Do you have passion for cars, motorcycles, or just fixing things? Then being an automotive repair technician may be right for you. Since the release of the Model T in 1908, well-trained mechanics have been in high demand and not just for the standard family car anymore, but for motorcycles, recreational vehicles, diesel trucks and even the race car. No matter what you like to drive or work on, there is some type of automotive training that's right for you out there.

All Colleges offering Vocational Degree in Automotive and Vehicle

There are several types of automotive and vehicle repair technicians. These include general auto mechanics, diesel engine mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and specialty mechanics. General auto mechanics usually perform preventative maintenance, such as rotating tires, changing filters, replenishing fluids and much more. Diesel engine mechanics service diesel engines only, found on commercial trucks and buses. Motorcycle mechanics perform regular maintenance and repair for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Specialty mechanics are technicians to service a specific aspect of vehicles.

Online Education Options for Automotive and Vehicle Degree Programs

There are no online Automotive and Vehicle degrees available at this time as there are no college majors that relate to the career. Thus aside from online degrees in Automotive and Vehicle studies, a person can at least obtain a cerificate online that verifies completion the preparation necessary to work in the field.

Online Certifications degree in Automotive and Vehicle:

There may also be courses and degrees at your local junior college or vo-tech; however, these courses may not be available online. Training may also be available by working in your local garage or body shop under a mentoring program. Since the career is so hands on, it is difficult to provide training via the computer. Pictures and videos can't depict the tasks of an automotive engineer as well as real life experiences can, and there are just some jobs that a computer simply cannot offer.

Automotive and Vehicle Degree Career and Salary Information

As an automotive repair technician, you may have the opportunity to work in a public setting, such as a tire and lube shop, a car dealerships service department, for your local paint and body shop. Moreover, your state and local government also employ mechanics for maintenance and repair of government vehicles. Qualified auto repair technicians also teach automotive trade courses at your local vo-tech or junior college.

Depending on your location and experience, auto repair technicians can earn a reasonable to prosperous salary. On the lower end is an auto mechanic earning $9.50 to $25.05 per hour depending on experience. A diesel mechanic starts out at $10.00 per hour, but can make upwards of $25.00 per hour. Motorcycle mechanics however, bring home approximately $23,000 to $57,000 per year. The yearly salary for a pit crew member varies by team; however the base ranges are $30,000 to $90,000 per year. There is also the excitement of the race. As a body shop mechanic, you can expect to earn a salary of $45,000 to $70,000 per year. Last week, the average auto repair shop owner earns approximately $100,000 per year with the freedom of being your own boss.

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Online Colleges Offering Automotive and Vehicle Degrees

University of Phoenix - Online Campus

Accreditation

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Capella University

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

American InterContinental University Online

Accreditation

American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

City University

Accreditation

City University of Seattle (CityU) is incorporated in the state of Washington and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado Technical University Online

Accreditation

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Saint Leo University

Accreditation

Bachelor's and Master's degrees: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges.

Westwood College Online

Accreditation

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Devry University

Accreditation

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).

Strayer University

Accreditation

Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Accreditation

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., a nongovernmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction.

Winston Salem State University

Accreditation

Winston-Salem State College is accredited by SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Western Governors University

Accreditation

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is the first online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). WGU’s Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

A.T Still University

Accreditation

A.T Still University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Regis University

Accreditation

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Accreditation

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.The MSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).

Utica College Online

Accreditation

Utica College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.The Graduate Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), American Physical Therapy Association.The Graduate Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Upper Iowa University

Accreditation

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.

Virginia College Online

Accreditation

Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

University of Saint Mary

Accreditation

The University of Saint Mary Online is accreditated by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).