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The Auto Collision Technologies program prepares students with the training and knowledge for an entry-level position in the auto collision industry. During the first year of the program students are provided with hands-on training in collision repair. Those who continue to the second year of the program will also gain skills in vehicle repair and maintenance.
Virtual Paint System: Learn a variety of paint techniques, how to reduce costs and paint waste, and improve your efficiency on this state-of-the-art system.
Students will have the opportunity to gain industry certifications in various areas throughout this program including:
Many four-year colleges and universities accept a limited number of transfer and elective credits.
The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Auto Collision Technologies AAS degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.
This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.
Students must apply for and be awarded the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
As a 31 year veteran in the collision industry, I enjoy teaching and passing on my up-to-date knowledge. The collision field is always changing and you will have many opportunities to continue learning and to work on the most advanced vehicles.
Students learn and practice paint techniques with Virtual Paint helping them improve their paint skills faster and more efficiently than before. Check out the Virtual Paint video to learn more.
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This isn't the first time Brent Brooks will graduate from Hawkeye Community College. He earned his Automotive Technology degree in 2020, and came back for Auto Collision Technologies to be a more well-rounded mechanic like his father and his grandfather before him. "I didn’t learn as much as I could have from them, so taking these courses helped me feel more connected with them."
Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost
Students in the Collision Repair and Refinishing diploma program are required to purchase tools for use in program coursework.
First Year Required Tools List 2023–2024 [pdf]
Core courses meet for 4-week terms allowing you to focus on one core course and one general education course at a time.
See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.
Next step: Continue to terms 4 and 5 of the Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program or graduate and enter the workforce.
Many collision repair shops need employees who can also repair auto mechanics. The second year of the Auto Collision Technologies program will provide you with hands-on training in auto mechanics.
Students in the Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program are required to purchase tools for use in program coursework.
Second Year Required Tools List 2023–2024 [pdf]
You have completed the Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program. Graduates can earn a second AAS degree with two terms of additional study in the Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program.
Graduates find work in collision repair centers and auto body shops doing vehicle restoration, collision repair and refinishing, body repair, and automotive customization. Positions include but are not limited to:
With additional coursework and experience, graduates have become:
Source: 2021 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
* Automotive Body and Related Repairers wages are based on an hourly wage. Most shops pay on commission base. When working on commission, technicians may be compensated on a per job basis and earn $75,000 – $120,000 per year.
The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
You can check the status of your application by logging into your Admissions Account.
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Collision Repair & Refinishing Projects
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