Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Montana Ranked For 2026

Highlands College lists a two-year Automotive Technology AAS and a continuation route to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business with an automotive influence.

The program names ASE Entry-Level Certification Exams, Snap-on certifications for Modis Edge scan tools, battery charging systems and digital multimeters, and EPA Section 609 certification for three refrigerants.

Highlands includes light-duty diesel training and hybrid and electric vehicle training alongside instruction on gasoline engines, transmissions, scanners, scopes, meters, air conditioning, brakes, and wheel alignment.

Students receive 24/7 access to ALLDATA service information and train with current diagnostic equipment in a modern automotive lab; the page also lists professional-tool discounts from Snap-on, Matco, and Carlyle.

The MSU-Northern catalog lists Fast Track Automotive Technology as an Associate of Applied Science with a 62-credit minimum; the current program page describes completion in 15 months.

The catalog’s Fast Track course list includes Automotive Internship for nine credits, making workplace training a defined part of the accelerated AAS requirements.

MSU-Northern says the Fast Track curriculum embeds general education courses alongside technical training, allowing the 15-month schedule to remain an associate-degree pathway.

The Fast Track page names Toyota TECS, Subaru U, and Ford MLR partnerships and says students can receive approximately 50% discounts on Snap-On and Mac Tools.

Helena College identifies Automotive Technology as a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree and says the program is designed for students who want to enter automotive repair after graduation.

The automotive curriculum follows eight service areas defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Helena College separately offers a certificate in Hybrid Service Technology, so hybrid training appears as a named credential alongside the main Automotive Technology degree.

A $250 automotive program fee is charged each semester for shop materials and supplies. Students also need the program’s required textbooks and tools.

The Automotive Technology AAS requires 48 automotive program credits in addition to general education. Students are encouraged to complete the automotive certificate before starting the second-year courses.

AAS courses include Chassis I and II, Electrical I through III, Steering and Suspension and Alignment, Basic Engine Performance, Engine Performance I through III, Applied Lab Experience and Light Repair, and Introductory Welding.

The Automotive Technician Certificate of Applied Science is a one-year program with nine related-instruction credits and 23 automotive credits in its published plan.

The certificate description says instruction combines classroom work with live hands-on projects in the automotive laboratory and covers electrical circuits, brakes, suspension, wheels, tires, service manuals, and diagnostic procedures.

Miles lists the Automotive Technology C.A.S. as a one-year program requiring 41 credits, with 22 credits in the first fall semester and 19 in the spring.

Automotive Brakes and its lab cover hydraulic and friction theory, disc, drum, and anti-lock systems, and use both off-car and on-car brake lathes during lab application.

The electrical sequence covers wiring, circuits, batteries, alternators, and starters, with test instruments and industry-recommended electrical troubleshooting manuals used in the lab.

Manual drivetrain theory and lab total three credits; automatic transmission theory and lab total four. The engine-repair lab adds two credits of diagnosing and repairing an internal combustion engine with shop tools and instruments.

Students may receive the Certificate of Applied Science after two semesters, while the full Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science takes four semesters according to the program page.

City College reports that students spend 60% of their time doing hands-on skilled work in the lab and 40% learning theory and foundational automotive knowledge.

The AAS skills list includes powertrain components, brakes, suspension and steering, engine overhauls, electrical and electronic systems, transmissions, fuel injection, carburetors, ignition, and emissions controls.

The program requires students to own their automotive tools and recommends waiting until the first week of classes, when tool vendors visit campus and may offer discounted purchases.