repair order documentation
    • Tire & wheel inspections
    • Tire rotations
    • Underhood & under-vehicle inspections

    AT103: Tires, Wheels, Brakes, Steering, and Suspension

    Develop the ability to inspect, service, and assess the systems that control vehicle handling, braking performance, and ride quality.

    • Alignment condition identification & manufacturer specification comparison
    • Brake inspection & measurement techniques
    • Steering & suspension system inspection
    • Tire inspection, mounting & dismounting
    • Tire rotation procedures
    • Wheel balancing
    • Wheel inspection & fastener torque procedures

    AT104: Engine and Cooling Systems

    Build a solid understanding of how engines and cooling systems operate, and learn to inspect, test, and evaluate common mechanical concerns.

    • Cooling system inspection & testing
    • Diagnostic decision-making
    • Engine component identification
    • Engine condition inspection
    • Fluid leak identification
    • Maintenance & repair evaluation
    • Manufacturer specification interpretation
    • Service procedure research

    AT105: Basic Electrical Testing

    Explore how modern vehicles use electrical systems to start, charge, and manage engine performance, and gain hands‑on testing experience.

    • Battery, starting & charging system inspection
    • Continuity, voltage & resistance testing
    • DVOM operation & voltage drop testing
    • Live data & freeze frame interpretation
    • OBD-II scan tool operation & diagnostic trouble code retrieval
    • Open & short circuit identification

    AT106: Drivetrain and HVAC Systems

    Expand your knowledge of the systems that deliver engine power to the wheels and maintain passenger comfort in all driving conditions.

    • Automatic & manual transmission inspection
    • Axle and CV joint inspection
    • Clutch system inspection
    • Differential & transfer case inspection
    • Driveshaft inspection
    • HVAC component inspection
    • Manufacturer service procedures
    • Refrigerant safety awareness

    AT107: Diagnostic Process and Final Integration

    Bring together all your training by applying a structured diagnostic process used in professional repair facilities before your externship.

    • Basic system testing
    • Customer concern verification
    • Diagnostic research
    • Diagnostic workflow
    • Entry-level problem-solving
    • Professional documentation & test result documentation
    • Repair recommendation development
    • Root cause identification
    • Visual inspection procedures

    AT201: Automotive Technician Externship

    Apply your automotive education in a real shop environment while developing the workplace skills needed to transition into an entry‑level technician career.

    • Automotive repair workflow
    • Career readiness
    • Customer service & workplace communication
    • Professional responsibility
    • Professional shop operations
    • Real-world diagnostic experience
    • Team collaboration
    • Technical skill development & time management
    Three Automotive Technician Students work on a car engine in a garage, focused on repairs and using tools.
    Train With Industry-Standard Shop Equipment
    Open blue tool kit labeled Automotive Technician Training Kit on a workbench, surrounded by automotive equipment.
    A black metal L-shaped tool with a socket end, commonly used for tightening or loosening bolts.
    Lug Wrenches
    Five screwdrivers with various colored handles arranged in a row on a white background.
    Screwdrivers
    Red and black pliers with a metallic gripping head, positioned upright against a white background.
    Pliers
    A black mechanical jack with a crank handle, designed for lifting heavy objects.
    Car Jack
    A metal tire pressure gauge with a dial and a red needle, labeled SLIME.
    Tire Pressure Gauge
    A set of medical protective gear including a blue shirt, gloves, face shield, mask, and white shoe covers.
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    A pressure gauge with a handle and multiple colored valve adapters arranged around it.
    Cooling System Testing Equipment
    Digital multimeter with red and black test leads, displaying a reading of 12.58.
    Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM)
    A handheld diagnostic tool with a screen and buttons, connected by a cable.
    OBD-II Scan Tool
    Digital multimeter displaying a reading of 126.5, with red and black test leads connected.
    Basic Automotive Inspection Equipment
    A tire changing machine with various tools and attachments, primarily red and black in color.
    Tire Service Equipment
    A tire balancing machine with a digital display and a mounted tire.
    Wheel Balancing Equipment
    Digital caliper displaying a measurement of 128.5 mm, with a black body and silver measuring jaws.
    Brake Measuring Tools
    A silver ratchet torque wrench with a black rubber grip handle.
    Torque Wrenches
    A portable medical device with a digital display and red and black cables attached.
    Battery Testing Equipment
    A detailed automotive engine connected to a drivetrain, showcasing mechanical components.
    Drivetrain Components
    A black metal L-shaped tool with a socket end, commonly used for tightening or loosening bolts.
    Lug Wrenches
    Five screwdrivers with various colored handles arranged in a row on a white background.
    Screwdrivers
    Red and black pliers with a metallic gripping head, positioned upright against a white background.
    Pliers
    A black mechanical jack with a crank handle, designed for lifting heavy objects.
    Car Jack
    A metal tire pressure gauge with a dial and a red needle, labeled SLIME.
    Tire Pressure Gauge
    A set of medical protective gear including a blue shirt, gloves, face shield, mask, and white shoe covers.
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    A pressure gauge with a handle and multiple colored valve adapters arranged around it.
    Cooling System Testing Equipment
    Digital multimeter with red and black test leads, displaying a reading of 12.58.
    Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM)
    A handheld diagnostic tool with a screen and buttons, connected by a cable.
    OBD-II Scan Tool
    Digital multimeter displaying a reading of 126.5, with red and black test leads connected.
    Basic Automotive Inspection Equipment
    A tire changing machine with various tools and attachments, primarily red and black in color.
    Tire Service Equipment
    A tire balancing machine with a digital display and a mounted tire.
    Wheel Balancing Equipment
    Digital caliper displaying a measurement of 128.5 mm, with a black body and silver measuring jaws.
    Brake Measuring Tools
    A silver ratchet torque wrench with a black rubber grip handle.
    Torque Wrenches
    A portable medical device with a digital display and red and black cables attached.
    Battery Testing Equipment
    A detailed automotive engine connected to a drivetrain, showcasing mechanical components.
    Drivetrain Components
    Start Your Automotive Technician Journey

