General Auto

State-of-the-Art Training
Rio Hondo College’s Automotive Technology Program meets strict industry standards and is NATEF/ASE “Master” certified. Nationwide, only a small percentage of educational institutions achieve this certification in all eight automotive specialty areas.

Qualified Instructors
The members of our instructional staff have extensive industry experience and factory training. All instructors are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Dedicated Counselor staff

 Please follow link for up-dated information on counseling hours and appointment schedule

The Program
The Rio Hondo College Automotive Technology Program includes courses in such areas as:
• Introduction to Automotive Service & Repair
• Engine Diagnosis & Tune-up (performance)
• Fuel and Ignition Systems
• Body and Chassis Electrical
• Engine Electrical Systems
• Basic Clean Air Car Course
• Advanced Clean Air Car Course
• Engine Rebuilding and Machining
• Suspension and Alignment
• Brake Service
• Air Conditioning
• Manual & Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles

You may want to take just a few classes for your own enrichment. On the other hand, perhaps you are seeking that first job or looking to update your skills. Whatever your goals, the Rio Hondo College Automotive Technology Department has a program designed for you.

A Certificate:
Rio Hondo College offers four different certificates of achievement all under 18 units in Automotive Technology.
• Brake Service
• Engine Repair
• Transmission Service
• Bosch Systems

The Certificate of Achievement consists of 32 units of required courses. These eight courses follow the ASE guidelines for preparation for the ASE exams.

An Associate of Science Degree:
You can earn an Associate degree in Automotive Technology with only 30 additional units. After the Certificate of Achievement (32 units). The Associate of Science Degree
has the same requirements as the certificate of achievement, plus general education requirements needed for college graduation. This program may be completed in two years.

Time: You can complete your training in as little as 12 months, or 16 months if you work part-time. (certificate only)

Cost: Class fees at Rio Hondo are determined on a per unit basis and compare favorably to those at private institutions.

What careers are available in Automotive Technology?
A career in Automotive Technology offers excellent job opportunities. You can work in:
• Fleet Operations
• Independent Shops
• Manufacturing Research & Development
• Automotive Training Departments
• Automotive Dealerships
• Mass Merchandiser Operations
• Government Agencies
• Parts Departments
• Trucking Industry

What about future jobs?
Rio Hondo graduates are in demand. In fact, most of our students are employed immediately after they finish our program.

Is Automotive Technology for you?
This program is for:
• People interested in growth positions in a dynamic field with a future,
• People already in the field who require additional training or a degree for advancement,
• Recent high school graduates looking for a rewarding career, and
• Displaced workers.

Women are in demand in Automotive Technology
Employers need and want to hire women in this well-paying, non-traditional area.

Articulation with High Schools
Successful high school automotive students may receive college credit for some of the course work they have completed in high school. Contact the Tech Prep Office at (562) 692-0921 extension 3565 for more information.

Student Financial Aid is available
Contact the Financial Aid office regarding grants, loans, work-study programs and scholarships. Eligible veterans may use their VA educational benefits. You can contact the Financial Aid Office at (562) 692-0921 extension 3411 for more information.

Success=University Transfer
A Rio Hondo College Associates degree and completion of lower division university academic requirements prepares graduates for transfer to the Technology Program at California State University, Los Angeles.