A student buffs the side of a car.

Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology - Associate Degree

Graduates of this program gain all of the technical training and career potential offered by the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician technical diploma program - plus the opportunity to pursue a supervisory or management career in the collision repair industry. Typical careers include insurance adjuster/appraiser, collision center owner, collision center manager and manufacturer's representative. As a program graduate, you may also transfer credit to a four-year college to further your career options. This program is ASE Certified to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Standards.

Program Code: 104051
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Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Offered At:

Follow Your Path

Some credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician, 314051

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Please note that all new students apply to the technical diploma program. While attending you may later have the associate degree added.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Total Credits 66
  • Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.

Program Outcomes

  • Repair and replace non-structural body panels and parts.
  • Refinish non-structural and structural body panels and parts.
  • Diagnose and repair damaged vehicle structural panels and parts.
  • Perform collision repair welding and joining procedures.
  • Estimate collision repair costs.
  • Diagnose and repair body-related electrical systems.
  • Diagnose and repair damaged body-related mechanical systems.

What careers are in my future?

Employment Potential

Along with technical diploma employment opportunities, a graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas also:

  • Insurance Adjuster/Appraiser: Works closely with collision repair facilities to negotiate repair procedures and repair costs.
  • Collision Center Owner: Owns and operates their own collision repair facility. May have several employees working for them.
  • Collision Center Manager: Oversees all aspects of the collision center operation; including writing estimates, working with insurance companies, and managing employees.
  • Manufacturers Representative: Represents various manufacturers of paint and body supplies in either sales or as a technical representative.

Employment opportunities with additional education

  • Tech-Ed Teacher
  • Collision Repair and Refinishing Instructor
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Insurance Adjuster or Appraiser

What's next after graduation?

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Accreditation

NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Certified Program | I-CAR Automotive Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test Administrators. | I-CAR Industry Training Alliance Member | National Glass Association (NGA) continuing education provider.

Industry Credentials

All NWTC Auto Collision programs are ASE Certified to NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Standards. Additionally, all instructional staff in the NWTC Auto Collision Programs are, at a minimum, Master, ASE Certified Technicians.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

Defy expectations and follow your passion

Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.

Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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