Automotive Collision Repair Technology, Certificate I

Overview

🚗 Automotive-Collision Technology
Autobody Technician
Certificate I – 42 Semester Credit Hours (Completed in Approximately 1.5 Years)

Program Overview

The Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program at Laredo College consists of 42 semester credit hours, including program prerequisites, and can be completed in 1.5 years (3 semesters). Upon successful completion, students are awarded a Certificate of Completion: Automotive Collision Repair Technician. The curriculum is designed to provide specialized training that prepares students to become reliable and efficient professionals in the field. The program is regularly updated to reflect current industry standards and the evolving skill sets required of today’s automotive collision repair technicians.
Program Mission
The mission of the Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program is to prepare individuals to become skilled and dependable automotive collision repair technicians, through specialized training, a commitment to educational excellence, and a focus on student success.
Why choose a career in Automotive Collision Repair?
Not many jobs come as flexible as Autobody. You can work where and when you want. You can work full-time or part-time. Many employers offer flexible schedules that allow you to work whatever time of day you want, in 4, 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts. You can work on weekdays or weekends or a combination. With over 100,000 vacant positions across the nation and an ever-growing need for Technicians, the career outlook is excellent for the Autobody field. There are many specialties available in a variety of settings and environments for Technicians to work.
Salary/Benefits
Starting salaries will range from 46,000 (bls.gov) and above depending on geographical area (location), number of hours/ weeks, shift differential, experience, and specialize area (such as Deal ships, Body Shop and many more). Many Shops will often offer sign-up bonuses.
Program Costs
The approximate cost of the one and half year program for tuition and fees is $6,000.00, not including books and other fees that will be required throughout the program. Please refer to the LC catalog for specifics. Students seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Center at either campus for more information.

Accreditation and Licensure


The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level certification tests are designed to indicate a satisfactory level of practical knowledge-based readiness for the workforce in candidates seeking a career in the automotive service industry. ASE Entry-Level certification tests are available for the Automobile, Collision Repair/Refinish and M/H Truck segments (series). ASE Entry-level certification is the first step in building career credentials as an automotive service professional.
The Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program is fully accredited by: ASE

ASE Education Foundation
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE
Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone
703.669.6650
703.669.6677
Email: info@ASEeducationFoundation.org

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
1801 N. Congress Ave. Suite 12.200 Austin, Texas 78701
PO Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711-2788
Main: 512-427-6101 || Fax: 512-427-6127
Student Loans: 800-242-3062
https://www.texas.gov/

Statistical Data (Licensure/Exam/Retention Rates)

Student Learning Outcomes (2024 Exit Survey Results):

• 96.4% of students felt confident in performing high-quality collision repairs using modern equipment and techniques.
  
• 100% of students reported being prepared to follow industry safety standards and environmental regulations.
  
• 96.4% of students felt prepared to assess vehicle damage and develop effective repair plans.
  100% of students felt confident in their ability to communicate professionally with customers and employers.
  
• 96.4% of students reported being ready to demonstrate technical knowledge in refinishing, structural repair, and non-structural analysis.
  
• 100% of students felt prepared to infer and prioritize the physiological, psychosocial, and developmental needs and preferences of culturally, ethically, and socially diverse patients and their families.
• 100% of students felt prepared to determine, assemble evidence and report actual and potential unsafe practices to promote safety in the individual and family environment by following professional standards of nursing practice.
  

Marketable Skills
In addition to acquiring the knowledge and skills required to become an Autobody Technician, students also develop marketable skills that are valued by employers. These skills include:

• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement

Information

Important Reminders:
• Students must use their legal name (no nicknames) when applying.
• A Palomino ID# and LC student email are required to apply.
• Proof of the application fee payment is mandatory.
Applications without fee proof will be cancelled and cannot be retrieved or resubmitted.
• A status of "Application Intake" in the application portal does not mean the application is submitted. Ensure you complete and submit it fully.
• GPA requirements and entrance testing (like ATI TEAS) are not part of the Automotive Collision Repair Program application process. 

Plan of Study

Students Must Consult With The Program Advisor For Entry Requirements.

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Automotive Service Technician Pathway (Pending)