Automotive Electronic Diagnostic Specialist

As the first advanced diagnostic program in Minnesota, Anoka Technical College's Automotive Electronic Diagnostic Specialist diploma was developed for both recent graduates of a two-year automotive program and relatively new technicians.

The program offers the in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed to accelerate any new automotive career, training students to accurately and cost effectively diagnose and repair the complex vehicle systems of today and tomorrow.

The hands-on training you'll receive can save up to a decade of on-the-job training and experience.

Only Advanced Diagnostic diploma in Minnesota

State-of-the-art equipment and new lab facilities

3.6% job growth in the field by 2028

Potential Jobs:

Automotive Service Technician
Mechanic
Automotive Maintenance Technician

Salary Information:
Median Wage: $23.63 per hour
Top Earners: $38+ per hour

Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu.

Program Details

Program Details (pdf)

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Program Information

The Electronic Diagnostic Specialist program is intended to provide the successful automotive technician program graduate with additional knowledge and skills needed to accurately and cost effectively diagnose and repair the complex vehicle systems of today and tomorrow. Students will be provided extensive opportunities to develop and practice critical thinking skills and advanced automotive and light duty vehicle diagnostic processes. Lab work encompassing the understanding and use of advanced diagnostic tools and equipment in a diagnostic environment will also be an important part of this course.

Program Learning Outcomes

Describe the application of advanced automotive and light duty vehicle electrical, electronic, and computer controlled system technology.
Develop and practice the critical and creative thinking processes required to effectively and efficiently diagnose advanced automotive and light duty electrical, electronic, and computer controlled system technology.
Develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to safely service and repair advanced automotive and light duty electrical, electronic, and computer controlled system technology.
Demonstrate the ability to utilize computer based original equipment manufacturer vehicle service information systems.
Use advanced level automotive diagnostic tools and test equipment.

Industry and Career Outlook

Automotive technicians in general are in high demand and short supply. Growth in this career is projected at 3.6% through 2026. This does not take into account the number of baby boomers that have and will continue to retire from the industry and need to be replaced now.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Certification Information

After successful completion of first semester courses, the student may elect to participate in the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification testing in the following areas:
A6- Electrical/Electronic Systems
A8- Engine Performance
A9- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

After successful completion of second semester courses, the student may elect to participate in the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification testing in the following areas:
L1- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
L3- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist

Admissions Requirements

Application to Anoka Technical College
Must have one of the following:
1. completion of an automotive training program with an award of a diploma or
2. completion of an automotive training program with an award of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or
3. Two years of work experience with letter of recommendation from employer
Interview with auto instructor for admission into program

Program Sequence

Fall Semester		16
DIAG 2600	The Diagnostic Process	2
DIAG 2620	Vehicle Networking and Service Programming	3
DIAG 2640	Powertrain Control System Service	3
DIAG 2660	Diagnosing Powertrain Control Systems	4
DIAG 2680	Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Service	4
Spring Semester		16
DIAG 2700	Diagnosing Hybrid & Electric Vehicles	4
DIAG 2720	Diagnosing Noise, Vibration, & Harshness Issues	2
DIAG 2740	Diagnosing Body Control Systems	4
DIAG 2760	Diagnosing Chassis Control Systems	4
DIAG 2780	Diagnosing Driveline Control Systems	2