Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician - Technical Diploma
The high-tech vehicles on today's roadways call for highly-skilled vehicle repair and refinish technicians. The Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician technical diploma program prepares students to repair and refinish damaged bodies and parts of automobiles and light trucks. Emphasis is on technical training for repairing and replacing vehicle panels and automotive glass; analyzing and straightening frame and unibody damage; welding, diagnosing electronics; repairing plastics and composite materials; and refinishing. Typical careers include auto collision repair technician, auto collision refinishing technician, frame and alignment technician, unibody repair specialist, and trim and glass installer. This program is ASE Certified to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Standards.
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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Follow Your Path
Some credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):
Students completing this technical diploma may also earn the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology associate degree (104051) after completing four additional courses.
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- 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?
Graduate Employment
with 100% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Auto Collision Repair Technician: Repairs damaged bodies of cars and light trucks; removes damaged panels and welds in new ones; removes and replaces accessories, glass, electrical parts, and interior trim; repairs or replaces plastic or composite parts; and straightens dents in sheet metal panels to restore the vehicle to pre-accident condition.
- Auto Collision Refinishing Technician: Completes the refinishing phase of all repairs on cars, trucks, and fleet vehicles; does all stages of priming, sanding and sealing prior to the paint application; determines the type and color of paint to do the refinishing; is familiar with mixing, tinting, and shading; as well as the application of color for matching; and buffs, polishes, stripes, and details vehicle to complete the repair job.
- Structural Repair Technician: Repairs unitized and full-frame vehicles by analyzing, measuring, and pulling the structure to the proper dimensions and replaces structural parts that are not repairable using proper structural part replacement techniques to return the vehicle to factory specifications.
- Collision Mechanical Technician: Removes, re-installs, repairs and replaces heating and cooling brake, fuel, drivetrain, and steering and suspension components relative to collision damage; diagnose and correct vehicle wheel alignment.
- Trim and Glass Installer: Removes, replaces, or repairs all types of glass or glass-related problems on vehicles.
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
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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.