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Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Associate Degree

award
AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree
type of award
2 Years
total Credits
92
Financial Aid Available
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Overview

Fuel your passion for cars with an Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Degree

Turn your passion for vehicles into a rewarding career with Clackamas Community College's Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program. This comprehensive program equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the high-growth field of auto body repair.

Learn these essential skills and advanced techniques to restore vehicles to their pre-collision condition:

  • Collision repair: Master techniques in repairing or replacing parts, straightening car structures and installing various components.
  • Refinishing: Learn to prepare surfaces, mix and apply paint products, and achieve a flawless finish that meets industry standards.
  • Essential skills: Develop expertise in welding, metal work, using fillers, plastic repair, surface preparation and more.
  • Advanced techniques: Gain proficiency in paint selection, color matching, application methods, detailing and troubleshooting common problems.

This program qualifies you for:

  • I-CAR Nonstructural Technician Pro-level I Certification
  • I-CAR Refinish Technician Pro-level I Certification

Launch your dream career in auto body repair. Contact Clackamas Community College today!

For detailed description and outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.
Classes

Required classes for the Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Associate Degree

Job Outlook

Accelerate into a rewarding career in the automotive industry 

 

Our auto body/collision repair and refinishing program equips you with the skills and knowledge employers are actively seeking. With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, qualified technicians are in high demand. This translates to stable job security and the potential for competitive salaries. Launch your career in a field that offers both security and the chance to earn a great living.

 

Professional certification 

The Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Degree qualifies you to apply for I-CAR Pro-level 1 certification. 

For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.
Skills

Gear up for success by gaining essential auto body repair and refinishing skills 

Clackamas Community College's Auto Body/Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program equips you with the skills and knowledge that employers seek in the auto body repair industry. Upon successful completion, you'll be proficient in:

  • Metal straightening and plastic repair: Master the selection of tools and materials for straightening metal and repairing damaged plastic components.
  • Surface preparation and refinishing: Learn industry-standard techniques for prepping surfaces, selecting and applying refinishing materials, blocking, sanding and achieving a flawless, showroom-quality finish.
  • Collision repair techniques: Develop expertise in repairing sheet metal damage, replacing panels, identifying structural issues and formulating effective repair plans.
  • Blending and refinishing: Gain proficiency in performing high-quality spot repairs and color-matched blends using the latest industry practices and materials.
  • Frame and unibody repair: Master the skills needed for major body repairs, including frame straightening and unibody construction techniques.
  • Electronic measuring systems: Learn to use advanced electronic measuring systems to ensure precise repairs on full-frame and unibody vehicles.
  • Comprehensive repair planning: Develop the ability to plan and execute industry-standard repairs for all types of vehicle damage, including structural, nonstructural, cosmetic and mechanical issues.
  • High-end automotive finishes: Hone your skills in applying top-of-the-line automotive finishes to a wide range of car surfaces.
  • Welding expertise: Learn to perform a variety of welding processes for repairing steel and aluminum vehicles, adhering to I-CAR industry guidelines.
  • Collision repair estimating: Gain competency in collision repair estimating by mastering industry-leading software like Mitchell's Guides, Audatex and CCC One.

By acquiring these in-demand skills, you'll be well-positioned to launch a rewarding career in the growing auto body repair field.

For more information on expected outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.
Cost

Investing in your future

Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below. 

This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply. 

You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.

Get help paying for college

Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.  

 

Your path to I-CAR certification and career opportunities

In CCC's auto body/collision repair and refinishing technology programs you will learn how to repair and refinish cars under real-world working conditions in a well-equipped modern shop facility. Through engaging, hands-on instruction, you can earn I-CAR Pro-level 1 nonstructural or refinish technician certifications. You will have the opportunity to experience some of the best facilities in the Pacific Northwest, with state-of-the-art machinery, robotics, tools and more.

Earn a certificate on the way to your degree

Many degree programs at CCC offer opportunities to earn professional certificates along the way. These certificates can give your resume a boost and qualify you for jobs, even before you graduate. Every step you take gets you closer to your dreams. Even if you decide to change direction later, you will have a solid foundation to build on to keep moving forward.

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