    Automotive Technician Career Opportunities In Nevada

    Automotive Technicians perfectly bridge mechanical diagnostics with customer service and digital documentation. They support vehicle service operations and daily shop workflows by performing inspections, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. This expertise leads to rewarding positions in dealerships, independent repair shops, municipal fleets, and specialty performance garages across the Las Vegas Valley.

    CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
    Automotive Service Technician
    Brake & Suspension Technician
    Dealership Apprentice Technician
    Diagnostic Specialist
    Fleet Maintenance Technician
    Quick-Lube Specialist
    Service Advisor / Writer
    Transmission / Drivetrain Specialist
    Underhood / Maintenance Technician
    Used-Vehicle Reconditioning Technician

    Automotive Technician Program Cost

    Cost Per Term (1-3) $5,500.00

    More Information about the Profession

    • For information about Financial Aid at Northwest Career College, please visit our Financial Aid page.
    • For more information about the Automotive Technician profession (SOC 49-3023), review the Summary Report at O*Net Online

    Automotive Technician Program Requirements

    The primary requirements for enrollment in the Automotive Technician program are:

    Icon representing high school completion enrollment requirement

    High School Completion

    Get your high school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent to confirm eligibility for the automotive technician program.

    Icon representing government-issued photo ID enrollment requirement

    U.S. Government-Issued Photo ID

    Submit a valid government photo ID for identity verification. (Students under 18 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian).

    Icon representing Social Security card enrollment requirement

    Social Security Card

    Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to verify authorization to study and work in the U.S.

    Talk to Admissions

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    Request For Information

    Find An Automotive Technician School In Clark County

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    Las Vegas
    7398 Smoke Ranch Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89128
    Automotive Technician Program FAQs

    What Does An Automotive Technician Do?

    An Automotive Technician inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks. They perform routine maintenance, for example, oil changes and tire rotations, run computerized diagnostics to locate electrical or mechanical issues, repair brake and steering systems, and document work using industry repair software.
    To become an Automotive Technician in Nevada: earn your high school diploma or GED, enroll in a hands-on trade program from an accredited institution, and complete hands-on lab training and a real-world shop externship. Then, earn industry-recognized credentials such as ASE Entry-Level Certifications (E1–E8) and EPA 609 AC Certification. Nevada doesn’t require state-mandated licenses to work as an automotive technician, but earning ASE Entry-Level certifications validates your technical skills to industry standards, builds employers' trust, expands your job opportunities, and allows you to perform specialized diagnostic and repair tasks.
    Graduates can secure entry-level positions such as Automotive Technician, Brake & Suspension Specialist, Maintenance Technician, Diagnostic Specialist, Fleet Technician, Reconditioning Technician, or Service Writer across dealerships, independent shops, and service centers in Nevada.
    Yes, Northwest Career College offers financial aid and career support for eligible students up to $4,500. Contact the NCC Admissions Department or Call 702-819-6366 for eligibility details and funding options.
    Automotive Technicians in the US make $34,660 to $81,790 or more per year, which is $24.34 per hour on average. In Nevada, they earn $33,500 to $81,180 or more per year, which is $23.22 per hour on average. Their payment structure varies depending on ASE certifications, specialized skills, years of experience, location, and employer type.
    It takes 6 months to 2 years to become an automotive technician, depending on the program or school type. Certificate programs take 6 to 12 months, diploma programs take 9 to 12 months, and associate degree programs (AAS) take 18 to 24 months. A community college program typically takes 1 to 2 years, while a trade school takes 9 to 12 months. NCC's program takes just 9 months to complete. It includes 7 months of hybrid classroom and hands-on lab instruction followed by a 2-month supervised externship in an active Las Vegas automotive repair facility.
    Yes, completing an automotive technician program is worth it as it offers a fast, reliable route to competitive pay and career growth. You develop essential diagnostic expertise and hands-on shop training needed to land a position in the expanding automotive industry. Gaining ASE-aligned credentials provides the exact competitive edge that Nevada's top repair facilities and dealerships look for.

    Sources

    • *1 According to the Median Annual Salary Report for Automotive Technician at O*Net Online.
    • *2 Find the Annual Job Growth and Opening Report in Nevada for Automotive Technician at O*Net Online.
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