Trade Schools
Countless individuals are passionate about automobiles and turn that passion into a career, becoming skilled mechanics in their own garages.
Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix various issues that arise in automobiles is a technical skill that requires extensive training.
If you share a similar passion and are technically inclined, you can make it a reality by completing an online auto mechanic program.
Finding the right school and program to meet your educational and career goals can be challenging.
However, once you find the right fit, you will be on smooth sailing to the career of your dreams.
Keep reading to learn more about the best online auto mechanic programs!
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Best Online Auto Mechanic Programs
Enrolling in an online auto mechanic school means you will dive into theoretical knowledge online, with most having an in-person component later in the coursework.
Graduates find virtual labs and video lessons to be incredibly helpful from the comfort of their homes.
With the advancement of technology and many videos showing firsthand issues via a GoPro Camera or other immersive means, students feel like they are in the shop with the expert.
Online auto mechanic programs cover all topics, ranging from basic diagnostics to cutting-edge technologies that will become the norm in the future.
Students enjoy the flexibility and self-paced nature of online programs, allowing them to balance study with personal life.
Support throughout the curriculum is always available with online programs, including live question and answer sessions, to ensure collaboration, not isolation.
When searching for the best online programs to meet your educational and career goals, it’s important to find one that fits your budget, time frame, program structure, and accreditation requirements.
One: State Technical College of Missouri
At the top stop is State Technical College of Missouri, which offers a hybrid associate degree in Automotive Mechanics Technology.
Program graduates are well-versed in brake systems, engine, drive train, and transmission troubleshooting and repair, suspension, and HVAC.
As this is a Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-accredited program, students can apply for financial aid to assist with the tuition costs.
In-state tuition is $7,830 per year for this two-year program.
Two: Lake Area Technical College
The second position goes to Lake Area Technical College and its Automobile Mechanics Technician associate degree program, which requires a two-year time commitment.
The curriculum covers foundational topics like steering and suspension systems, engine repair and performance, HVAC, transmissions, and electrical systems.
This is a hybrid format due to required lab work, with lectures being available online.
The annual cost is $6,718, and the program is HLC-accredited, so students know they are getting the highest quality education.
Three: New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College has a hybrid Automotive Mechanics Technology associate degree program created to arm students with the technical skills needed for entry-level work.
The curriculum focuses on the various automotive systems like brakes, suspension, engine, HVAC, and electrical.
The hybrid structure allows students to balance education and life study while still earning a high-quality education.
The program’s tuition is $1,440 per year, and the school is HLC-accredited.
Four: Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College is next on the list with its hybrid Automotive Mechanics associate degree, certificate, or diploma program.
The associate degree requires a two-year time commitment, the diploma is one year, and the certificate is approximately six months.
Students will learn about troubleshooting and repairing HVAC, brakes, transmission, suspensions, and electrical systems.
The HLC-accredited program tuition cost is $3,285.
Five: Pima Community College
Pima Community College is next on the list with its hybrid Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician certificate program, which takes around one year to complete.
The well-crafted curriculum covers electrical and brake systems, transmissions, engine repair, suspension, air conditioning and heating systems, and drivetrain.
The annual in-state tuition is $2,370 for this HLC-accredited program.
Six: Fox Valley Technical College
Coming in at number six is Fox Valley Technical College, which has a hybrid Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician program that was created to prepare students to maintain, service, and repair different vehicles.
The curriculum comprises heating and air conditioning systems, transmissions, steering and suspension, engine repair and performance, electrical systems, and brake systems.
Fox Valley’s programs are accredited by the HLC, with annual in-state tuition costing $4,916.
As this is an associate degree, the program takes two years to complete.
Seven: North Dakota State College of Science
Rounding out the seventh position is North Dakota State College of Science, which offers an associate degree hybrid program in Automobile Technology.
Students learn the basics of being a mechanic and the various automotive systems that they will analyze and repair on the job.
These systems include brake, electrical, HVAC, transmission, suspension, and drivetrain.
What Courses Are in an Online Auto Mechanic Program?
Although different schools offer different curricula, they all cover automotive fundamentals, which include the following:
Air Conditioning and Heating
Mastering climate control and related repairs will ensure driver and passenger comfort in all weather conditions and climates.
HVAC systems are an incredibly important part of vehicle repair and troubleshooting.
Braking, Steering, and Suspension
These courses provide insight into safety-critical components that ensure drivers are safe on the road.
Learning about failure points can help graduates diagnose issues in real-world situations.
Electrical Systems
Electrical systems courses cover basic DC circuits to more advanced automobile electronics, thus preparing graduates to tackle complicated wiring challenges.
Engine Repair
Students learn about troubleshooting typical failures, lubrication, and internal combustion.
Learning about these topics helps with problem-solving different issues in the field.
