We are confident that you don’t wish to begin as a technician assistant or a trainee technician. We are offering you the Mechanical Trade Schools for car mechanics as a result.
Additionally, we may mention the mechanic technical schools that we believe are the best fit for you, but you should be aware that there are several US cities known for their mechanic technical schools.
The following places:
- Arizona;
- New Mexico
- New York
- Texas
Instead, we will choose our top 13 trade schools for car mechanics from these well-known four places.
Using the following criteria, we ranked the top 13 trade schools from the four most populated states with mechanics in the USA:
- Number of programs in mechanics;
- Accreditation of Programs; and
- The faculty-to-student ratio
Therefore, we have made sure that every school on our list has received NATEF accreditation. This equalizes the academic standing of all top universities. However, what distinguishes them from one another is the number of programs they provide and the student-to-faculty ratio.
In the meantime, we gave more weight to the number of mechanic programs each institution offers.
Best Mechanical Trade School in Arizona
One of the states in the union has a strong mechanics sector in Arizona. In Arizona, there are more than 500 enterprises overall and twice as many in the automobile industry.
As a result, it is the ideal place to receive a mechanic education or training as well as to begin or further your auto mechanic profession.
The top three trade schools in Arizona for car mechanics are listed below.
- Arizona Western College
- Universal Technical Institute
- Arizona Automotive Institute
Arizona Western College
Address: 2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Public community college Arizona Western College (AWC) is located in Arizona State. It started operating in 1963 and now serves over 11,000 students by providing associate degrees, occupational certificates, and transfer degrees.
It is one of the top technical institutions where mechanics can earn degrees, certificates, or specialized training. The Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Service Technician, and Welding programs at AWC all offer degrees and certificates.
Additionally, AWC offers courses in automotive computer fundamentals, engine, performance, diagnostics, automotive brakes, and suspension, among other courses with a manufacturer-specific focus.
Universal Technical Institute
Address: 10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, AZ 85323, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 35:1
In Arizona, there is a private, for-profit mechanic tech school called Universal Technical Institute, Inc. With more than 11,000 pupils, it was founded in 1965 and has locations all throughout the nation.
A range of automakers, including BMW, Ford, and General Motors, are covered in the Automotive certificate program offered by UTI. Additionally, it provides programs in welding, collision repair, CNC machining, marine propulsion, and diesel.
UTI is one of the top trade schools for auto mechanics and has a sizable number of branches in various states including Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, etc.
Arizona Automotive Institute
Address: 6829 N. 46th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Another excellent mechanic trade school in Arizona is Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), where you can enroll in one of the top technician programs. Since the school’s inception in 1968, it has been providing top-notch instruction and programs.
Only four mechanics programs are available through AAI, including three (3) degree programs and one (1) certificate program. The Automotive Service Technology, Combination Welding, and Diesel – Heavy Truck diploma degree programs are offered by AAI.
On the other hand, it offers a certificate program in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Basic Refrigeration that blends classroom instruction and real-world experience..
Best Mechanical Trade School in New Mexico
Another great place for mechanics is New Mexico. You have a choice of seven (7) automobile mechanics schools in the state. However, we’ll just offer you the top three.
The fact that living expenses are generally modest in New Mexico is one of the benefits of enrolling in a mechanic school there. This also translates into relatively reasonable tuition fees for their mechanic tech colleges.
The top three trade schools in New Mexico for car mechanics are listed below.
- IntelliTec College
- Luna Community College
- Central New Mexico Community College
IntelliTec College
Address: 5001 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite A24, Albuquerque, NM 87109, United States.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
One of the top mechanic tech schools in the USA is IntelliTec College. In Colorado Springs, this college opened for business in 1965 as a technical institute.
However, there is a location of this mechanical trade school in New Mexico that provides associate’s and professional degree programs.
Although one of the top trade schools for car mechanics is IntelliTec, there are only two mechanics degrees available there. However, these courses are certificate programs that take ten and a half (10.5) months to complete and provide you with all the academic and practical expertise you require.
The Automotive Technician Program and the Refrigeration and HVAC Technician Program are IntelliTec’s mechanical curricula.
Luna Community College
Address: 336 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Another prestigious automotive mechanic tech school in the USA and New Mexico is Luna Community College. This technical college was founded in 1969 as a Public Community College in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Even though this mechanical trade school came dangerously close to losing its accreditation in 2017 owing to bad leadership, it still provides some of the top programs for mechanics.
