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Automotive Collision Repair Technology student working on a car

Automotive Collision Repair TechnologyRequirements

In five semesters, explore the classes that will teach you to repair the various parts of an automobile after sustaining damage.

Gain knowledge and skills in:

  • Automotive collision repair shop safety
  • Structural and non-structural auto repair
  • Metal finishing
  • Movable automotive glass and hardware
  • Metal welding and cutting
  • Surface preparation and refinishing
  • Panel repair and replacement
  • Estimating
  • Auto body collision repair shop management
  • Customer relations and sales
  • Structural damage and diagnosis

After your first year, you’ll have enough skills to find a part-time job. Your instructors will help you partner with a local business to earn money while earning your degree. 

Lectures are paired with lab classes to give you hands-on collision repair shop experience in that specific topic. Internship classes are designed to recreate working in an industry setting.

You’ll also earn third-party industry-standard certifications from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, including:

  • Non-structural analysis and damage analysis
  • Structural analysis and damage repair
  • Painting and refinishing

General education requirements round out your learning experience and reinforce the practical soft skills employers want. Study math, written and oral communications, business, science and humanities. 

See Collision Repair Skills in Action at Aims

Row Groupings General Education Courses Required for A.A.S. Degree Credits
Note Choose one of the following:
required

Emphasizes effective business writing and cover letters, memoranda, reports, application letters, and resumes. This course includes the fundamentals of business communication and an introduction to international communication. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Space
Note Choose one of the following: 
required

Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

This course introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Space
Note Required Course: 
required

Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.

*
3
Note Choose one course from the following prefixes for a minimum of three (3) credits: AST, BIO, CHE, ENV, GEY, MET, PHY, SCIChoose one course from the following prefixes for a minimum of three (3) credits: ANT, ART, ECO, GEO, HIS, HUM, LIT, MUS, PHI, POS, PSY, SOC, THE
Total General Education Requirements 15-16
Row Groupings Major Requirements:
Row Groupings Semester 1 Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required

Covers the basic characteristics of preparation for automotive repair. Students familiarize themselves with damage analysis, extent of damage, and the sequence of repair. Focuses on removal of vehicle components and protection of panels along with storage and labeling of parts. Safety procedures and equipment use are included. Course is not repeatable for credit. Differential tuition rates apply.

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Develops skills in metal finishing, metal shrinking, and the use of cosmetic fillers. Emphasis is placed on the use of proper tools required to perform these tasks, including use, selection of tools, and safety procedures for tools and equipment selected. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) tools will also be introduced in this course along with beginning level repair techniques. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required
2
Row Groupings Semester 2 Credits
required
3
required

Performs surface preparation for refinishing including cleaning, sanding, feather edging, chemical treatment of bare materials, and priming. The application of primers includes rationale and use of colored primers and sealers. In addition, the course will cover spot-priming for repaired areas. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1041 with a grade of "C" or better.

2
required
2
required

Provides the knowledge needed for application and use of automotive paint systems. Course includes locating color codes, mixing formulas, matching, and selections of materials. Proper paint gun use and adjustments is taught for the product being applied. In addition, the student practices correct masking and detailing techniques.. Course is not repeatable for credit. Differential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1042 and ACT 1043 with grades of "C" or better

2
required

Designed to teach the state-of-the-art repair for both rigid and flexible plastic components and choosing adhesives using the latest manufacturer repair techniques. . Course is not repeatable for credit. Differential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

1
required
2
Row Groupings Semester 3 Credits
required

Covers straightening techniques including tension pulls/stress relief, metal finishing, metal shrinking, and use of fillers. Emphasizes the identification, handling, and replacement of parts such as adjustment and alignment of bolt-on parts, fixed parts, and accessories. Training covers the use of adhesives, sound deadeners and welding methods performed during repairs. . Course is not repeatable for credit. Differential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Focuses on methods of frame measurement using dimension charts and service manuals. Includes the use of self-centering gauges and mechanical and electronic measuring. Appropriate terms and definitions of vehicle structures and vehicle diagnosis is covered including identification and analysis of damage. Includes the techniques for basic hook ups and safety procedures used in making corrective pulls. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Continues the study and application of frame measurement and repair. The student applies methods found in dimension charts and service manuals for vehicle diagnosis and straightening. Training includes the replacement of a structural panel with the identification of damaged suspension components replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required
*
1 to 9
required
2
Note *ACT 1070 must be taken for two (2) credits. 
Row Groupings Semester 4 Credits
required
*
1 to 9
required
**
1 to 9
required
3
required

Covers major automotive body repair in vehicles with major damage on conventional structures and unibody structures. Student learns the operation of equipment and techniques used to straighten and align damaged frames. Identification and analysis of frames, hot and cold stress relieving, servicing and sectioning of structural frames is also included. Liability issues and the importance of making these corrections according to the manufacurer's recommendations and industry standards are emphasized. Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply.

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1031 and ACT 1032 with grades of "C" or better

3
required

Covers the removal and replacement of automotive glass using manufacturer's specifications, proper tools, and recommended materials. The course emphasizes the application of skills for the removal and replacement of modular and fixed glass using manufacturer's specifications and procedures. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

2
required
1
Note *ACT 1071 must be taken for one (1) credit.
Students must complete **ACT 1080 must be take for two (2) credits.
Total Credits for Major Requirements 48
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 63-64