Automotive Collision Repair

Automotive Collision Repair

Be Industry-Ready Fast!

The Automotive Collision Repair is a one-year diploma program that teaches students:

  • The theory and practices of metal forming and shaping
  • Body fillers, frame straightening and repair
  • Uni-body straightening and repairs
  • Refinishing procedures
  • Paints and paint chemistry
  • Equipment use and care

Cost estimating and customer relations skills are also emphasized. A majority of class time is devoted to practical laboratory experience in the college’s Auto Collision Repair Center.

Apply Now Program Details

Graduates of the Automotive Collision Repair program will be able to:

  • Perform related math skills for various shop activities.
  • Demonstrate proper hand and power tool use, equipment maintenance and repair.
  • Demonstrate proper shop personal safety skills.
  • Analyze vehicle information and document damage, including mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic repairs.
  • Accurately measure vehicle structure, repair, and replace body panels.
  • Refinish new and repaired body panels.
  • Perform automotive welding processes to industry I-CAR steel welding qualification standards.

Kirkwood is an affordable option, offering more than $3 million in scholarships each year. Apply for scholarships now!

Completion of a program conference is required to be admitted to the program. You’ll learn more about the program as well as specific admissions requirements.

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Program Costs

Automotive Collision Repair

School Year: 2024–25

Program Entry Semester: Fall

Fall Spring Summer Total
Credit Hours per Semester 17 17 10 44
In-State Tuition $3,689 $3,689 $2,170 $9,548
Technology Fee per Semester $50 $50 $50 $150
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) $0 $0 $0 $0
Conferences/Seminars $0 $0 $0 $0
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) $49.49 $89.95 $0 $139.44
Course/Section Fees $335 $195 $90 $620
Laptop (required devices) $1,250 $0 $0 $1,250
Testing Fees $0 $0 $0 $0
Third Party Credentials $314 $0 $200 $514
Tool Sets $5,968 $0 $0 $5,968
Uniforms $60 $0 $0 $60
Other $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Estimated Cost $11,715.49 $4,023.95 $2,510 $18,249.44

 

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).

Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.


Program Requirements

To get into the Automotive Collision Repair program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:

Tool Requirements

Students in the Auto Collision Repair program are required to have a tool set for lab activities. Instructors provide students with a list of minimum requirements. The cost of tools and tool box is approximately $5,800 and payment plans can be arranged directly with the financial aid office.

Additional Information

Through this program, you will also complete The National Career Readiness Certificate, which demonstrates to employers career readiness. This certificate will increase your value and earning potential in the workforce.

 

Automotive Collision Repair and Restoration - Diploma*

 

*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.

Students pursuing the Automotive Collision Repair and Restoration Diploma are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally. 

SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.

Classes for this program include:

  • Intro to Metalworking and Refinishing
  • Metalworking and Refinishing Practices
  • Metalworking and Refinishing
  • Industrial Math
  • Auto Collision Welding
  • Basic Automotive Electricity
  • Metalworking
  • Body Straightening and Painting
  • Workplace Communications

Our experienced instructors continually update their knowledge on current trends and procedures by attending additional I-CAR training, clinics, seminars and trade shows. The faculty utilizes the most current I-CAR Professional Development Program curriculum.

Read more program information and full Plan of Study.

Career opportunities for students that complete the Auto Collision Repair program include:

  • Body shop technician
  • Auto garage or repair service technician
  • Auto/truck dealership technician
  • Tool sales company representative
  • Equipment/material sales representative
  • Insurance claims adjuster

Explore Careers

The Kirkwood Auto Collision Repair program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform entry level collision repair services at acceptable industry standards.


More Questions?

Connect With Us


Industrial Technologies
101 Jones Hall
319-398-4983
indtech@kirkwood.edu