Fuel and Emissions Systems
Knowing how to optimize the engine while conforming to environmental standards will help future mechanics prevent engine issues during routine check-ups.
Specializations
Online automobile technician trade schools also offer various specializations that prepare students for the firsthand challenges they may encounter on a typical workday.
These specializations help students become more marketable to future employers while giving them additional skills.
Typical specializations include:
- Automotive electronics and computerized diagnostics – deals with the various electronic and computerized components within a vehicle.
- Collision repair and bodywork techniques – this is the ideal specialization for those who enjoy the creativity of repairing the exterior of the car or who want a more automobile customization-focused career.
- Diesel engine maintenance and fuel system diagnostics – this specialization is for those who want to maximize fuel efficiency and learn more about how fuel systems work.
- Electric and hybrid vehicle systems and charging infrastructure – this is a newer specialization focused on the future of automobiles and how they work.
- Engine repair fundamentals and emission controls – the engine repair specialization takes a deep dive into the details of an engine, while emission controls focus on meeting changing emission regulations.
Several of these specializations, like electric and hybrid vehicle systems, emission controls, and computerized diagnostics, help with future-proofing cars as these emerging technologies continue to expand.
With most online schools requiring an in-person component, students gain firsthand experience with these technologies.
Can You Earn an Auto Mechanic Certification Completely Online?
While there are some entirely online auto mechanic certification programs, the best require an in-person component to give students additional experience in working with specific tools and components in a shop that replicates the workplace.
Students learn core topics within hybrid models, then apply those skills to real-world situations in a lab or shop.
An online auto mechanics certification program offers theoretical knowledge of various vehicle systems, maintenance, safety, and diagnostics using videos and other interactive media.
Some programs offer live instruction so students can directly ask questions to instructors.
Having an online program offers the flexibility of studying at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.
This eliminates the need to commute to a physical location, and you can complete coursework at your most convenient times.
Some programs focus on skill-specific training like hybrid and electric vehicle technology, electrical systems, and engine management, which makes online learning an ideal tool for this theoretical knowledge.
Furthermore, many programs include certification preparation to aid students in preparing for industry-related exams, such as the Automotive Service Excellence certification.
Although online courses are an excellent option for theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience is a critical part of auto mechanic training, which is why most programs are hybrid.
Students gain the physical experience to fully understand the topics required for professional certification.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Auto Mechanic Certification Online?
Finishing an online auto mechanic certification takes between one and two years, depending on the curriculum depth and intensity.
Most online learners are drawn to the flexibility offered by the educational structure that allows them to have a strong school-life balance, resulting in a productive and rewarding experience.
Students in an online auto mechanic program found that the interactive modules and firsthand virtual labs helped them better understand complicated engine diagnostics and repair techniques from the comfort of their homes.
Many programs have more intensive, accelerated tracks that allow students to graduate within a year.
This is the ideal option for those who want to jump into the workforce quickly while still obtaining the necessary knowledge for success.
Others opt for a more relaxed pace, over two years, to maximize the learning experience.
In general, a certificate usually takes under one year, a diploma takes one year or more, and an associate degree takes two years.
For those who want to go into more management positions in the future, earning an associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree will help them prepare to meet career goals.
Regardless of the pace, students reflect pride in their ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot automotive issues with confidence.
This can be attributed to a well-structured, yet flexible online auto mechanic program.
How Much Does an Online Auto Mechanic Certification Cost?
Although the cost of an online auto mechanic certification greatly varies based on several factors, students find distance learning to be more affordable than the traditional in-person classroom.
Online programs were built for various budgets.
At the same time, traditional certificate programs can cost between $5,000 and $20,000, and an online auto mechanic program costs between $800 and $4,000.
When preparing a budget, it’s important to also factor in additional costs for tools and books, which can cost between $500 and $2,500.
Some programs are all-inclusive while others are not, so it’s important to review the school’s details before enrolling.
Online schools also have a different structure than traditional vocational schools, with various payment plans available.
For instance, students can pay the entire lump sum compared to a higher overall monthly payment, which may be more affordable.
In addition to the creative payment structures, students can apply for financial aid or look for grants and scholarships.
Summary
Although many online automotive programs exist, the best options have an in-person component to ensure students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios they will encounter within the workplace.
A typical program covers various automotive systems like electrical, brake, steering, suspension, transmission, HVAC, and drivetrain.
These programs also dig deep into engine componentry and repair, and fuel and emissions systems, due to increasing regulations.
Also, the best programs have various specializations ranging from hybrid and electric vehicles to collision repair and diesel engine maintenance.
The typical times to earn a certification are six months to one year for a certificate, one year for a diploma, and two years for an associate degree.
The primary difference is the required core courses and the depth of knowledge during each class.
The costs for an online auto mechanic program range depending on the type and duration of the program, with longer curricula costing more money.
