Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician
About this program
This fully-loaded program develops the skills necessary to repair, inspect, and maintain diesel-powered highway equipment.
Learn about diesel truck preventative maintenance and service, and the theory and skills needed to perform vehicle inspection and engine tune-up. You'll become skilled in overhauling engines, transmissions, and rear differentials, as well as repairing air-brakes, chassis and suspensions.
Earn your certificate in just 10 months full-time, or two-years part-time. And when you graduate you'll be ready to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection examinations.
Graduates of this program interested in more advanced training can continue on in the Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science degree with just an additional year of study.
Careers
Entry-level heavy-duty commercial truck preventative maintenance technician for:
- Dealerships
- Independent garages
- Truck fleets
- Leasing companies
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Featured Video
Virtual Tour
Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.
Facilities
Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Gain hands-on experience in advanced learning labs where you’ll work on equipment just like you can expect to see after graduation.
While you're here, you'll have an opportunity to earn certifications in:
- Stationary Refrigeration (608)
- Motor Vehicle Air-Conditioning (609)
- Allison Transmission Certification
- Level 1 Eaton Hybrid Certification
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Career Fair Connections
Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Diesel Performance Technicians Association
Expand learning opportunities and meet others who share your interest in diesel performance.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Friday, October 10, 2025
Penn College Baja team competes in South Carolina
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Diesel Performance Club’s ‘Accelerated Learning’ truck back on drag racing circuit
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
FedEx donates truck to Penn College diesel major
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
More Information
Acceptance into this major is offered for the Fall semester only. This major has limited seat capacity. Acceptance is offered on a rolling basis until the seat capacity has been met. Students must accept their seat in the major by confirming their intent to enroll.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
View the Diesel Equipment Technology Required Tools
Required for all labs:
- uniform
- leather work shoes or boots
- glasses, safety, clear lens/black frames
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
- Mr. Don Casterline, '80, Owner, Casterline Diesel, Inc.
- Mr. Christopher R Clary, Manager, Operations, IMG Midstream
- Mr. Eric Faust, '09, Equipment Maintenance Foreman, Halliburton Energy Services
- Mr. Zachary Gensimore, Regional Truck Service Operations Manager (East), Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
- Mr. Christopher Malm, General Service Manager, Power Generation, West Branch Diesel
- Mr. Frank Miller, Executive Vice President, Kenworth of PA
- Mr. Daniel Mohlenhoff, '11, Working Foreman, Penn Power Group
- Mr. Gregory A Moser, '99, Manager, FedEx Freight
- Mr. Timothy B Moyer, Technical Trainer, Refrigeration, Penn Power Group
- Mr. Eric Naugle, 2017, Equipment Manager, Kiewit
- Mr. Jack Neidig, '86, Instructor, SUN Area Career & Technology Center
- Mr. Justin E Ridings, Technical Training Specialist, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
- Mr. Nevin Weaver, General Manager, Kenworth Of Pennsylvania
- Mr. Douglas C Wetzel, '81, Engine Training Instructor, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Inc.
- Mr. Tyler White, '11, Service Manager, Ascendance Trucks Pennsylvania, LLC
- Mr. Jeremy Wilson, General Manager, M&K Truck Centers
- Mr. Tony Wiser, Director of Service, Motor Truck Equipment/ KW of PA