Ford ASSET AAS
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To check out which materials are needed for your courses click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.
General Overview
When can I start? usually this program begins in the fall quarter (September)
How long is the program? 8 quarters (up to 24 months) with 130 total credits
When do classes meet? Mornings to early afternoons in hybrid mode (some assignments will be done online). You also will be working at an auto dealership for part of each quarter.
You learn to be a professional automotive technician at participating regional Ford dealerships though out Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana. Training includes instruction on engines, fuel management, electronics, transmissions, transaxles, brake systems, air conditioning, and diesel and elctrical vehicles repair. You will be sponsored by an authorized Ford and Lincoln regional dealership, where you will do part of your hands-one training. RTC is the only school in Washington that offers this program, which awards an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
What does a Ford ASSET automotive service technician do?
**Tuition prices have been updated since 2017
What is the average salary?
$60,240 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most Ford ASSET automotive service technicians earn at least $38,530; there is a wide salary range.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Automotive - Ford ASSET.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Toolkit
- Uniform
- Three-Ring Binder, Notebook, and Pen or Pencil
- Automotive Service 6th edition + lab manual bundle ($200)
Applying to the Program
- We need your resume and cover letter. We send these to local Ford dealerships, which decide whether or not they want to interview you. You must get a position at a regional dealership to be sponsored for next year. If you are contacting a dealership and getting no response (more than 3 times), let us know. Then, let us know as soon as you attain a position, with or without sponsorship.
- Apply to the college. An adviser can walk you through the Admissions & Enrollment process, discuss pre-requisites and testing if needed. You will need to apply online for Renton Technical College and Financial Aid at the RTC Website Links to an external site. follow the links to apply to the college.
- Once you have a signed sponsorship agreement, turn it into us through email. We will need the physical form eventually, but a scan or picture of the signed form is fine. You will not be allowed to register without a sponsorship! You can also do this by fax to 425-235-2431.
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!
Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You start by learning safe use of shop equipment and chemicals, including identifying and disposing of automotive waste products. You become familiar with auto shop tools and vehicle maintenance with a special focus on electrical systems so you can earn your ASE certification in that area. Cooperative training takes place in your partner Ford dealership.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| FAS 101 | Safety and Environmental Issues | YES | 2 |
| FAS 112 | Basic Shop Skills | YES | 1 |
| FAS 115 | Electrical/Electronic Systems | YES | 9 |
| FAS 191 | Cooperative Training I Part A | YES | 3 |
| INDS 101 | First Aid/CPR and AED | YES | 1 |
| Estimated tuition and fees: $2,193 |
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Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You learn about brakes, steering, and suspension as well as lifesaving procedures for medical emergencies. You will use your new skills in the dealership in your cooperative training.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 118 | Brake Systems | YES | 6 |
| FAS 119 | Steering and Suspension Systems | YES | 6 |
| FAS 192 | Cooperative Training I Part B | TBD | 3 |
| CMST 280 | Intercultural Communication or another communication or humanities class |
varies by class | 5 |
| Estimated tuition and fees: $2,640 |
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Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You will learn to maintain and repair engines. You also will take a General Education math class.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 120 | Engine Repair | YES | 7 |
| FAS 193 | Cooperative Training II | TBD | 7 |
| BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business or another social science class |
NO | 5 |
| Estimated tuition and fees: $2,348 |
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Quarter 4 Classes
Description: You continue your training with engines, specifically diesel cars, and learn about climate control, air conditioning, and heating that meet environmental (EPA) standards. You have the opportunity to earn your ASE certification in Heating/Air Conditioning. Finally, you will write repair procedures and suggestions; cover letters; and resumes for future employment.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 123 | Diesel Fundamentals | YES | 4 |
| FAS 124 | Climate Control Systems | YES | 4 |
| FAS 171 | Written Communications | NO | 3 |
| Estimated tuition and fees: $1,647 |
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Quarter 5 Classes
Description: You will learn about manual transmissions and drivetrains and take a social science class in General Education.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 294 | Cooperative Training III | TBD | 7 |
| FAS 216 | Manual Transmissions and Drivetrains | YES | 8 |
| COMP 100 | Applied Composition or any General Education elective |
YES | 5 |
| Estimated tuition and fees for fall 2023: $2,531 |
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Quarter 6 Classes
Description: You add to last quarter's skills by learning to repair and maintain automatic transmissions. You also take any elective in General Education.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 217 | Automatic Transmissions | YES | 8 |
| FAS 295 | Cooperative Training IV | TBD | 7 |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math or another General Education math class |
NO | 5 |
| Estimated tuition and fees for winter 2024: $2,531 | |||
Quarter 7 Classes
Description: Explore engine performance theory and troubleshoot problems with ignition, fuel, emissions, and onboard diagnostic systems based on Ford/NATEF competencies. You also prepare for your ASE certification in Engine Performance.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 223 | Engine Performance | YES | 14 |
| FAS 296 | Cooperative Training V Part A | TBD | 3 |
| Estimated tuition and fees for spring 2024: $2,332 | |||
Quarter 8 Classes
Description: You finish your degree with one last quarter of cooperative training at your Ford dealership.
It's time to apply for graduation!
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 297 | Cooperative Training V Part B | TBD | 5 |
| retake or repeat any General Education class if you did not pass them all with a grade of 1.0 or higher | |||
| Estimated tuition and fees for summer 2024: $718 |
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Grand Total Estimated Cost: $17,189 plus the cost of any required tools
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!