Collision Repair Technician
About this program
You’re a trouble shooter and a problem solver. You welcome challenges. And you have a love for cars and trucks. At Penn College, you can chase that passion by pursuing a Collision Repair Technician Certificate. Learn what it takes to get cars and trucks back to driving condition. Study advanced collision repair techniques and learn how to analyze damage and recommend corrective work. That’s not all. You’ll also explore theories and perfect skills in metal and plastic repair, MIG welding, unibody straightening, hazardous-material handling, and modern paint systems.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Train with Late-Model Vehicles
2:1
Student-to-Project Ratio
Extensive Hands-On Program
Careers
- Collision repair technician in a dealership
- Independent collision repair shop
- Fleet operation or self-employment
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Introduction to Non-Structural Collision Repair (ABC100)
- Introduction to Non-Structural Collision Repair Applications (ABC104)
- Basic Refinishing (ABC125)
- Basic Refinishing Applications (ABC129)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (AMT104)
- Fundamentals of Electrical/Electronic & Air Conditioning (ABC115)
- Electrical/Electronic & Air Conditioning Applications (ABC116)
- Chassis Alignment, Steering & Suspension Principles (ABC127)
- Chassis Alignment, Steering & Suspension Application (ABC128)
- Collision Repair Welding Procedures & Applications (ABC105)
- Collision-Related Mechanical Principles (ABC209)
- Collision-Related Mechanical Application (ABC210)
- Structural Repair Procedures (ABC207)
- Structural Repair Procedures Laboratory (ABC208)
- Advanced Refinishing Theory (ABC226)
- Advanced Refinishing Laboratory (ABC227)
- Repair Procedures Fundamentals (ABC228)
- Repair Procedures Applications (ABC229)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Virtual Tour
Collision Repair & Restoration
Take a look inside the expansive collision repair and restoration training grounds at Penn College. See aspiring technicians in action. Hear from passionate faculty with real-world experience. And learn how Wildcats are perfecting their craft one hands-on lesson at a time.
Facilities
Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Get hands-on training with industry-standard techniques like refinishing, plastic repair, and structural and non-structural repairs.
Student Experience
“The big thing that drew me to Penn College was the amount of time working in the lab compared to the time in the classroom. We spend 75-80% of our time in the lab doing hands-on training, working with partners and teachers. I work better with my hands. So, this hands-on learning helps me learn and grow.”
Shane McDonnell
Collision Repair Technology
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Mar 1
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM
Apr 6
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
SkillsUSA
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
Penn College Classic Cruisers
Penn College Classic Cruisers promote interest in and preservation of antique and modified automobiles along with education, good sportsmanship, and fellowship among members.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Paint company trains Penn College students in Germany
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Auto restoration students ‘save’ waving Santa
Friday, November 29, 2024
Tucker takes WNEP-TV anchor for a spin
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
At Penn College, the world is your classroom. Soak in the global experience by taking part in our study abroad program where you’ll study in Italy’s exotic car repair shops.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
Students supplement lab work with Honda field trip
Students in the collision repair program recently visited the Honda Heritage Center and Honda manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio, learning about the history of the Honda Motor Co. and its various technologies, as well as how the manufacturing process relates to their curriculum at Penn College.
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
View the Collision Repair Tool List
You are required to have a uniform and hard-toed shoes for lab classes. It is recommended that you purchase three uniforms.
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. David Andersen, '22, Recruitment & Outreach, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships
- Mr. Evan Bieber, '05, Manager, Collision Repair, Faulkner Collision Center of Hanover
- Ms. Lisa Ferguson, Support Manager/Coordinator, Caliber Collision
- Mr. Zachary Graybill, '15, Material Damage Adjuster, Erie Insruance
- Mr. Donald Gunther, Instructor, SUN Area Technical Institute
- Ms. Regina Hallett, Material Damage - Claim Specialist, Nationwide Insurance
- Mr. Quinn Helm, '17, Manager, Blaise Alexander Collision
- Mr. Ian J Hilner, '11, Collision Repair Technician, Murray Motors Collision Center
- Mr. Jeremiah Hunter, '00, Material Damage Adjuster, Erie Insurance
- Ms. Jody Lowe, Human Resources Recruiting & Retention, Apple Automotive Group
- Mr. Brian A Moore, CPCU, Claims Manager - Material Damage, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
- Mr. Robert Noaker, Jr., Owner, Noaker's Auto Body LLC
- Mr. David Pachutski, Owner, Dave's Auto Body Clinic
- Mr. Kenneth Pastore, '16, Estimator/Technician, Town Auto Body
- Mr. Ed Pienta, Technical Representative, Colours Inc.
- Mr. Dennis Schlauch, Automotive Collision Repair Appraiser
- Mr. Ed Stroble, Owner, Stroble's Garage
- Mr. David W Swartzlander, CEO, CPR Auto Center, LLC
- Mr. Paul Vollman, Service Manager, Budman Auto Body
- Mr. J. Todd Warren, Sales Representative, PPG Industries
