Truck Driving
9 Credit Technical DiplomaProgram Description
The Truck Driving (CDL Class A) Technical Diploma program prepares learners with the skills and knowledge to become safe, professional drivers of commercial motor vehicles. This program emphasizes hands-on learning to teach and develop safe driving techniques, shifting, turning, inspections and common to unusual backing maneuvers. Limited lecture and online materials are used to provide a solid foundation in industry related issues drivers face.
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Approximate Program Cost
$2,213
Tuition & Fees:
$2,075
Books & Supplies: $138
Books & Supplies: $138
Starting Salary
$37,440–$59,280
Average,
based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report
Financial Aid
May Be Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
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Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Prerequisites
This program requires proof of a Federal Medical (FedMed) card, which is issued after you complete a Department Of Transportation (DOT) physical with a registered, certified medical examiner. Students will also be subject to pre-enrollment drug and alcohol screening, as well as random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident screening. Certain industries do not require a Federal Medical Card. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for further information.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
- Comply with non-driving activity activities
- Explain vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
- Explain advanced operating practices
- Adhere to safe truck driving operating procedures
- Perform basic truck driving operations
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
- Straight Truck Driver
- Local Truck Driver
- Owner Operator of a Trucking Business
- Over-the-Road Truck Driver
Courses
The Truck Driving Technical Diploma is a 9 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
View All Detailed Course Information
Pathways
Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.
Completing the Truck Driving Technical Diploma Earns You:
- 13% of the total credits in the Diesel Technology Associate Degree (9 of 69 credits)
- 23% of the total credits in the Electrical Power Distribution Technical Diploma (9 of 39 credits)
- 24% of the total credits in the Gas Utility Construction & Service Technical Diploma (9 of 37 credits)
Cost of Attendance
2023-2024 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College uses the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student's cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student's financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies.
| Expenses | Student Living With Parents (Home) | Student Living on Own (Other) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Tuition (based on a total of 30 credits, 15 credits fall and 15 credits spring) |
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|
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| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $4,052 | $9,614 | ||
| Books / Supplies | $2,061 | $2,061 | ||
| Transportation | $2,007 | $2,007 | ||
| Personal Expenses | $2,245 | $2,245 | ||
| Loan Fees | $83 | $83 | ||
| Total Estimated Cost Of Attendance |
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* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2023-2024 academic year with a projected base increase of 1.65%. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and estimated budgets are updated at that time.
Students with dependent care, computer or study abroad expenses should contact the Financial Aid Office to document allowable expenses which may serve to increase their COA.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees visit https://www.ntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
NTC Financial Aid Office
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Before you apply, you should know
- This program is currently offered at NTC’s CDL Training Center at 1204 W. Taylor St. in Merrill, WI.
- Reviewing the Truck Driving Information Session is highly encouraged before enrolling in classes. To help you better understand the truck driving program, this session includes course information, DOT disqualifications, factors affecting employability, and drug & alcohol testing.
- In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license after completion of this program, you will be required to provide proof of legal status or citizenship.
- Maintaining a valid and clean driving record is important for your success in this industry.
- There are other costs that may be associated with this program, including: Federal Medical Card ($80-150), Commercial Learner Permit Fee ($21), Drug & Alcohol Screening ($65), State CDL Exam Fee ($150).
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.