$Automotive Collision Repair Technology student working on a car$

Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Earn an Auto Body Repair Degree at Aims

Do you want to learn how to restore vehicles to their original state after they’ve been damaged? Combine your passion for cars with your creativity to earn an associate degree in automotive technology from Aims and start your career in automotive collision repair.

The Aims auto body degree program offers a hands-on learning experience using the latest collision repair equipment, including frame racks, industry-standard paint booths and a computer paint simulator. Gain classroom and shop experience in the 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Aims Automotive and Technology Center, located on the Windsor campus.

Develop your collision repair skills by working directly on various vehicles, including foreign, domestic and hybrids, using advanced shop equipment and industry-leading Snap-on tools. Learn how to return a frame-damaged vehicle to factory specifications using laser and sonic frame straightening equipment.

The Aims automotive department offers comprehensive tours where you can ask questions and see the equipment you’ll use while earning your collision repair degree.

Schedule a Tour of the Aims Automotive Facility

As you progress through the automotive technology degree program, you’ll also get the chance to earn I-CAR and ASE certifications. These third-party certifications give you an advantage in the job market after graduation. I-CAR certifications are the industry standard that auto insurance companies expect from their repair shop technicians.

After the first year of the Aims collision repair degree program, you’ll gain the technical skills to find a part-time job while earning your associate degree in automotive technology. Instructors facilitate this work experience so you can learn what it’s like to work in an automotive collision repair shop. You’ll also learn how to create a resume and build a portfolio to show to prospective employers after you graduate.

The Aims automotive programs are accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

If you want to learn how to restore damaged automobiles to their former glory and gain the professional skills needed to find employment, earn an associate degree in automotive technology at Aims and start your career.

See Automotive Collision Repair Technology Requirements

Turn Your Passion for Cars Into a Career in Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Collision repair and refinishing on the high-tech automobiles of today is a challenging and rewarding career. The vast changes in the design, construction and finish of today’s automobiles have created a shortage of top-notch technicians.

Fred Brown, department chair, describes how you can launch your career with an automotive collision repair degree from Aims.

Gain the Hands-on Technical Skills You Need to Start a Career in Automobile Service Technology

The five-semester Aims auto body degree program gives you an all-encompassing experience in automotive collision repair and refinishing. Your coursework pairs classroom knowledge with extensive hands-on learning in the Aims Automotive and Technology Center shop. Each collision repair degree course builds your knowledge and skills to prepare you for work in the industry.

Study essentials of automotive collision repair to help you start your career, including:

Auto shop safety and workflow management
Waterborne and solvent-based paints
Frame straightening and pulling
Welding
Refinishing
Immovable body panels
Moveable and immovable glass

The Aims automotive collision repair technology degree program also teaches practical soft skills that employers want to see, including professionalism, leadership, and effective communication.

The Aims automotive department staff work with various local industry partners to help you find part-time employment during school or launch your career after graduation.

These industry partners include:

I had heard so many wonderful things about the program and the instructors. I knew hardly anything coming into the program, but the instructors have spent quality time with me and explained things so well.

Amy Esplin

Student, Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Snap-on Tools at Aims

As you advance through the collision repair degree program, you’ll earn state-of-the-art tools from Snap-on Tools.

Snapon tool Some of the Snap-on tools you’ll earn from each class as you progress through the collision repair degree program include:

Four-piece adjustable wrench set
Dura-Block® sanding set
Carbon scraper
Body toolset
Ball peen hammer

Get Excited About Your Future in Automotive with Aims Events and the Full Throttle Club

Gain Automotive Collision Repair Technology Skills With a Collision Repair Certificate at Aims

The Aims collision repair degree program allows you to earn several certificates as you progress in your education. Earning a certificate lets you explore or focus on a specific subject area. At Aims, you can either pursue an auto body degree or earn standalone collision repair certificates in a particular subject area such as plastics repair, refinishing or upholstery.

Some Aims auto body certificate program courses can also apply toward earning an automotive collision repair technology degree.

Non-Structural Repair Technician Certificate
Structural Repair Technician Certificate
Plastics Repair Technician Certificate
Refinish Technician Certificate
Damage Appraisal Estimating Certificate
Upholstery Certificate

Explore Automotive Repair Certificates

Launch Your Career in Automotive Service Technology

If you want to learn the latest technology, software and advanced collision industry repair equipment, the Aims automotive repair degree program can give you the skills you need to start your career.

The Aims auto body degree program prepares you for a successful career as an automotive collision repair technician. This collision repair degree program also sets you up for success to work in related areas, including as an:

Insurance estimator
Auto replacement parts specialist
Collision shop service advisor