Auto Body Technology
The Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Auto Body Technology faculty is here to provide students with in-depth instruction in Automotive Body Paint and Repair.
Our program is designed to develop qualified technicians who can diagnose, repair, and service the body and finish work of automobiles. The program provides opportunities to build your skills and competencies for various career roles and self-employment in the Auto Body and Auto Collision repair field. The program prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and State of Michigan certifications in Damage Repair and Refinishing and Damage Analysis and Estimating.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Auto Body Technology from WCCCD prepares you for work across various roles such as:
- Automotive Painter
- Auto Body Paint and Repair Technician
- Collision Repair Technician
- Glazier (glass repair specialist)
- Entrepreneur
What’s the Job Outlook for Auto Body Paint and Repair Technician?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects little or no change in employment for automotive body and glass repairers from 2022 to 2032.
Despite this, about 15,100 job openings are expected each year due to the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.
What’s Required to Complete the Auto Body Technology Program?
A certificate in Auto Body Technology from WCCCD requires 36 credits to complete. An AAS in auto body technology from WCCCD requires 62 total credits.
As an Auto Body Technology student at WCCCD, you’ll take courses with an emphasis on electrical, mechanical, and automotive performance in addition to your general education courses.
Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does It Take to Earn?
Most Auto Body Technology (ABT) students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses or three semesters (1 year) to complete ABT Certificate courses.
What Will I Learn as an Auto Body Technology Student?
WCCCD auto body technology students will work with the newest tools and equipment in an up-to-date, well-equipped facility and learn the skills and traits necessary to succeed in auto body repair and painting.
Recommended Course Sequencing
Semester 1 Total: 14 Credits
- ABT 101 - Introduction to Auto Body Technology 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 103 - Auto Body Work Environment and Safety 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 131 - Introduction to Electrical/Mechanical Repair 2 Credit(s)
- CIS 110 - Introduction to Computer Information Systems 4 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 14 Credits
- ABT 105 - Damage Analysis and Repair Estimating 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 141 - Auto Body Surface Preparation and Body Fillers 4 Credit(s)
- MAT 105 - Pre-Algebra 3 Credit(s)
-
OR
- MAT 111 - Pre-College Mathematics 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 8 Credits
- ABT 201 - Basic Automotive Finishes 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 203 - Advanced Finishes, Custom Painting and Detailing 4 Credit(s)
Semester 4 Total: 14 Credits
- WLT 101 - Arc/Oxygen - Acetylene Welding 5 Credit(s)
- Elective: Humanities 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
Semester 5 Total: 12 Credits
- SPH 101 - Fundamentals of Speech 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Natural Science with Lab 4 Credit(s)
- WLT 105 - MIG/Flux-Core/Plasma Welding 5 Credit(s)
A.A.S. Program Total: 62 Credits
Note: Program totals may not include prerequisites.
Semester 1 Total: 14 Credits
- ABT 101 - Introduction to Auto Body Technology 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 103 - Auto Body Work Environment and Safety 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 131 - Introduction to Electrical/Mechanical Repair 2 Credit(s)
- CIS 110 - Introduction to Computer Information Systems 4 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 14 Credits
- ABT 105 - Damage Analysis and Repair Estimating 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 141 - Auto Body Surface Preparation and Body Fillers 4 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- MAT 105 - Pre-Algebra 3 Credit(s)
-
OR
- MAT 111 - Pre-College Mathematics 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 8 Credits
- ABT 201 - Basic Automotive Finishes 4 Credit(s)
- ABT 203 - Advanced Finishes, Custom Painting and Detailing 4 Credit(s)
Certificate Total: 36 Credits
Note: Certificate totals may not include prerequisites.
Where is WCCCD’s Auto Body Technology Program Offered?
Our Eastern Campus offers the Auto Body Technology program and classes for other automotive-related certificates and degrees.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
