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Auto Collision Repair

person working on car bodyAutomotive body technicians straighten bent frames, remove dents, replace parts, and repaint areas that cannot be fixed. You will learn to repair all types of vehicles and make insurance estimations. Body technicians also repair or replace the plastic body parts, replace broken, cracked, or pitted window glass, and finally re-paint the damaged areas. Salina Tech delivers the skills you need to be successful in collision repair and painting in just nine months. Students can go on to specialize in specific areas such as just windshield replacement, insurance estimation, fiberglass repair, or custom painting. Painters may also work in manufacturing settings painting machine or product parts. Excellent job opportunities are projected because of the large number of older technicians who are expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years.

Career Opportunities: Automotive Body and Paint Shops, Automotive Dealers, Paint and Supply Stores, Metal Shops, Paint Shops, Manufacturing Companies

Auto Collision Repair Certificate
First Semester Credits   Second Semester Credits
CR 100 Orientation 1   CR 122 Non-Structural II 4
CR 120 Non-Structural Repair I 4 CR 142 Structural Repair II 4
CR 140 Structural Repair I 4 CR 145 ASE Preparation 6
CR 150 Plastics & Adhesives 6 CR 162 Refinishing II 4
CR 160 Refinishing I 4 CR 290 Estimating/Damage/Analysis 3
CR 190 Estimating/Damage/Analysis I 2 TOTAL CREDITS: 21
TOTAL CREDITS: 21 TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS: 42

Associate of Applied Science Degree: 60 Credits. To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, select 15 credits from the General Education requirements found in the Degree and Certification Information section plus 3 technical electives from the following:  AUT 102, BUS 192, AUT 314 or AUT 222.

First Semester

CR 100 Orientation, 1 credit.
This course covers the introduction to the collision repair occupation.  Personal safety is emphasized by the student learning OSHA laws including the “Right to Know.”  Proper handling and disposal of wastes including those classified as hazardous are discussed.  Tool identification and safety along with basic out construction are also introduced.

CR 120 Non-Structural Repair I, 4 credits.
Upon the completion of this course students are able to use basic metal working skills to repair damaged panels back to their original shape. Body filler repair procedures along with the replacement and adjustment of moveable glass are also learned. The removal, replacement and adjustment of interior and exterior panels and basic welding are areas the student should master.

CR 140 Structural Repair I, 4 credits.
In this course the student will be able to identify structural panels of the vehicle and learn special procedures for their replacement or repair including restoring corrosion protection.  The replacement of stationary glass and applied welding is included in the course.

CR 150 Plastics and Adhesives, 6 credits.
Damage analysis and repair decisions on plastic interior and exterior components including repair techniques using adhesives and welding procedures are taught in this class.

CR 160 Refinishing I, 4 credits.
This course gives the student basic knowledge and skill in automotive refinishing. Basic procedures, safety, and product knowledge are emphasized. Proper surface preparation along with introduction to refinishing equipment is included. Paint code interpretation, tracking material cost and waste, and application procedures are also part of this course.

CR 190 Estimating/Damage/Analysis I, 2 credits.
This course emphasizes the importance of writing accurate estimates and analyzing collision damage in the collision industry. Estimates are generated by hand and/or computer. Hand written estimates use crash estimating guides while computer estimates use the appropriate software. Writing and reading repair orders is also included in this course.

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Second Semester

CR 122 Non-Structural Repair II, 4 credits.
CR 120 is a prerequisite for this course. This is an advanced course that takes the skills learned in CR 120 to the next level which is applying those skills in a non-mockup delivery. The student is exposed to limited customer work.

CR 142 Structural Repair II, 4 credits.
The prerequisite for this course is CR 140 Structural Repair. This course is an advanced course exposing the student to the next level which is the introduction to non-mockup vehicle repair.

CR 145 ASE Preparation, 6 credits.
This course will prepare students with the necessary information to begin and maintain a career in the collision industry.  It will also introduce the student to certifications available in the collision repair industry such as ASE and I-CAR.  Students will learn the trade associations and continuing learning opportunities in collision repair.

CR 162 Refinishing II, 4 credits.
The prerequisite to this course is CR160. This course is an advanced course introducing the students to refinishing using live customers work. Projects of live work expose the student to spot repairs and overall refinishing. Topcoat problems and defects are corrected which aids in the students problem solving ability. Color matching skills are developed by introducing color theory and tinting skills for solid and metallic color matching.

CR 290 Estimating/Damage/Analysis II, 2 credits.
This course helps the student to thoroughly analyze collision damage by the use of electronic and mechanical measuring equipment. Practice estimates are written on various shop projects. Live work is emphasized.

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