Oct 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Auto Collision Technology, Diploma

Location(s): Ankeny



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The Auto Collision Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in an auto collision facility with the basic skills needed to be successful in your career.

The Auto Collision diploma prepares graduates for entry into highly demanded auto collision jobs related to estimating, collision repair, refinishing, paint correction & detailing.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Building Trades & Transportation


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall or Spring semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn an Automotive Collision Technology diploma , a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 46


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate)    105   55 55
Equipment-Tools (approximate) 3,500 - 4,500    

Approximate total for Diploma program: $12,593-13,593**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Proper use of safety in the workplace
  • Prepare estimates, blueprint and complete a repair plan.
  • Understand vehicle construction & materials used.
  • Remove and replace/reinstall exterior nonstructural components and alignment of panels.
  • Remove and replace/reinstall interior components and exterior moldings and related trim.
  • Work with tools and equipment in a collision facility such as welders, grinders, sanders and paint guns.
  • Learn basic skills of metal finishing and analyzing collision damage.
  • Prepare vehicle for spot refinishing including masking.
  • Restore vehicles finish to OEM standards.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Work as part of a team and independently.
  • Process hand eye coordination for effective use of hand tools.
  • Be on time and organized with all lab work and assignments.
  • Perform detailed work with precision.
  • Plan and organize detailed tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Read and interpret vehicle service information.
  • Maintain focus during lengthy repetitive tasks.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Advancement in career opportunities can be achieved in many areas earning as much as $100,000 within 3-5 years.
  • Sensitivity to chemicals, environmental and airborne contaminants, etc., must be considered.
  • Physical conditioning is important; you must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, handle, push and pull.
  • The ability to identify subtle differences in color/hue/value/saturation of paint color is important.
  • Students must purchase their own set of hand tools (refer to tool list and supplies cost).
  • Average anticipated starting salary: Hourly $22.20 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023)

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate the basic skills and industry requirements of listening, writing, computing and problem solving. Interpersonal relationships, and leadership with customers, co-workers and supervisors
  2. Demonstrate the ability to properly use and operate state of the art auto collision repair equipment and tools to properly straighten, repair, and/or replace the frame, body and electrical components on the late model vehicles
  3. Prepare accurate and complete computerized estimations
  4. Repair vehicle systems according to industry and vehicle manufacturer specifications and standards
  5. Evaluate vehicle systems using manufacturers published diagnostics

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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