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Auto Collision Technologies

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Program Overview

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.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • 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.

  • Collision Lab and Paint Booths: Use the tools and equipment of the industry to work on a variety of different vehicle makes and models and learn to adapt to the industry's changing technology. Gain real-world experience working on customer vehicles.

Certifications

Students will have the opportunity to gain industry certifications in various areas throughout this program including:

  • I-Car Platinum Non-Structural Technician ProLevel 1
  • I-Car Platinum Refinish Technician ProLevel 1
  • I-CAR Welding Certification
  • Air Conditioning, Painter

Transfer Information

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.

At A Glance
Awards
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Diploma
Length of Study 1 – 2 years
Tuition-Free Eligible

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Faculty Spotlight

Terry Van Dyke

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.

Video Overview

Collision Repair and Refinishing — Virtual Paint

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.

See More Video

Graduate Spotlight
Leam Wagenknecht

Leam Wagenknecht joined the military at 17, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother.

"It was not necessarily something I wanted to create a tradition out of, but something that I felt like I wanted to experience and make sure I had under my belt," he said.

After leaving the service, he decided the time was right for college. The decision to enroll in Auto Collision Technologies was easy.

"My first video game was Need for Speed: Most Wanted," he said. "From that point on, it's just been nothing but cars since."

Though he's graduating with his diploma this month, his time at Hawkeye isn't over. He'll return this fall to complete his associate degree in Automotive Technology.

Graduate Spotlight
Mondo Stanberry

One year ago, Dunmondus "Mondo" Stanberry wasn't sure what he wanted for a career. Recently graduated from Waterloo East, he knew he wanted to go to college, but didn't want to be confined to a classroom. His affinity for cars drew him to the Auto Collision Technologies program. It was the right choice.

Now, he's ready to graduate with a job secured, and he’s looking to the future not just for himself, but his little sister, who is graduating from high school. In fact, family plays a big role in Mondo's drive for success, and they'll no doubt play a big role in celebrating his achievements.

"There's more than just me when I come to college," he said. "I'm doing it more than just for myself, you know? That's how I look at it sometimes. There's nothing like making your grandma proud. That's one of the best feelings."

Graduate Spotlight
Brent Brooks

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."

Program Pathways

Collision Repair and Refinishing Diploma

Program Details

Award Diploma
Credits 43
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 3
Time to Complete 1 year
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Collision Repair and Refinishing – Diploma
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Purchasing Tools

Students in the Collision Repair and Refinishing diploma program are required to purchase tools for use in program coursework.

First Year Required Tools List 2024–2025

Automotive Technology to Auto Collision Technologies program Required Tools List 2024–2025

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • Collision Lab I
  • Introduction to Collision Repair
  • Introduction to Refinishing I
  • Introduction to Refinishing II
Term 2
  • Advanced Collision Production Tech
  • Advanced Collision Repair
  • Advanced Refinishing
  • Advanced Refinishing II
  • Electronic Estimating
Term 3 — Summer
  • Collision Production Technician
  • Refinishing Production Technician

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.

Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

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.

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 84
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 5
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Auto Collision Technologies – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Purchasing Tools

Students in the Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program are required to purchase tools for use in program coursework.

First Year Required Tools List 2024–2025

Second Year Required Tools List 2024–2025

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • Collision Lab I
  • Introduction to Collision Repair
  • Introduction to Refinishing I
  • Introduction to Refinishing II
  • Written Communication in the Workplace
Term 2
  • Advanced Collision Production Tech
  • Advanced Collision Repair
  • Advanced Refinishing
  • Advanced Refinishing II
  • Electronic Estimating
Term 3 — Summer
  • Collision Production Technician
  • Refinishing Production Technician
Term 4
  • Auto Starting, Charging, and Electrical
  • Automotive Advanced Brake Systems
  • Automotive Brake Systems
  • Introduction to Automotive Technology
  • Introduction to Automotive Technology II
Term 5
  • Automotive Computerized Engine Controls
  • Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Automotive Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
  • Automotive Suspension and Steering
  • Human and Work Relations

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.

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.

Careers

Positions

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:

  • Auto body specialists and technicians
  • Auto refinisher
  • Auto frame/unibody technicians and specialists
  • Painters
  • Parts manager
  • Auto body product salespersons
  • Collision specialist
  • Estimator

With additional coursework and experience, graduates have become:

  • Body shop managers
  • Auto insurance adjusters
  • Auto appraisers

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Automotive Body and Related Repairers * $33,200 $48,900 $56,800
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $32,400 $42,700 $47,800
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $44,600 $48,200 $50,100

Source: 2022 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.

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Anderson Collision Center Cedar Falls, IA
Billion Auto Clive, IA
Clemons Chevrolet Marshalltown, IA
Deery Brothers Collision Center Cedar Falls, IA
Dunlap Motors Independence, IA
Iowa Auto Rebuilders Waterloo, IA
Rydell Chevrolet Waterloo, IA
Tophat Automotive Syndicate Evansdale, IA
Witham Auto Centers Waterloo, IA

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Natasha Ceaser Email Natasha Ceaser 319-296-4014 ext.1062 Bremer Hall 136C
Faculty Advisor
Terry Van Dyke Email Terry Van Dyke 319-296-2329 ext.1119 Butler Hall 107B

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