Automotive Collision Technology
The Automotive Collision Technology program at State Tech prepares students to restore vehicles to their original strength, performance, and appearance by combining craftsmanship, precision, and cutting-edge technology. Through extensive hands-on training, students learn vehicle structure repair, welding, refinishing, and damage estimation while working with the same advanced tools and materials used in today’s collision repair industry.
Students gain experience with the latest automotive welding, sanding, painting, and refinishing technologies, including both solvent-born and water-born paint systems. The program also integrates manufacturer procedures to ensure students understand how to meet OEM standards for safety and quality.
During the program, students have the opportunity to earn I-CAR Pro-Level 1 & 2 certifications in Non-Structural, Structural, and Refinishing, as well as I-CAR MIG Steel Welding credentials, industry-recognized certifications that make graduates highly employable.
With growing demand for skilled collision repair professionals, graduates are prepared for roles such as Structural Technician, Detail Technician, Sheet Metal Technician, Automotive Painter, and Estimator in auto body shops, dealerships, and insurance companies.
At State Tech, you don’t just fix cars, you bring them back to life.
Program Facts
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Why Study Automotive Collision at State Tech
Job Demand
The auto collision repair industry faces a nationwide shortage of skilled technicians as vehicles become more advanced with complex materials, sensors, and safety systems. Insurance companies, dealerships, and independent repair shops are actively seeking graduates who can restore vehicles to factory standards while meeting the high demand for accident repairs. With millions of vehicles on the road and an ever-growing need for qualified professionals, Auto Collision Technology graduates from State Tech enter a career field that offers excellent pay, job security, and opportunities for advancement.
Hands-on Education
Knowledge and skills necessary to repair, replace, and estimate structural and non-structural damages and apply needed processes. Electrical knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain safety devices related to automotive industry. Critical thinking skills.
Graduate Job-Ready
The Automotive Collision Technology program of State Technical College of Missouri prepares students to pursue opportunities in many related careers including auto body repair, automotive painting, and collision damage estimating. The Automotive Collision Technology program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
What You'll Learn
Students benefit from intensive hands-on experience repairing a variety of damaged vehicles in a well-equipped auto collision repair shop using an extensive inventory of power tools and accessories such as:
- Aluminum Repair Station and Equipment
- Pro Spot Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welder
- MIG/MAG Welders
- Pulsed Spray Arc Aluminum Welders
- Pulsed Spray Arc Silicon Bronze Welders
- Car-O-Liner Computerized Measuring System
- Chief Velocity Computerized Measuring System
- Chief Impulse E/VHT Frame Rack
- Car-O-Liner Bench Frame Rack
- USI ITALIA Paint Booths
- Solvent Paint Mixing System
- Waterborne Paint Mixing System
- DeVilbiss and Anest Iwata Paint Spraying Equipment
- During the Automotive Collision Technology program, students have the opportunity to earn I-CAR Pro-Level 1 & 2 Non-structural Technician, Pro-Level 1 & 2 Refinishing Technician, Pro-Level 1 Structural Technician, and I-CAR MIG Steel Welding certifications.
Alumni Success Stories
Program Details
Highlights
- This hands-on curriculum will equip you with the skills needed to restore damaged vehicles to their original structural integrity, function, and appearance.
- Repairs are performed using the vehicle manufacturers’ procedures, the latest in welding technology, sanders, buffers, top-of-the-line spray equipment, and 3D measuring frame alignment systems.
Interesting Courses
During the Automotive Collision Technology program, students have the opportunity to earn I-CAR Pro-Level 1 & 2 Non-structural Technician, Pro-Level 1 & 2 Refinishing Technician, Pro-Level 1 Structural Technician, and I-CAR MIG Steel Welding certifications.
Courses in electronic safety systems, repair blueprinting, and shop management ensure that graduates can advance and specialize in the field.
Concentrations
Students may complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or choose to pursue a one-year technical certificate in the area of Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair. Upon successful completion of the One-Year Certificate in Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair, students may choose to pursue an additional One-Year Certificate in Structural & Mechanical Repair. Students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology may pursue a second Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Collision Technology.
Career Possibilities
- Structural Technician
- Detail Technician
- Sheet Metal Technician
- Estimator
Truly hands-on education
We believe time-on-task has to be part of your education. That means time spent learning from experienced instructors in real-world environments and real-world situations. That’s why the State Tech campus is home to more than 50 labs, an automotive bay, aviation hangar, and 40+ acres of land dedicated to our heavy equipment operations program.
Meet the Faculty & Staff
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