Here in this blog post, we have curated a list of the best mechanic schools in Tennessee, including their requirements, Cost, and tuition. If you are searching for the best mechanic schools in Tennessee, then you just landed on the right blog post.
Starting a career as an auto mechanic in 2023 in Tennessee is a great choice, but first, you must have the requirements you need to apply to train to become an automotive technician at any of the schools and colleges in the state.
There are projections that by 2029, over 728,000 Auto Mechanic positions will be available for mechanics to fill up nationwide.
A mechanic career provides job security for trained professionals, and as such, beginning at this time to prepare for such a career path is considered wise.
If working on repairs and the maintenance of vehicles is a trade you’re passionate about, then learning how to become a mechanic is your best bet.
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Table of Contents
Who is an Automechanic?
An Automechanic is one in charge of repairing and maintaining trucks, cars, and other vehicles.
They play a vital role in ensuring that all vehicles are in good condition before they can be driven on the roads.
What is the Automechanic Career in Tennessee Like?
Over the years, Tennessee has gradually grown to become a hub for the automotive industry, as many car companies are opening up their plants and centers in Tennessee.
There has also been an emergence of more Auto Mechanic schools in Tennessee. This has therefore created an abundance of auto-related jobs in the State.
These mechanic schools in Tennessee provide quality training for mechanic professionals by equipping them with the needed theory and hands-on experience to succeed in their careers.
Auto mechanics in Tennessee can earn high salaries as long as they are well-trained and have the required work experience.
If you reside in places like Nashville, Clarksville, or Memphis, your earning potential as an Automechanic would be relatively higher than in some other places in Tennessee.
You can begin your career as an auto mechanic by starting with a certificate or degree in automotive technology and, after that, seek opportunities to work and get certified.
Enrolling in one of the best automotive schools in Tennessee provides you with a certificate or a degree, depending on the program.
By starting with a certificate or degree in automotive technology, you will be on the path toward working as a mechanic and becoming certified.
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How Do I Become a Mechanic in Tennessee?
The career path of an auto mechanic begins by starting up a training program in a mechanic school.
Mechanic schools and colleges in Tennessee usually issue a certificate of program completion or an Associate Degree of Applied Science.
The Certificate programs last one year, while degree programs require two years of study.
There are quite a large number of mechanic schools in Tennessee that are capable of training you to become a professional mechanic.
Explained below is detailed information on how to become a mechanic in Tennessee;
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#1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED
One of the requirements to apply to mechanic schools in Tennessee is having a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
A high school diploma would expose you to the basic math and science skills essential for a mechanic career.
The educational path to becoming a mechanic starts at a post-secondary school continues through certification processes, and can last throughout the auto-mechanic’s career.
Automotive technology has continued to advance at a rapid pace. As such, auto mechanics must be updated on all the latest industry innovations, making the learning process never-ending.
#2. Attend Automechanic School
Your journey to becoming an Automechanic requires that you obtain quality training that combines classroom instruction and practicals.
Attending one of the top 10 mechanic schools in Tennessee ensures that you have the necessary training and a certificate of training.
These auto mechanic schools in Tennessee are keen on providing a foundational experience and hands-on learning for all their students.
During the education program, students can work on vehicles and learn different repair methods and techniques from expert automotive technicians.
Depending on the program you want, you can choose from the numerous community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutions to study.
The community colleges in Tennessee issue an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology, and the programs take two years to complete.
#3. Take an ASE certification Test
After attending a mechanic school and gaining some years of experience, next is to earn a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is responsible for issuing auto mechanics certificates.
Earning a certification from the ASE is intense, as a panel of experts usually puts together the exam. The exam tests the mechanic’s knowledge level based on the specific area of choice.
The exams may usually be difficult, and obtaining a passing score indicates the student has an above-average knowledge level in the subject area.
Most employers in the auto repair industry would usually seek ASE-certified auto mechanics to join their workforce.
Therefore, obtaining an ASE certification places you ahead of many others in the auto repair industry.
The certification is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for every auto mechanic.
To earn an ASE certification, the candidate must meet the required work experience based on the specific area of interest.
However, you may take the ASE exam before obtaining the needed work experience, but the certification will not be issued until after the work experience requirements have been met.
A few examples of the work experience requirement for different ASE certifications after attending any of the automotive or auto mechanic schools in Tennessee include;
- Repair technician – 2 or 3 years
- Service Consultant – 2 years
- Parts specialist – 2 years
- Collision damage instructor – 2 years
Auto mechanics can earn numerous certifications, which qualify them for the status of Master mechanic.
An ASE certification comes with the issuance of a Blue Seal of Excellence.
ASE tests in Tennessee are done at an exam center after a registration fee has been made.
The ASE certification lasts five years, after which the technician must apply for a recertification test.
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#4. Take manufacturer-specific training
Many car owners can be quite particular about the type of mechanic that would work on their vehicle.
For example, a Ford car owner would visit auto repair shops with mechanics trained to work on a Ford vehicle.
Therefore, earning a manufacturer-specific certification certifies the auto mechanic to work on a particular vehicle brand, putting the technician in demand by dealerships.
The applicant must have completed a post-secondary auto mechanic program to enroll in this training program.
The auto mechanic program in a mechanic school provides some experience working on all types of vehicles, which will serve as a foundation for learning the specifics of working on a particular vehicle brand.
The Universal Technical Institute offers a manufacturer-specific training program for all interested candidates.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Mechanic in Tennessee?
