Automotive Technology

ATI's Automotive Technology program will prepare students for entry-level automotive technician positions with the basic knowledge and skills required to diagnose malfunctions in the complete automotive mechanical and electrical systems, and make all necessary repairs and replacements. Students will learn how to test parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly, identify mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment, perform basic care and maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations, repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads and wheel bearings, disassemble and reassemble parts, and use testing equipment to ensure that repairs and maintenance are effective, as well as the customer service skills to explain automotive problems and repairs to clients.

Additionally, students will earn their Section 609 certification and learn how to maintain EPA regulations when troubleshooting and repairing Automotive and light commercial equipment. Successful completion of this program will prepare you for entry-level work with: automotive repair facilities, auto dealerships, tune up facilities, manufacturers, corporate/in-house facility, or public transportation facilities.

Industry partners. ATI's Automotive Technology program works with industry partners to give students exposure to manufacturer and product-specific training. These partnerships include MCAP (Mopar Career Automotive Program), Ford, BG Products, and the GM STEP Program; students complete the training and receive credentials that document the specific training completed.

Programmatic accreditation. ATI's Automotive Technology program holds programmatic accreditation through the Automotive Service Excellence Educational Foundation (ASE EF).

Tool kit at graduation. As part of ATI's commitment to get students off to a great professional start, each student enrolled in Automotive Technology will receive a starter tool set at the time of graduation, specific to the student's chosen program.

Equipment. Students train on post hoists, alignment machines, tire machines, computerized wheel balancers, simulated trainers, an automotive A/C servicing system, bi-directional diagnostic scan tools, a brake lathe, fuel system testing kits, cooling system diagnosis and service machines, engine stands, compression testers, oil pressure testers and a networked computer lab.

The admission procedure requires an exchange of information between the applicant and the school, which maintains a staff of representatives for this purpose. These representatives conduct a personal interview with each prospective applicant before any decision is made to submit an application for admission. During the interview, the representative will discuss the School's educational programs in relation to the applicant's career preferences, training needs, and individual motivations.

ATI administration will review the information and inform the applicant in writing whether they have been accepted for enrollment. If an applicant is not accepted, all monies paid by the applicant are refunded. Admissions representatives are available for day and evening appointments; high school applicants should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Students enrolling in the Automotive Technology program must provide evidence that they have a valid, current driver's license.

All students will have a weekly time commitment of 20 hours of lecture and lab on one of the following schedules: AM 7am-12 noon, AFT 12:15pm-5:15pm or EVE 5:30pm-10:30pm, Monday through Thursday (5 hours per day). The course outline for each module will explain the specific lab and lecture schedule for that module.

Orientation is scheduled for the Thursday prior to the first week of class; all newly admitted students are required to participate.

Upcoming start dates. The catalog's 2026 course schedule lists remaining starts on November 23, 2026.

Tuition and fees. Per the 2026-2028 catalog Tuition and Fee Schedule, the Automotive Technology program costs:

• Tuition: $24,030.00
• Registration Fee: $75.00
• Books: $236.00
• Uniforms: $225.00
• Total: $24,566.00

Books. Required books for Automotive Technology (Website Published Book List effective 12/19/2025): Auto Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, Service, 7th Edition; Advance Engine Performance Diagnosis, 8th Edition; Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles, 1st edition; and Light Vehicle Diesel Engines, 1st Edition, for an ATI student price of $236.00 (retail $339.84). Per the catalog, the cost of original course books is included in the price for the Automotive Technology program; additional or replacement books are available for a fee.

Payment plans. Tuition, fees, and book and supplies charges are due and payable in full at registration; accepted methods of payment include cash, personal check and credit card. Arrangements may be made for students to pay the portion of charges not met by financial aid, scholarships, or other sources on an installment basis. If one of the primary financing options does not fully cover the student's program costs, the School offers institutional payment plans; the first payment is due 30 days from the day the student begins school and the interest rate is fixed throughout the term of the note/contract.

Federal financial aid. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Students apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov; ATI's federal school code is 041710.

Veterans. Programs at ATI are approved for the training of veterans. To check eligibility for benefits, call 1-888-GIBILL-1. The school does not penalize students using VA Education benefit programs under Chapters 33 and 31 due to delayed disbursement funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Other financing. Students eligible for tuition assistance from their employer, workforce agency or the Veteran's Administration may use the Employer/Agency Contract Billing Program. Climb Credit is a third party lender that offers financing options to help eligible students pay for their training; approval is not guaranteed and is subject to Climb Credit's terms.

Indirect costs. Advanced Training Institute does not offer housing, meal plans or transportation for students. Estimated monthly indirect costs are $1,578 for students living off campus (room & board $1,017, personal expenses $412, transportation $149) and $762 for students living with parents (room & board $393, personal expenses $220, transportation $149).

Net Price Calculator. Want a personalized estimate of what your program could cost after grants and scholarships? Try ATI's Net Price Calculator at https://atitraining.edu/net-price-calculator/.

The graduate of the Automotive Technology program is qualified for positions with the following title:

• Entry-Level Auto Technician (SOC 49-3020)
• Automotive Air-Conditioning Repairers (SOC 49-3023.02)
• Brake Repairers (SOC 49-3023)
• Front-End Mechanics (SOC 49-3023)
• Drivability Technician (SOC 49-3023)

Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. Graduates work in independent automotive repair shops, franchise service centers, new and used car dealerships, fleet maintenance facilities, specialty service providers and licensed smog inspection stations.

Completion and placement. According to ATI's 2026 ACCET Completion and Placement Statistics (annual report filed with ACCET in May 2026, students scheduled to complete January–December 2025), the Automotive Technology program had a completion rate of 73.33% (110 of 150 eligible students) and a placement rate of 77.01% (67 of 87 eligible completers).

ATI does not promise or guarantee employment to any student or graduate. Some entry-level positions may require additional certifications, background checks, drug screenings, or state licensure not provided by the ATI program.

Advanced Training Institute occupies an approximately 78,000-square-foot facility in Las Vegas, with roughly 36,000 square feet dedicated solely to lab space equipped with the latest industry-standard tools. The campus includes classrooms, administrative offices, a student lounge, restrooms, and a Learning Resource Center, and is handicap accessible with free student parking.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is designed to support the programs offered at the campus. Students and faculty have access to a wide variety of resources such as books, periodicals, audio-visual materials and digital resources, including access to 40 online databases and a digital collection of over 135,000 scholarly titles. The average class size is 24 students.

ATI's Career Services Department offers career-related employment assistance to current students and graduates throughout their entire career, at no additional cost, including resume writing assistance, interview preparation, job search strategies and employer connections. Employment is not guaranteed.