Are you looking for the best mechanic schools in Kansas to train to become an automotive technician in Kansas, as well as the requirements you need to apply?
Each year, cars seem more enticing with sleek bodies, noiseless yet powerful engines, daredevil speed, and agility. As a car lover, naturally, you’re likely mulling over the idea of enrolling in an auto mechanic school in Kansas.
Working with these cars sounds like a dream, and the money should be substantial too.
But where do you begin your journey? How do you navigate the foggy path to becoming a prime auto mechanic? If you’re thinking along these lines, you’ve landed on the right page. Here, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the top automotive schools in Kansas, their costs, and their requirements.
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Who is a Mechanic?
If you want to be successful, you must understand what that entails before entering any career. You wouldn’t want to invest in a career path and abandon it halfway, so research it and decide if it’s what you want.
Consequently, who is a mechanic, and what does one do? A mechanic or auto mechanic diagnoses car and automobile issues, repairs them and services them. You can specialize in a specific car brand, be diverse, or partner with a brand you’re good at.
Needless to say, as an auto mechanic, you’ll be handling people’s cars, and they do cost a lot of money. Hence, it wouldn’t be in your best interest to be lackadaisical or nonchalant about your art; you may damage a customer’s car.
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Should I Become an Auto Mechanic?
Considering the apparent risk of this career path, is it worth it? A simple mistake can cost you a lot, so are there any benefits of being an auto mechanic in Kansas (or anywhere else)?
To answer the first question, yes, it’s certainly worth it. Automotive technology graduates and auto mechanics are reasonably well paid, especially when certified. In 2020 alone, a year with significantly less movement, US News estimated that auto mechanics made an average of $44,050.
Of course, depending on your employer, this amount may be higher or lower, and your experience and certifications can help you negotiate higher wages. On the downside, this means that you have to learn more and be competent to earn more, which will probably take you some time.
Moreover, cars aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, an increasing number of people buy cars every day, not to mention automobile companies turn out more complex cars yearly.
As a result, your skill won’t become obsolete, provided you keep up with trends and computerization and stay relevant.
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How Do I Become a Mechanic in Kansas?
As we’ve seen previously, being a mechanic is no doubt lucrative, but how do you get to your destination? Are there any compulsory special licenses you must obtain to become a mechanic in Kansas?
Well, the short answer is no. You’re free to practice your skill in Kansas; no one will require any official documents or training. You only need to be ready to acquire and master the necessary skill.
However, there’s something you need to note. This isn’t strictly necessary, but many employers would like to have confidence in your abilities before entrusting you with a job. Hence, undergoing Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests will advance your career and help with job prospects.
You need a few years of experience before taking this exam, or you could go through a mechanic school.
What Are the Requirements to Apply to Auto Mechanic Schools in Kansas (KS)?
On reading the word ‘school,’ thoughts of exams and endless entrance tests probably clouded your thoughts. But don’t fret; applying to mechanic school is much less stressful than applying for a fancy college degree.
Let’s see the requirements to apply to auto mechanic schools in Kansas.
Mechanic or automotive schools don’t impose any strict application requirements for you to meet. Many of these schools have a 100% acceptance rate. Still, there are a few things you need to have to make participating in automotive programs as seamless as possible.
First, you should have a high school or GED diploma. Programs that mold you into a world-class auto mechanic may build on some foundational high school math or science knowledge. A diploma will help prepare you for the demanding automotive technology programs in technical and community colleges.
Furthermore, you’ll need your toolbox. All good auto mechanic schools are lab-inclined, meaning you’ll carry out many practicals and internships. Whatever school you apply to will likely give you a list of the tools you should bring.
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The Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Kansas (KS)
Now that we’ve established that automotive technology is an impeccable career, the next logical question is where to learn it. Being an auto mechanic is a practical skill; you must be at the top of your game. Hence, you can’t afford to learn from quack sources; it’ll be a waste of your time, not to mention money and intellect.Â
So, what are the best automotive schools in Kansas (KS)? What schools in this location will give you the most value for your money? This section gives you a comprehensive list of automotive schools in Kansas, along with details like fees, location, and more. Keep reading to find out.
#1. Pittsburg State University
If you prefer a nationally acclaimed university with a wide variety of automotive technology programs, this one’s for you. Rated among the top auto mechanic schools in Kansas, Pittsburg State is one of the best options for you with its nationally recognized automotive programs.
It’s also one of ten universities in the country to offer accredited 2-year and 4-year degrees in automotive technology. In addition, you have the option of certificate programs and access to world-class labs and professors.
At $17,970 annually for undergraduates, this school will cost you a good amount of money. However, you can take advantage of its numerous scholarship programs and financial aid.
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#2. Johnson County Community College (JCCC)
Located in Overland Park, KS, JCCC is Kansas’ best community college as well as one of the top-rated automotive schools in the state. With an average of 4,765 students, JCCC is small, but its automotive technology programs are by no means insignificant.
All eight core areas of the ASE certification are fully covered in this institution, with options for three-degree paths. These paths include an ASE-certified two-year associate degree program and less time-consuming certificate programs for students with a time constraint.
JCCC costs an average of $12,974 annually and $4,094 after aid. Moreover, about 66% of all students receive financial aid, so you should also apply for it if you deem it necessary.
