Autobody Technician Schools with Program Overviews

Those who wish to enter the field of autobody technology can opt for certificate or associate's degree programs in autobody technology. Community colleges and vocational schools commonly offer these two types of autobody technician training programs.

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How to Select an Autobody Technician School

Certificate programs and Associate of Applied Science degree programs are available in autobody technology. Certificate programs are shorter and less costly, but associate's degree programs provide more well-rounded credentials. When choosing an autobody technician school, a prospective student must first decide how much energy, timeand money they are willing to invest in learning the autobody technician trade.

Certificate programs provides students with the basics of the field and can be completed in less than one year. An associate's degree in autobody technology takes two years to complete but also includes courses in general education. Students might also be able to complete an internship with a local autobody shop through an associate's degree program.

Certificate in Autobody Technology

Students enrolled in an autobody technology certificate program take courses in such areas as refinishing, metal repair, autobody welding, collision repair and paint matching. Many of the courses require students to gain some practical experience in a school shop after understanding the theory behind the various aspects of autobody repair.

The field of autobody technology requires that prospective students have some ability to grasp technical concepts. Also helpful for success in this area are a strong interest in auto design and some creative abilities.

Associate of Applied Science in Autobody Technology

Associate's degree programs in autobody technology cover the same basic areas addressed in certificate programs. However, students take additional courses in areas such as structural analysis, shop management, collision repair estimating and electrical service repair. General education courses in English composition, the social sciences, mathematics and the fine arts are also required to complete this type of degree.

Towards the end of the program, students might be able to find internship work. Internships are looked upon favorably by prospective employers because they allow students to gain some practical work experience before entering the job market. In some instances, a community college works closely with a nearby autobody shop to develop learning outlines for students who are interesting in completing an internship.

Largest Autobody Technician Schools by Student Population

College/UniversityStudent PopulationInstitution Type
Tarrant County College District 39,596 2-year, Public
Riverside Community College 36,146 2-year, Public
American River College 34,610 2-year, Public
Salt Lake Community College 29,396 2-year, Public
El Camino Community College District 27,098 2-year, Public
Long Beach City College 26,927 2-year, Public
Palomar College 26,805 2-year, Public
Utah Valley University 26,696 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Portland Community College 26,278 2-year, Public
Florida State College at Jacksonville 25,903 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Oakland Community College 24,957 2-year, Public
San Jacinto Community College 24,834 2-year, Public
Fresno City College 24,783 2-year, Public
Central Texas College 24,498 2-year, Public
Cerritos College 23,236 2-year, Public
Owens Community College 21,095 2-year, Public
The Community College of Baltimore County 20673 2-year, Public
Rio Hondo College 20,609 2-year, Public
Chaffey College 20,304 2-year, Public
San Joaquin Delta College 20,190 2-year, Public
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3 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

  • New England Institute of Technology

    School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
    » Research New England Institute of Technology's Programs

  • Ferris State University

    School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research Ferris State University's Programs

  • Northern Michigan University

    School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Aircraft Powerplant Tech
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research Northern Michigan University's Programs

  • Dunwoody College of Technology

    School locations:
    • Minnesota (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research Dunwoody College of Technology's Degree Programs

  • Oklahoma State University

    School locations:
    • Oklahoma (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Oklahoma State University include:
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Leatherworking and Upholstery
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Diesel Mechanics
    » Research Oklahoma State University's Degree Programs

  • Milwaukee Area Technical College

    School locations:
    • Wisconsin (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Aircraft Powerplant Tech
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Diesel Mechanics
    » Research Milwaukee Area Technical College's Programs

Other Related Schools:

  • University of Cincinnati

    School locations:
    • Ohio (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research University of Cincinnati's Programs

Popular Schools

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