Its two programs are collision and repair technology and automotive mechanics technology. These two courses are professional certificate programs that are taught in intimate settings to students..
Central New Mexico Community College
Address: 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Another of New Mexico’s top vocational schools for car mechanics is Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
This community college for mechanics was formerly known as the Technical Vocational Institute (VTI), which was founded in 1964. Over 22,000 students can enroll in full- and part-time associate’s degree and certificate programs at this big community college.
CNM offers two programs in mechanics in the meantime. Both the Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology programs fall under this category. These courses are outstanding and reasonably priced professional certificate programs.
Best Mechanical Trade School in New York
Over 11 million automobiles are registered in New York, one of the states in the US. It makes sense that the state would require a sizable workforce of mechanics to handle the upkeep and repair of these vehicles.
As there are many mechanics, there are also many mechanical trade schools. You should naturally anticipate nothing but the finest from the Empire States.
Following are the top three (3) technical schools in New York for mechanics.
- Lincoln Tech
- NYADI
- Superior Auto Institute
Lincoln Tech
Address: 1 Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
One well-known vocational school in the USA is Lincoln Tech. There are currently 23 sites, including ones in New York, Texas, Tennessee, Maryland, and Indiana, for the company, which had its first location in Wet Orange, New Jersey, in 1946.
One of the greatest trade schools for auto mechanics to obtain a mechanics degree or certificate is Lincoln Tech, which has more than 10,000 students and instructors with years of expertise in the business.
The Automotive Technology, CNC Machining & Manufacturing, Collision Repair & Refinishing, Diesel Technology, and Heavy Equipment programs at Lincoln are for mechanics.
NYADI
Address: 178-18 Liberty Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
One of the top technical colleges in the USA for mechanics is NYADI, The College of Transportation Technology.
The tech school is not only exclusively focused on mechanics, but it is also one of the trade schools with the most mechanic programs available. Additionally, NYADI is military-friendly and provides its program in both day and evening programs.
The mechanic programs at NYADI include three certificate programs and two (2) degree degrees. Automotive & Diesel Technology and Automotive Technology are the degree programs. However, its certificate programs include Collision Repair Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Truck & Diesel Service Technology.
Superior Auto Institute
Address: 120 19th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, United States.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Another exclusively automotive mechanic tech school in the USA is Superior Auto Institute. It started doing business in 1992 and is well known for its Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) program.
Having trained students in PDR for 27 years, they have gained the respect of manufacturers like BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari.
However, SAI is one of the greatest trade schools for auto technicians who are interested in the interior and exterior appearance of cars since in addition to PDR, they also provide instruction in interior repair and automotive detailing.
Best Mechanical Trade School in Texas
You wouldn’t be mistaken if you said that Texas is home to the automotive sector. Other states’ mechanical trade schools either already exist in Texas or haven’t even begun, it seems.
Texas is home to automotive mechanic training schools like Universal Technical Institute and Lincoln Tech. The other fantastic technical schools for mechanics in Texas that aren’t already on our list will thus be mentioned.
The top four technical colleges in Texas for mechanics are shown below.
- Texas State Technical College
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – San Antonio
- SAM Tech
- Southern Careers Institute – Austin
Texas State Technical College
Address: 3801 Campus Drive Waco, TX 76705, United States.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
One of the largest technical colleges in Texas for automobile mechanics is Texas State Technical College (TSTC). With 10 campuses spread across Texas, it started in 1969 in Waco, Texas.
Additionally, TSTc is one of the top technical schools for mechanics in the USA since it consistently provides high-quality mechanic programs across the entire state of Texas.
Additionally, TSTC is one of the technical colleges offering a variety of mechanical curriculum options. Auto Collision & Management Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, HVAC Technology, and Welding Technology are some of its mechanics programs.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – San Antonio
Address: 734 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, United States.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
One more of Texas’s and the nation’s top trade schools for auto mechanics is South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT).
The school’s programs are designed to give graduates the tools they need to start their professions thanks to the extensive hands-on training they received.
Additionally, STVT offers programs in the Business, Skilled Trades, and Health & Wellness Categories.
Its skilled trades division includes its mechanic program. You can sign up for the CDL, Combination Welding, Diesel Heavy Truck, Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration, Automotive Service Technician, and programs here.
SAM Tech
Address: 1911 Antoine Dr., Houston, Texas 77055, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
One of the top automotive mechanic tech colleges is the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech).
