3 Best Auto Mechanic Schools in Riverside, CA

Riverside City College (RCC) was established in 1916 as Riverside Junior College which serves as an extension of Poly High School.

It is the seventh community college that opened in California and has expanded over the years separating from Poly High School.

It was renamed later to its current name and became the largest of three colleges in the Riverside Community College District.

The school serves 30, 000 students annually with more than 100 programs of studies including, associate degrees, career certificates, and transfer programs.

It offers an affordable and accessible starting point for college or university choices of the students leading to their dream careers.

RCC is reputable in career education as many of its students are already in the workforce after gaining certification in specialized skills.

It is known as one of the top schools of Nursing in California.

It also garners high recognition in diverse programs such as automotive technology, performing arts, culinary arts, computer information systems, and cosmetology.

About The Auto Mechanic Program

RCC offers an Automotive Technology program educating students in various aspects of automotive technology.

It also prepares students for a lifetime occupation and to become a successful automotive technician.

The program covers diverse courses including automotive body repair, mechanical, electrical, and automotive trim and upholstery.

Here are the courses available:

• Automotive Hybrid and Electrical Vehicle – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Technology Collision Repair – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Refinishing and Paint – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Undercar Specialist – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Powertrain Specialist – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Engine Performance Specialist – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Electrical and Electronics Specialist – Degree & Certificate
• Automotive Technology-Automotive Trim & Upholstery – Degree & Certificate

Most of the courses span 1 year except for Automotive Powertrain Specialist which spans for 1.5 years.

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a community college within California’s network of 116 community colleges.

It was established in 1960 and has grown significantly over the past six decades and expanded in 1975 when residents of Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Perris, and adjacent areas voted to join the district.

It has evolved into one of California’s fastest-growing community colleges that adapts to unprecedented population growth in the region.

MSJC offers courses and programs that align with the transfer requirements of four-year colleges or universities.

It also provides various vocational and technical programs aligning with transfer requirements for four-year colleges and universities.

MSJC instructors are passionate about students’ success and bring expertise in their respective fields, ensuring students receive a high-quality education.

The classified and professional staff actively reflect the institution’s commitment, including Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), counseling, Financial Aid, Veterans’ Services, and Accommodation Service Centers (ASC).

About The Auto Mechanic Program

MSJC offers a comprehensive curriculum in Automotive/Transportation Technology.

It equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide a well-rounded education in the automotive field.

The program consists of a certificate program that compromises 20 units.

It also has an associate degree with an additional 60 units,s including MSJC General Education Option A requirements.

Here are some of the courses included in the program:

• Basic Auto Mechanics
• Introduction to Statistics
• College Success and Career Readiness
• Automotive Brake Systems
• Automotive Suspension, Steering, and Alignment Systems
• Engine Performance I
• Automotive Electrical/Electronics I
• Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology
• Automotive and Transportation Technologies
  And more…

Riverside Adult School (RAS) is part of the Riverside Unified School District, empowering students for post-secondary education or the workforce.

Since 1965, it has offered accredited programs in Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Career Technical Education, and Adult Secondary Education.

Its certified teachers, inclusive approach, and accommodating schedules make it a preferred choice for adult learners across Southern California.

RAS’s commitment to providing top-notch educational services is reflected in its accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Whether pursuing post-secondary education or entering the workforce, Riverside Adult School is a beacon of educational opportunity for adult learners, contributing to the region’s educational landscape.

About The Auto Mechanic Program

Riverside Adult School partners with Lincoln High School to provide a comprehensive pathway to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

The program operates in a newly built, cutting-edge automotive training center campus equipped with the latest tools and technology for hands-on learning.

It spans one semester with three meeting classes each evening a week.

The curriculum for Maintenance & Light Repair (MLR) I is the foundational course focusing on safety skills, basic engine fundamentals, shop operations, and essential technician skills.

Students who complete the program can earn four units from the Riverside City College.

They can earn credit through RCC’s articulated credit process, enhancing the program’s educational value.