The diesel technician repairs and maintains diesel powered trucks and agricultural equipment and their support systems.

This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in diesel service technology. Training is varied to give students a broad understanding and background in the different phases of the diesel service industry. Students may have additional costs for tools and books.

It is an industry-specific two-year associate degree program with required internship hours. It is designed to prepare individuals to become qualified diesel service technicians. Students learn how to work on many types of diesel equipment including agricultural, construction, forestry, semi-truck and construction equipment.

The Diesel Technology Program combines technical and academic education with real world experience through internships that are within the program.Students learn about engine fundamentals, machine hydraulics, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, air brakes , undercarriage, final drives and more. During the internships, students have the opportunity to experience a future career firsthand through on-the-job training in a focused area of their choice.

Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Diesel Technology degree should be able to:

• Demonstrate and use industry safety standards.
• Demonstrate math skills using formulas to find force, pressure, area, and volume.
• Use diagnostic simulators to diagnose and troubleshoot system components.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, maintenance and repair procedures for fuel systems and transmissions.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, maintenance and repair procedures for brake systems and components.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, maintenance and repair procedures for powertrain systems and hydraulics.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, maintenance and repair procedures for electrical systems.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, maintenance and repair procedures including: testing, disassembly, failure analysis, assembly and operation using industry standard tooling and equipment, to diagnose diesel electrical systems and components found on highway trucks, off highway vehicles and stationary applications including construction equipment, agriculture equipment, marine applications, truck equipment and power generation (DSL203).
• Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Getting Started

The Diesel Technology degree has special admission requirements and enrollment limits. The first step to entering the program is to take the college’s free placement assessment test and meet with Chemeketa Advising and First Year Programs staff. Call 503.399.5120 to schedule an appointment. There are entry-level expectations for skill levels in reading, writing, and mathematics. Your advisor will help you develop an individualized program of study. Failure to be assessed may delay your entry into program classes.

For admission to the program, an application is required. This is a separate step from Chemeketa’s testing and assessment and advising steps. Applications are available online at chemeketa.edu/media/content-assets/documents/pdf/programs/diesel-technology/diesel_2022Application.pdf. Enrollment in the Diesel Technology program is limited, and there is a deadline for applications. We recommend that you contact Chemeketa Advising and First Year Programs at 503.399.5120 or the Diesel Technology Program Chair at 503.365.4744 for more details if you are considering the Diesel Technology degree.

In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the courses listed below are books, $250; class fees, $756; universal fee, $3,589; differential fee, $810. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs. You may earn an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing the required 97 credit hours with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.

You may earn an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing the required 97 credit hours with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.