Associate of Arts in Automotive Collision Repair: General Automotive Collision Repair
Program Overview
The General Automotive Collision Repair program at Cerritos College prepares students for entry-level technician roles through a combination of lectures and hands-on lab courses. The program focuses on vehicle construction, attachment and refinishing of outer panels, and the use of specialty equipment and hand tools. Students can expect to earn an Associate of Arts degree in four terms, with potential career opportunities in automotive body repair, insurance appraisal, and other related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Objective: The General Automotive Collision Repair program prepares students for entry-level technician roles.
- Program Structure: The program combines lectures and hands-on lab courses, emphasizing skills-based learning.
- Focus: Students explore vehicle construction techniques, attachment and refinishing of outer panels, using specialty equipment and hand tools found in automotive service and repair facilities.
- Core Topics:
- Automotive welding procedures
- Vehicle disassembly and assembly
- Outer panel attachment methods
- Plastic repair
- Small dent repair
- Tools and equipment
- Estimating and refinishing
- Design, function, and operation of these subjects
Outline:
- Program Duration: Associate of Arts degree (60 units)
- Course Schedule:
- Fall 2023 (1st Term): 15 units
- Spring 2024 (2nd Term): 15 units
- Fall 2024 (3rd Term): 15 units
- Spring 2025 (4th Term): 15 units
- Courses:
- Major Courses:
- AB 51: Non-Structural Repair (4.5 units)
- AB 56: Non-Structural Automotive Welding (2.0 units)
- AB 181: Non-Structural Damage Estimating (3.0 units)
- AB 54: Advanced-Design Panel Repair (4.5 units)
- AB 61: Automotive Refinishing Lab (3.0 units)
- AB 61L: Overall And Multi-Coat Refinishing (1.5 units)
- General Education Courses:
- Health & Wellness (1.0 unit)
- English Composition (4.0 units)
- Mathematics (6.0 units)
- U.S. History or Government (3.0 units)
- Communication and Analytical Thinking (3.0 units)
- Humanities (3.0 units)
- Natural Sciences (3.0 units)
Careers:
- Salary Range: $27,000 to $103,000 with an average salary of $49,000.
- Growth: Expected to grow nationwide from 2019 to 2029 (+5.6%).
- Potential Careers:
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage ($68k average salary)
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers ($53k average salary)
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers ($35k average salary)
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ($41k average salary)
Other:
- The program offers micro-credentials.
- Students can create a customized education plan by making an appointment with the college.
Cerritos College
Overview:
Cerritos College is a community college located in Norwalk, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, career training, and transfer pathways for students seeking to further their education. The college emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, creating a welcoming environment for all students.
Services Offered:
Cerritos College provides various services to support student success, including: