Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician Technical Diploma

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.

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• High school background in mathematics, science, and technology education.
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

Curriculum

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

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-804-134

Mathematical Reasoning

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-134 MATHEMATICAL REASONING ...This course provides an alternative pathway to earning credit for a college level liberal arts mathematics course. All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is not designed for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) students and/or others who require calculus. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 567; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-116

Intro to Collision Repair

3

10-405-116 INTRO TO COLLISION REPAIR ...this course introduces the learner to the collision repair industry. Topics discussed include professionalism, safety, industry terminology, and the use of basic hand and power tools and equipment. This course also allows the learner the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of sheet metal characteristics and straightening techniques. Competencies of this course will be delivered using NWTC props.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-118

Intro to Auto Refinishing

3

10-405-118 INTRO TO AUTO REFINISHING ...this course introduces the learner to automotive refinishing. Topics discussed include automotive paints, personal and shop safety, environmental regulations, refinishing equipment operation and maintenance, spray gun set-up and transfer efficiencies, and vehicle detailing. Competencies of this course will be delivered using NWTC props.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-102

Collision Repair Non Struct 1

2

10-405-102 COLLISION REPAIR NON STRUCTURAL 1 ...removal, replacement, and storage of interior and exterior trim, disarming/arming restraint systems, adjustment to movable glass, lamps, bumpers and movable tops, and wind noise/water leak diagnosis and repair. (Corequisite: 10-405-116 Intro to Collision Repair)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-103

Collision Repair Non Struct 2

2

10-405-103 COLLISION REPAIR NON STRUCTURAL 2 ...identifying different types of vehicle construction, nonstructural part identification, damage analysis and developing a repair plan, time management, and replacing and aligning bolted and moveable exterior panels utilizing the appropriate tools. (Corequisites: 10-405-116 Intro to Collision Repair; 10-405-102 Coll Repair Non Structural 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-119

Plastic & Composite Repair

2

10-405-119 PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIR ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of identifying types of plastic used on vehicles, making repair or replace decisions, and repair techniques using plastic welding equipment and adhesives.

View Course Outcomes

Semester Total

16

Second Semester

10-405-107

Coll Refinish Surface Prep

2

10-405-107 COLLISION REFINISHING SURFACE PREPARATIONS ...planning the refinishing process including substrate identification, paint and rust removal, panel cleaning, selecting proper sandpaper, sanding techniques, vehicle protection, masking techniques, selecting and applying the correct undercoats, and corrosion protection products and usage. (Prerequisite: 10-405-118 Intro to Auto Refinishing)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-412-153

Intro to Electrical Systems

1

10-412-153 INTRO TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ...focus on the theory of electricity. This will include studying Ohms, Kirchoff's, and Newton's Laws and how they apply to the circuits on various electrical systems on a vehicle. Students will apply these theories to troubleshoot simple circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-121

Collision Refinish Topcoat App

2

10-405-121 COLLISION REFINISH TOPCOAT APPLICATION ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of locating and mixing automotive color formulas, applying sealers, single-stage, and basecoat/clearcoat finishes, and optimizing transfer efficiency. (Prerequisite: 10-405-118, Intro to Auto Refinishing; Corequisite: 10-405-107, Collision Refinish Surface Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-123

Advanced Refinishing

2

10-405-123 ADVANCED REFINISHING ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of blending adjacent vehicle panels, blending methods for single stages and clearcoats, application and blending of automotive multi-stage finishes, refinishing defect identification, diagnosis, and repair. (Prerequisite: 10-405-118 Intro to Auto Refinishing; Corequisite: 10-405-107, Collision Refinish Surface Prep; 10-405-121, Collision Refinish Topcoat Application)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-125

Intro to Collision Repair Appl

2

10-405-125 INTRO TO COLLISION REPAIR APPLICATIONS ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained in all prior courses on "live" vehicle repair. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle protection, use of available repair information, organization during the repair process, and completing repairs to industry standard. (Prerequisite: 10-405-103, Collision Repair Non-structural 2; Corequisites: 10-405-119, Plastic & Composite Repair; 10-405-107, Collision Refinish Surface Prep; 10-405-121, Collision Refinish Topcoat Applications; 10-405-106, Collision Repair Welding)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-412-170

Transportation Welding 1

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-412-170 WELDING TRANSPORTATION 1 ...focuses on welding and cutting safety; develops skills in welding and cutting of metals used in the transportation trades. Methods of welding include gas metal arc welding (MIG) in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Methods of cutting include oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting of metals. Students will learn to set up and maintain welding equipment and weld and cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials commonly used in the transportation trades.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-412-171

Transportation Welding 2

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-412-171 TRANSPORTATION WELDING 2 ...This course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process, and understanding of GMAW (MIG) welding equipment set-up, use, and maintenance and GMAW (MIG) welding on various thicknesses of steel in the flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead position. (Corequisite: 10-412-170, Transportation Welding 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-144

Collision Repair Welding

2

10-405-144 COLLISION REPAIR WELDING ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of GMAW (MIG) welding steel for industry certification, GMAW (MIG) brazing, GMAW (MIG) welding aluminum, and squeeze type resistance spot welding (STRSW). (corequisite: 10-412-171 Transportation Welding 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

Semester Total

13

Third Semester

10-405-137

Collision Related Elect/SRS

2

10-405-137 COLLISION RELATED ELECTRICAL/SRS ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop skills in electrical troubleshooting for vehicle systems related to collision repair; restraint and supplemental restraint systems operations, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair; collision-avoidance system operation, repair, and recalibration; and hybrid/electric vehicle safety. (Prerequisite: 10-412-153 Intro to Electrical Systems)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-114

Collision Repair Estimating

1

10-405-114 COLLISION REPAIR ESTIMATING ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop skills in auto body construction, model identification, damage analysis, parts sources, handwritten damage reports, and computerized damage reports.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-129

Refinishing Tinting & Blending

3

10-405-129 REFINISHING TINTING & BLENDING ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of advanced spray gun set-up considerations & techniques and using blending additives. Also included is an in-depth study of color theory, color movement, color evaluation, and color adjustment tools and techniques. Competencies of this course will be delivered through use of NWTC owned props, vehicles, and customer vehicles. (Prerequisite: 10-405-125 Intro to Collision Repair Applications)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-127

Collision Repair Application 1

3

10-405-127 COLLISION REPAIR APPLICATIONS 1 ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of performing light-level collision repairs on customer vehicles from start to finish. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle protection, use of available repair information, organization during the repair process, and completing repairs to industry standard. (Prerequisite: 10-405-125 Intro to Collision Repair Applications)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

10-405-136

Collision Repair Application 2

3

10-405-136 COLLISION REPAIR APPLICATIONS 2 ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of performing light to mid-level collision repairs on customer vehicles from start to finish. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle protection, use of available repair information, organization during the repair process, and completing repairs to industry standard. Learners will also be introduced to adhesive bonding techniques and aluminum exterior panel repair. (Corequisites: 10-405-127, Collision Repair Applications 1; 10-405-129, Refinishing Tinting & Blending)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

View Course Outcomes

Semester Total

12

Fourth Semester

10-405-138

Collision Repair Application 3

3

10-405-138 COLLISION REPAIR APPLICATIONS 3 ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of performing light and mid-level collision repairs on customer vehicles from start to finish. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle protection, use of available repair information, organization during the repair process, and completing repairs to industry standard. Learners will also assist customers with vehicle estimates, scheduling repairs, and parts ordering. (Prerequisite: 10-405-136, Collision Repair Applications 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-139

Collision Repair Application 4

3

10-405-139 COLLISION REPAIR APPLICATIONS 4 ...this course provides the learner the opportunity to strengthen the skills and knowledge of performing light and mid-level collision repairs on customer vehicles from start to finish. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle protection, use of available repair information, organization during the repair process, and completing repairs to industry standard along with completing repairs in the allotted time given per estimate. Learners will also assist customers with vehicle estimates, scheduling repairs, and parts ordering. (Corequisite: 10-405-138, Collision Repair Applications 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-141

Intro to Structural Repairs

2

10-405-141 INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL REPAIRS ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of damage analysis of automotive structural components; tools and pulling equipment for structural straightening; replacing and sectioning unibody structural components; and replacing and sectioning full-frame structural components. (Corequisite: 10-405-139, Collision Repair Applications 4)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-140

Collision Related Mechanic Sys

2

10-405-140 COLLISION RELATED MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of identifying, inspecting, and repairing or replacing both heating and cooling system components; evacuate, recharge, replace and recycle coolants and refrigerants in accordance with EPA regulations; identifying, inspecting, and repairing or replacing steering and suspension components related to collision repairs; and identifying, inspecting, and repairing or replacing brake system and fuel system components related to collision repairs. (Prerequisite: 10-405-137 Collision Related Electrical/SRS)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

10-405-142

Intro to Restore & Metal Fab

2

10-405-142 INTRODUCTION TO RESTORATION & METAL FABRICATION ...this course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills and to restore late model vehicles. Emphasis will be placed on tear down of the vehicle, assessment of the parts, and organizing of the project. Learners will have the opportunity to fabricate damaged or missing body panels or parts. Competencies of this course will be delivered using NWTC props.

Course Typically Offered: Spring

View Course Outcomes

Semester Total

12

Total Credits

53

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 systems.
• Diagnose and repair damaged body-related mechanical systems.

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.

Associations

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association | Bay Auto Body Association | National Auto Body Congress | Collision Repair Instructors Network

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. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.