Autobody Technician Degree Information - Associate Degree

Published Dec 19, 2006

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An Auto Body Technician Associate Degree provides students with hands-on experience similar to that found in working at a real auto body and repair shop. With an Associate in Science degree as an Auto Body Technician you can start a career as an auto body restoration specialist, auto body rebuilder, auto body supervisor, auto detailer, auto glass installer, or claims adjuster and examiner.

An Auto Body Technician Associate Degree Overview

Summary of the Degree

An Auto Body Technician Associate Degree provides students with the skills, knowledge, and abilities set forth by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and the Institute of Automotive Excellence. Some of the more general courses mandatory in an Auto Body Technician Associate Degree Program include:

  • Equipment, Safety and Conduct
  • Repairing Non-Structural Damage
  • Repairing Structural Damage
  • Adhesives and Plastics
  • Refinishing and Painting
  • Special Shop Experience
  • Estimation of Collision Repair
  • Welding

Career Fields

Wherever there are people driving, there will be wreaks that need repair, and this creates job security in the auto body field. As indicated by the Automotive Service Association (www.asashop.org), collision repair is a major industry, grossing nearly $30-billion a year.

The U.S. Department of Labor (www.bls.gov) expects the employment of automotive body repairers to grow substantially. Employment is best for those with formal training in auto body repair, painting and refurnishing. Automotive repair business is rarely impacted by economic conditions because any major body damage to a vehicle needs to be repaired in order to ensure a safe operating condition.

Occupational Outlook

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (www.natef.org) reported that auto technicians can earn $60,000 or more a year.

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