Collision Repair Technology
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Students receive thorough and up-to-date instruction in the practices and procedures used in repairing and refinishing vehicles. Beginning with auto construction, the program progresses through repair techniques for all body parts. Major emphasis is hands-on activities essential to the development of knowledge and skills required to become a successful technician.
Automotive body repair technicians straighten bent frames, remove dents, replace parts crumpled beyond repair, paint and refinish the car body as well as the interior and exterior parts attached to it. Diagnosing damages and estimating the cost of repairs is also stressed. Students completing this program are qualified to take National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests. The program is full-time. No evening classes are available on main campus
Employment Stats
- Program Length 1 year (Diploma)
- Job Placement 90%
- Average Earnings $46,707 / yr
- Cost $7,329
About Program
Accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
The Collision Repair program focuses on repairing and replacing damaged non-structural components, structural items, mechanical and electrical parts and refinishing, and touch-up to overall refinishing. Additional instruction includes diagnosing and estimating repair costs.
The collision repair program provides students an opportunity to develop the necessary skills required for gainful employment in the collision repair field. During the program, students will perform and demonstrate their skills on projects involving metal, plastics, paints, equipment and safety procedures. These skills include metal reshaping, fabrication, surface spraying color matching, welding, correcting vehicle dimensions, removing and replacing mechanical and electrical components, heating and air conditioning operations and wheel alignment using live projects and demonstration panels.
Job Expectations
Technicians will sometimes be required to work in awkward and cramped positions. Hazards technicians will be exposed to burns, muscle strains, toxic chemical, and other injuries from handling heavy parts.
Expected Earnings
- All compensation data shown are the gross, national median (50th percentile). Pay can vary greatly by location.
- Automotive Body Repairer $16.11
- Painter Automotive $15.75
- Automobile Body Refinisher $14.47
- Estimator, Automobile Damage $16.57
- Repairer Auto body $15.51
- Administrative/Office Manager $15.42
- Automotive Service Technician / Mechanic $14.13
Course Schedule
Students may enroll during the fall, spring or summer term provided space is available. Students who are eligible to enroll will be given an opportunity to register for one of the open seats during the enrollment period for each term.
- Full-time day classes
- Enrollment is limited to 30 students in each class
| Semester | Day Class | Evening Class | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (450 hours) | 7:45am – 2:30pm | Not Available | Monday - Friday |
| Spring (450 hours) | 7:45am – 2:30pm | Not Available | Monday - Friday |
| Summer (390 hours) | 7:45am – 2:45pm | Not Available | Monday - Friday |
Tools
1- DA Sander MIrka MPR-680CV PROS 6 inch “SPEC SANDER FOR CLASS “
1-Mini Air File MIrka MR-38CV-in line sander “SPEC SANDER FOR CLASS”
1- Hammer and dolly set
1- Sanding Block Kit 6 Blocks “Hookit”
8- Couplers ¼” M style male and 2 female
1-Paint gun 1.8 needle for applying primer & regulator with Gauge
1- Premium paint gun 1.4 head for applying Base & Clear
1- Full Face OSHA Respirator
1- Socket set with ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” drives (standard and metric)
1- Torx bit set 10 thru 55
1- Angle die grinder high RPM ¼ Collet
1- Combination wrench set Standard 3/8 to 1 1/16
1- Combination wrench set Metric 7mm to 19mm
1- ¼ drive air/electric ratchet
1- 3/8 drive air/electric ratchet
1- ½ Impact
1- 3/8 Air Drill
1- Large hammer
1- Welding helmet
1- Welding gloves
1- Safety glasses with side shields (No Tint)1- Air Blower
1- Trim panel remover & wiper arm removal kit
1- Screwdriver Set
1- Pliers Set
1- Locking vice grip set
1- Tool Box or Tool Cart
5-Uniform Shirts- Light Blue
Total: $3,000
Cost
| *Fall 450 hours | $1,383 |
|---|---|
| Spring 450 hours | $1,383 |
| Summer 390 hours | $1,383 |
| Tools (estimate) | $3,000.00 (avg.) |
| Books (estimate) | $180.00 |
TCAT Special Fees
Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
- Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00. Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)
Books
The cost of textbooks for the Collision Repair program is approximately $450
-
Book- Auto Body Technology 7th Edition Duffy ISBN 978-0-357-139790 ($180.00)
-
Math for Automotive Trade, Author: Peterson ISBN: 1-111-31823-9 Delmar publishing (included)
Curriculum
Fall Semester
- Safety precautions
- Preparation
- Outer body panel repairs, replacements, and adjustments
- Metal finishing and body filling
- Moveable glass and hardware
- Metal welding and cutting
- Plastics and adhesives
Spring Semester
- Safety
- Structural Subjects:
- Frame Inspection and Repair
- Unibody Inspection, Measurement, and Repair
- Fixed Glass
- Mechanical and Electrical Subjects:
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Cooling Systems
- Drive Train
- Restraint Systems
- A. Active Restraint Systems
- B. Passive Restraint Systems C. Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Summer Semester
- Safety precautions
- Surface preparations
- Spray gun and related equipment operation
- Paint mixing, matching and applying
- Paint defects – causes and cures
- Final detail