About Collision Repair Technology

The work of the collision repair technician consists of those jobs that require knowledge of automotive construction and a relatively high degree of manual dexterity. Collision repair technicians fix vehicle bodies when they have been damaged. Paint and body work is a skilled art. Surface preparation is the most important step of any body repair project. Body filler, sanding, priming, cleaning, and more help create the perfect surface for paint. 

Students enrolled in this program will become skilled in frame alignment, dent removal, replacing damaged parts, color matching, painting, and principles of custom painting. Students will receive instruction in solvent-based paints and in the implementation of green technology with water-borne paints.

Our program will teach you how to diagnose body damage, prescribe a plan for correcting that damage and then restore the vehicle to meet industry standards.

While collision repair is the main focus of this program, computer technology also plays an important role. In the shop, you'll use software that estimates collision damage, matches paint colors for mixing and helps you manage inventory. You may gain in-depth instruction in this software during your collision repair program, but having sufficient computer proficiency beforehand can allow you to gain a better grasp of this complex technology during the learning process. You may benefit from taking a fundamental computer operation course early on in your education.

Employers usually favor technicians who've completed a postsecondary program. In fact, employers often send their own technicians back to school to advance their educations.

The Collision Repair Technology program currently holds certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) in painting and refinishing.

Each student will be required to furnish their own tools as approved by the instructor.