Northern Michigan University’s automotive service technology program renews accreditation

MARQUETTE — Classes are back in session at Northern Michigan University, and one program just renewed its accreditation.

The NMU automotive service technology program has officially had its accreditation status renewed through the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation after being evaluated by the foundation.

The program is accredited all the way through the level of master automotive service technician, which is the highest level of accreditation.

“Our program has gone through a rigorous review of several standards, including curriculum, safety, facilities, administration, and so on,” explained Randal Klitzke, assistant professor of Technology and Occupational Sciences at NMU. And what that really relates to is whether or not our program meets certain criteria to be a good program.

This national accreditation renewal also comes with a new benefit for secondary students looking to go into the field. NMU now offers an automotive technology program for high school students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn these skills.

“It’s really important to note that ASE accredited our program for our secondary students at an appropriate level of maintenance and light repair,” said Klitzke, “which really is a great starting point for those students. It’s recognized across the state as well as across the nation as a great entry–level set of skills for students to earn to really get a good start on a career or to continue on into a college program like what we offer here and go even further.”

The university is excited about the renewal of accreditation for this program, as well as the new opportunities it brings.