Auto Collision Repair Technology Curriculum and Course Descriptions

This curriculum helps the student understand how the automobile is built and what tools and equipment are needed to repair it.   The program provides experience working on wrecked or damaged vehicles, providing situations found in a typical collision repair shop for hands-on experience.  The student learns various techniques used to restore a damaged vehicle to its pre-accident condition.  This training provides the competence needed to become a technician in the field.

Recommended Courses
(Secondary and Postsecondary Programs)

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 18 semester hours.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

ACRT-107.  Shop Math and Communications I.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course teaches the skills necessary to measure and mix paint, and to estimate basic shop materials costs. 

ACRT-112.  Non-Structural Repair I.  7 Hours (200 Contact Hours).  The student will learn the rules regarding general shop safety, major structural construction of an automobile, use of body shop hand tools, as well as safe use and maintenance of air and fluid equipment and accessories. 

ACRT-117.  Collision Orientation and Safety.  3 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  This course covers the rules regarding safety in the use of hand and power tools. 

ACRT-122.  Structural Repair I.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  Instruction is provided in structural analysis and damage repair and the diagnosis of a damaged automobile involving the correction of a bent body or frame, and the twisting, deflection and replacement of welded panels that are severely damaged. 

ACRT-128.  Raising and Supporting Vehicles.  1 Hour (40 Contact Hours).  This course provides instruction that will enable the student to identify and correct various types of damage occurring in a variety of suspension frame and unitized body construction. 

ACRT-201.  Refinishing I.  5 Hours (150 Contact Hours).  This is an introductory level course for painting and refinishing.  Students will study the various types of refinishes and body finishes, use of equipment and accessories with the final goal of being able to complete a minor refinish project. 

ACRT-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours (0-195 Contact Hours).  Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience.  Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career.  Class attendance is also required. 

ACRT-212.  Mechanical/Electrical Repair.  4 Hours (120 Contact Hours).  This course provides instruction in determining and performing correct repair procedures for electrical and mechanical components of an automobile and performing mathematical calculations that are embedded in the occupation. 

ACRT-217.  Shop Math and Communications II.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course introduces the student to the math involved in estimating damage and use of collision repair manuals, as well as that math used for collision repair shop operations.

ACRT-221.  Refinishing II.  6 Hours (150 Contact Hours).  This course offers training in the adjustment and tinting of paint for color matching, advanced spraying techniques of color coat and clear coat paints, and instruction in paint scheme layouts for the customer who wants that personalized look. 

ACRT-222.  Structural Repair II.  6 Hours (175 Contact Hours).  This course introduces the auto body shop technician to the processes involved in evaluating auto body damage and preparing accurate estimates.  Students will also experience daily opportunities for shop management including control of materials, parts, equipment and general housekeeping of the auto body shop. 

ACRT-230.  Non-Structural Repair II.  7 Hours (190 Contact Hours).  This course is a continuation of Non-Structural Repair I.  The student will learn to identify major structural construction and review non-structural straightening techniques.  Removing and replacing structural and non-structural body panels will also be covered. 

ACRT-240.  Estimating/Damage Analysis.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course covers basic estimating and damage analysis. Students will study the types of estimating: hand written and computer generated. Students will be shown how to use the collision repair manuals to write a damage report and use computer estimating software programs to generate estimates. 

ACRT-247.  Shop Math and Communications III.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on the required math skills for measuring and mixing paint, frame straightening, insurance damage estimating, custom applications, and business operations of a live collision repair center. 

ACRT-260.  Front End Repair (Advanced Applications).  3 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on the analysis, repair, and preparation of front end body components of an automobile.  The course includes front end alignment, frame straightening, and repair of front end body components on live work. 

ACRT-263.  Side Repair (Advanced Applications).  3 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on the analysis, repair, and preparation of side body components of an automobile.  The course includes frame straightening, and repair of fenders, doors, and other side body components on live work. 

ACRT-265.  Rear End Repair (Advanced Applications).  3 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on the analysis, repair, and refinishing of rear end body components of an automobile.  The course includes alignment, frame straightening, and repair of rear end body components on live work. 

ACRT-267.  Surface Preparation (Advanced Applications).  3 Hours (80 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on all areas of preparing and refinishing auto body components.  Projects of live work expose the student to spot repairs, surface preparation, topcoat color sanding and buffing, and overall refinishing techniques.  Topcoat problems and defects are corrected which aids in the student's problem-solving ability. 

ACRT-270.  Custom Overall (Advanced Applications).  3 Hours (80 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on custom applications and painting of an automobile.  The course includes refinishing, layout, and painting aspects to customize body components on live work. 

ACRT-273.  Air Brushing (Advanced Applications).  2 Hours (60 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course focused on air brushing techniques and applications.  The course includes surface preparation, design, design layout, and final painting applications of designs on an automobile.  

ACRT-275.  Additives (Advanced Applications).  1 Hour (40 Contact Hours).  This is an advanced course designed to examine and practice the use of additives in automotive paint.  Students will practice various painting techniques to learn the desired outcome from the paint additives.  The course includes surface preparation and final painting applications of paint additives. 

CONT-100.  Automotive Collision Repair Applications.  Up to 4 Hours (0-196 Contact Hours).  This course is designed to provide practical hands-on applications of the Auto Collision Repair industry, and provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills in the field.  This is a short course focused on current automotive collision repair techniques and applications.