Students who desire to work in the high-performance racing sector can receive machining and technical education instruction from this mechanic tech school. As a result, SAM Tech graduates go on to race for championship organizations like NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar.
SAM Tech, meanwhile, provides associate degree and certificate programs in the engine block, cylinder head, CNC, and EFI tuning.
Southern Careers Institute – Austin
Address: 1701 W Ben White Blvd., Suite 100 Austin, TX 78704, USA.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 32:1
Another top-tier Texas automobile mechanic training school is Southern Careers Institute (SCI). It has seven campuses around Texas, including those in Brownsville, Harlingen, and San Antonio in addition to its main campus in Austin.
SCI also offers 31 Certificates and 22 Programs, and its graduates are employable in their fields.
SCI’s mechanics programs fall within the Skilled Trades division of the institution. These courses cover Commercial Vehicle Operator, HVAC, Welding, and Electrical Technician in addition to Automotive Service Technician.
Online Automotive Mechanic Schools
In your drive to learn more about the subject, you can actually enroll in online classes. These programs, however, do not satisfy the criteria for ASE certification. Therefore, mechanic training online won’t get you ready for a job in the industry.
You can enroll in an online program if mechanics is only a pastime for you or if you want to learn enough text-based material to get the ASE certification.
While Engine Repair, Inspection Techniques, and Vehicle Systems are among the mechanics’ courses available online. However, these courses might not provide you with the practical training necessary to work as a mechanic.
Are you still planning to enroll in an online mechanic school? View these colleges:
- Penn Foster
- Ashworth College
- Texas State Technical College
- NYADI – The College of Transportation Technology
- Southern Careers Institute – Austin
FAQs
You must complete high school before enrolling in a trade school or community college to pursue a career as a mechanic.
To start a career as a mechanic, you will require a two-year diploma or associate’s degree from a mechanic trade school. However, you can still get employment with qualifications earned from certificate programs lasting less than a year.
The length of your studies will depend on the sort of program you choose to enroll in at an auto mechanic school. While diploma and associate programs continue for two years, certificate programs can span anywhere from six to eighteen months.
You must pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate exams to become a licensed mechanic. However, in order to be eligible for the ASE, you must have completed at least two years of paid employment or one year of paid employment in addition to a two-year degree.
This indicates that after two to three years of formal education and training, you can become a certified mechanic.
To become a car mechanic, you must have an associate’s degree or a certificate in mechanics from a community college.
Because online mechanic programs don’t match ASE certification requirements, becoming a mechanic online is uncommon. You can only acquire the theoretical knowledge required to take the ASE test and pass it through online programs.
To complete a mechanic program and become a mechanic, budget between $5,000 and $25,000. Certificate programs in mechanics are less expensive because they take less time to finish.
Costs range from $5,000 to $6,000. On the other hand, the cost of a two-year associate’s degree in mechanics is higher (between $10,000 and $25,000.
Furthermore, tuition costs are higher for out-of-state students than for in-state students.
Make sure you satisfy the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) test standards before going to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) website to take practice exams to acquire your mechanic’s license.
Mechanics make a respectable living. Automotive technicians make an average of $40,710 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Without a license, you can work as a mechanic. Some American states do not mandate certification prior to becoming a mechanic. However, the majority of employers will anticipate you to have some level of formal education, practical experience, and training.
To enroll in a mechanic school, go to the school’s website, make sure you meet the qualifications, and then submit an application for the mechanic program of your choice.
If you want to work as a mechanic, you must attend college. You must have at least a high school diploma. However, if you don’t want to go to a trade school or community college, you can advance in your mechanic profession as a trainee tech, technician assistant, or lubricant worker. It is implied that you will receive a very meager salary.
Conclusion
It is not sufficient to merely wish to work as a mechanic. Before you are qualified to work as a mechanic, you must also complete the required coursework and practical training.
The good news is that once you’ve finished at least a six-month mechanics program, you can begin working as a mechanic. But to do that, you must attend a mechanical trade school.
Consider enrolling in a longer certificate program than a six-month one in mechanics. Obtain a two-year associate’s degree, one year of professional experience, and a mechanic certification.
References
- Trade School Future – How to Become a Mechanic
- Accredited Schools Online – Auto Mechanic Schools & Training Programs
- Automotive Service Excellence – Master Status
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Glassdoor – Automotive Mechanic Salaries
- Workable – Auto Mechanic job description