#3. North Central Kansas Technical College
Any auto mechanic would tell you that you need hands-on knowledge to be good at your job. This technical college takes a practical approach to automotive technology, grooming you for the future with its emphasis on computerization and lactonization.
Furthermore, this school partners with internships and employers to give students access to real-life situations and problems. Students receive an associate degree upon completion of the 68-hour course, so check this school out if this learning style appeals to you.
With two campuses in Beloit and Hays, KS, you can afford to attend whichever location you find convenient. Finally, the tuition costs $12,518 a year and $4,258 after aid.
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#4. Kansas City Kansas Community College
With constant positive reviews from graduating students yearly, this community college remains one of the best in Kansas. Although this school doesn’t offer an associate degree program in automotive technology, its certification program is accredited by National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation (NATEF), now called ASE.
KCKCC also provides ultra-modern training facilities and computer-based simulations to enable students to graduate with skills relevant to the modern automobile industry. Plus, with no admission requirements and a 100% acceptance rate, the application process is sure to be smooth and easy.
This school is slightly pricier at $5,457, but it’s definitely worth your money. Hence why it is one of the best Mechanic schools in KS.
#5. Seward County Community College
SCCC molds its students to become highly-skilled problem-solving auto mechanics for the latest car models, designs, and trucks. Using experienced professors, instructors, and high-quality training equipment, this school turns out job-ready auto mechanics.
Students also get to work on customer-owned vehicles under supervision to ensure practical knowledge in addition to textbook theories. Furthermore, the certificate and associate degree learning paths provide adequate time flexibility for students.
The renowned community college also has multiple activities and clubs to keep students positively engaged. This way, you can be sure there’ll be no dull moments.
Seward County Community College, one of Kansas’s best automotive schools, is located in Liberal, KS, and costs an average of $114 per credit hour.
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#6. WSU Tech
WSU Tech (or Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology) has one of the strongest automotive technology programs in Kansas. This college will fine-tune you into a professional mechanic in no time, featuring classroom and practical lab teaching methods and a broad curriculum that spans several automobile issues.
Like several top mechanic schools in Kansas, WSU Tech allows you to choose between an associate degree and a technical certificate. Also, the accreditations from MOPAR® CAP LOCAL, NATEF, and the Kansas Board of Regents ensure that this program gives you the edge you need to compete.
WSU Tech is located in Wichita, KS, and costs $6,602 annually, but this amount varies with several factors. Click here to calculate your estimated fees.
#7. Flint Hills Technical College
The best advantage of this college is its affiliation with multiple universities. Thus, if you’re interested in furthering your studies after your time at this college is up, these partnerships will make it relatively easier for you.
Of course, being one of the best automotive schools in KS, this college doesn’t lack ASE accreditation and accolades. The practical-led instruction method features 80% lab work, so graduating from this school means you’ll be a five-star job-ready mechanic.
Lastly, you can also have an associate degree or technical certificate. But note that you must complete your associate degree program to earn a bachelor’s from any affiliated university.Â
FHTC costs $9,958.50 and $16,513 for the technical certificate and associate degree, respectively, but you can apply for financial aid.
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#8. Highland Community College
Since its inception, this college has maintained a glowing reputation and set a standard in all its programs, including automotive technology. Its ASE-certified automotive technology program is balanced and well-rounded to produce quality mechanics.
Furthermore, the school’s two-year program comes with dedicated instructors and practical experience. Little wonder it has a high completion rate and even more success stories.
This school is located in Highland, KS, and costs $6,435 after aid. Moreover, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities for students.
#9. Hutchinson Community College
Also known as HutchCC, this college equips students to become expert mechanics with automobiles. Its ASE-certified, two-year associate program prepares students for numerous auto mechanic career paths and jobs.
Boasting over 80 campus organizations and clubs, the school keeps every student positively occupied. In addition, this college has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a high-profile recognized accreditor.
HutchCC is located in Hutchinson, KS, and costs an average of $6,969 annually after aid.
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#10. Kansas State University
If you want to get into the big leagues, give KSU a shot. Rated among the best universities in Kansas, the school’s automotive technology programs are foolproof and indisputable.
Under its mechanical and technology management program, this school gives you a solid foundation in your chosen discipline. Furthermore, you can also have associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
The technical campus is located in Salina, KS.
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FAQ
How Much Does A Mechanic School In Kansas Cost?
The tuition and other general fees will vary depending on the auto mechanic school you decide on. On a general note, though, most technical schools offering automotive technology cost $10000 – $12000 annually and $4000 – $6000 after financial aid.
Getting financial aid is quite stress-free; follow your school’s application process.
How Can I Get ASE Certified In Kansas?
To get ASE certified, you must complete and pass a series of assessment tests. If successful, your auto mechanic school will print and hand the certification.Â
Ensure you attend an ASE-certified college to avoid complications down the road.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Auto Mechanic In Kansas?
The duration varies depending on your preferred education path. Most technical colleges offer a two-year associate degree in automotive technology, while certificates take 6 months to a year.Â
You’ll need to speak with your academic counselor for proper information and guidance.
What Are The Requirements For Auto Mechanic School In Kansas?
Amazingly, there are no strict requirements for auto mechanic school! However, you should get a toolbox; this will usually be communicated to you.
In addition, a high school diploma or GED will further buttress your application. You also need to be legal i.e above 18, unless you’re opting for programs tailored for high schoolers.
References
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