The following are the basic requirements to apply to automotive schools in TN and become a Mechanic in Tennessee;
- High school diploma or equivalent GED
- Passion for learning mechanical tasks
- Educational training in either a vocational school, tech school, or a community college
- Tennessee work experience as Repair Technician or Collision Damage Estimator
- Work experience of at least two years in the automotive repair industry
- ASE Certification
What are the Requirements to Apply to Mechanic Schools in Tennessee?
To apply to any of the best mechanic schools in Tennessee, you will need the following;
- High school diploma or a State issued GED
- Be at least 18 years of age.
List of the Best Mechanic Schools in Tennessee
Here is a list of the best automotive schools and colleges in TN to train to become an auto mechanic in Tennessee:
#1. Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology is located in the heart of Tennessee, Nashville.
Also, Lincoln Tech is one of the best automotive schools in Tennessee, with its ASE-certified professional instructors available to train students to become professionals.
The school offers programs in
- Automotive Technology
- Collision repair and refinishing Technology
- Diesel and Truck Technology
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology
- Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology
Tuition is approximately $ 20,656 annually, and most programs last two years.
#2. Southwest Tennessee Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public community college located in Memphis, TN. The Tennessee Board of Regents operates the school.
The school offers a 2-year program and awards an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
The estimated cost of tuition per year for in-state students is $5,655, while for out-of-state students is $17,631.
#3. Northeast State Community College
Northeast State Community College is a public community college located in Blountville, Tennessee, and one of the best auto mechanic schools in the state.
The school offers technical education and college transfer programs in Blountville and at its Elizabethton, Gray, Johnson City, and Kingsport teaching sites.
The training programs run for two years, after which an Associate of Applied Science Degree is issued.
Tuition costs per year for in-state and out-of-state students are about $5,552 and $17,528, respectively.
#4. Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga State Community College is a public college located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Also, Chattanooga State is known for excellence with a team of trained professionals and is well-equipped to provide quality training in Automotive technology.
The school offers a diploma program that runs for two years.
The estimated cost of tuition at Chattanooga State is about $6,479 per year.
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#5. Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology is one of the leading automotive schools in Tennessee, with its campus located at different positions all around Tennessee.
Programs are available for students on their campuses in Nashville, Dickson, Hartsville, Murfreesboro, Crossville, Jacksboro, Livingston, Athens, Harriman, Elizabethton, Knoxville, and Covington.
The school offers various options to earn a certificate or diploma in automotive technology.
The program options at Tennessee College of Applied Technology may include light maintenance and repair, automotive technician assistant, automotive technician apprentice, master automotive technician, and others.
It takes about two years to complete any of their programs. Furthermore, annual tuition fees are approximately $10,147.
#6. Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University is a Christian private university in Collegedale, TN.
The students at Southern Adventists can earn an associate degree in automotive service, which runs for two years, or a bachelor’s degree for four years.
The school also provides an opportunity for the students to intern at a local repair shop to obtain a part of the required work experience.
The tuition fee for the 4-year program is about $24,491 per year.
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#7. Dyersburg State Community College
Dyersburg State Community College, located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, is one of the best auto mechanic schools in the state.
Programs at the school last for two years.
#8. William Moore College of Technology
Moore Tech is a private college located in Memphis, Tennessee.
William Moore offers an associate degree program, diploma, and certificate programs in Automotive technology for two years.
Tuition fees at the college are about $14,900 per year.
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#9. Nashville State Community College
Nashville State Community College is a public community college located in Nashville, TN. It is operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents and offers a variety of programs.
The school offers Associate Degree programs and certificate programs in Automotive technology.
The tuition fee per year is about $6,687.
#10. Remington College – Nashville
Remington College – Nashville is a private automotive school in Nashville, Tennessee.
The school offers two-year diploma and associate degree programs in automotive technology.
The estimated tuition fee per year is about $19,687.
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What are the Salary Expectations for Mechanics in Tennessee?
Top auto mechanic professionals in Tennessee earn a median salary of about $62,210 per year, as stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other auto mechanics in Tennessee earn an average salary of about $38,190 per year.
The salary of an auto mechanic increases with more work experience and certifications.
Location is another crucial factor in determining the salary range for auto mechanics.
Cities like Nashville, Clarksville, Memphis, and Chattanooga have considerably higher pay rates for their auto mechanics than other places in Tennessee.
FAQ
Why Do I Need to Attend a Mechanic School?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an Automechanic, you need to attend a Mechanic School.
Formal education is not necessary, but going through a Mechanic school ensures that you are well-trained to become a professional in the auto repair industry.
The following are the benefits of attending a Mechanic School;
#1. Builds Your Resume
Going through a training program in a Mechanic school adds a lot of value to you and builds your resume.
Employers in the auto repair industry are usually drawn to those who have attended a Mechanic school and have a certificate of training.
#2. Gain Theoretical Knowledge
A Mechanic school provides theoretical knowledge behind every one of the Mechanical systems you’ll be working on.
These schools balance the theory and practical knowledge you need as an Automechanic.
#3. Build a Network
Attending a Mechanic school exposes you to several candidates like yourself and even experienced professionals who may later help you in the future.
How Do I Become ASE Certified in Tennessee?
To earn an ASE certification in Tennessee, the candidate must meet the required work experience based on the specific area of interest.Â
However, you may take the ASE exam before obtaining the needed work experience, but the certification will not be issued until after the work experience requirements have been met.
A few examples of the work experience requirement for different ASE certifications include;
Repair technician – 2 or 3 years
Service Consultant – 2 years
Parts specialist – 2 years
Collision damage instructor – 2 years
An ASE certification comes with the issuance of a Blue Seal of Excellence.
ASE tests in Tennessee are done at an exam center after a registration fee has been made.
The ASE certification lasts for five years, after which the technician would need to apply for a recertification test.
References
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