Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
Students in the Medium/Heavy Truck Technology A.A.S. degree program are sponsored by a trucking company. Students split their learning between taking courses at the college and developing skills through paid internships at truck repair companies. Students spend the first-half of each semester taking courses at the college and the second-half of each semester on a paid internship developing the skills just learned in class. This schedule is repeated throughout the two-year program. The college assists students in obtaining a trucking industry sponsor for the internship portion of the program.
This program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to be an entry-level technician in the trucking industry. Students will practice their skills in a well equipped lab and develop production level skills at their industry sponsored company. Some of the areas of study are electrical and electronic systems, steering and suspension, air and hydraulic ABS brake systems and vehicle maintenance. Students will perform diesel engine troubleshooting, overhaul procedures, and tune-ups on both mechanical and electronic engines. Clutch, transmission, and drive axle diagnosis, repair and overhaul will be taught along with preventive maintenance procedures. Instruction will include classroom theory, shop demonstrations, and hands-on skill development. Much of the lab work is performed on actual vehicles or engines in operating condition.
Students entering the Medium/Heavy Truck Technology program must be eligible to obtain a commercial driver's license and be able to pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical, drug screening, and background check as a condition of employment for the internship portion of the program.
Award Outcomes
Perform vehicle inspection procedures
Perform preventative maintenance
Repair vehicle electrical systems
Repair truck brake systems
Analyze ABS brake systems
Repair truck steering systems
Repair truck suspension systems
Diagnose truck HVAC systems
Repair driveline components
Overhaul truck transmissions
Overhaul diesel engines
Interpret diagnostic tool readings
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities as a skilled truck technician are available in truck dealerships, leasing companies, trucking fleets, and independent truck repair shops. Students may choose other options such as railroads, heavy equipment, mass transit companies, or marine applications. Electronic diesel engines, transmissions, and ABS brake systems have revolutionized the trucking industry creating a great demand for the skilled truck technician.
Semester Sequence
Offered at Brooklyn Park Only
First Semester
| MHTT1002 | Truck Technology Fundamentals | 2 |
| MHTT1011 | Electricity in Truck Technology I | 4 |
| MHTT1020 | Vehicle Service | 3 |
| MHTT1031 | Internship/Industry Partnership I | 6 |
| | |
| PHIL1100 | Critical Thinking for College Success | 3 |
| or | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 2 | 3 |
Second Semester
| MHTT1100 | Hydraulic Brake Systems | 3 |
| MHTT1115 | Air Brake Systems and Controls | 3 |
| MHTT1131 | Internship/Industry Partnership II | 6 |
| MHTT1200 | Steering and Suspension Systems | 3 |
| | |
| COMM1250 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| or | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 7 | 3 |
Summer Semester
| MHTT1300 | Introduction to Diesel Engines | 3 |
| MHTT1322 | Heating and Air Conditioning | 2 |
| MHTT1332 | Internship/Industry Partnership III | 4 |
| | |
| SOCI1100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| or | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 5 | 3 |
Third Semester
| MHTT1210 | Clutch and Driveline | 3 |
| MHTT1410 | Transmission Technologies | 3 |
| MHTT1420 | Drive Axles | 3 |
| MHTT1431 | Internship/Industry Partnership IV | 6 |
| | |
| PHYS1005 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| or | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 3 | 3 |
MnTC Goal Area 1
A complete list of MnTC courses and Goal Areas that can be used to meet General Education requirements can be found at www.hennepintech.edu. The same course cannot satisfy more than one MnTC Goal Area requirement.
Graduation (94 Credits)
Students entering the Medium/Heavy Truck Technology program must be eligible to obtain a commercial driver's license and be able to pass and be able to pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical, drug screening, and background check as a condition of employment for the internship portion of the program.
Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.
2/22/2023 : BP 5204 / EP