Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing

The Program

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing technicians repair damaged vehicle bodies and body parts from complete body off-frame repair to the smallest door dent in the body and then refinish the color to make it look new again.

We examine vehicles to determine type and extent of the damage by analyzing the best way to repair the damage. We teach the removal of all types of interior and exterior trim so we may either repair or replace any panel on the vehicle, as well as grills, bumpers, both steel and soft cover. We remove and replace all types of weld-on panels and bolt-on panels, repair breaks in metal using primarily M.I.G. welding with oxyacetylene for cutting, heating, etc. We straighten frames and align bodies for proper fit of connecting panels with hydraulic jack and frame machines, both portable and dedicated machines on racks for complete accuracy and safety. We teach both metal finishing and the use of body fillers, air and electric power sanders. We teach corrosion control and prevention in all collision and refinishing.

Refinishing starts by feather-edging of paint and then priming with a good corrosion and rust inhibiting material; filling of micro low areas; blocking, masking, sealing and then top-coating with a quality, single-stage or using a two-stage base coat paint followed by a high gloss clear coat. The ultimate finish is a tri-coat, pearl type paint that is very popular in this day of high-tech products. We also repair and refinish by blending paints of all colors. We mix our own paint.

Helpful High School Courses

Automotive Body Repair, Body Refinishing, Basic Mathematics, Automobile Mechanics, Machine Shop, Sheet Metal, Welding

Course Sequence

Program begins in August and January
Program length is 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 semesters
Admits 18 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week
Summer Session - none

View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List

Certificates and Degrees

Technical Certificate Automotive Collision Repair Automotive Refinishing
Advanced Technical Certificate Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
Associate of Applied Science degree Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing

Program Requirements

Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores

Admission Steps

Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
Either:
1. Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
2. Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.

Fees

Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.

Paying for College

You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.

Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU

Employment Opportunities

93% of 2007 graduates were employed in related jobs.

Auto body repair shops
Motor vehicle manufacturers
Motor vehicle dealers
Ship and boat manufacturers and repairers
Idaho median income is $30,705 in this field*
About 1,020 auto repairers and refinishers work in this occupation in Idaho*

* Idaho Career Information Systems data