Auto Collision Repair Technology

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Auto body professionals fix cars damaged in crashes. They use specialized technology to make repairs with precision. Courses take place in our state-of-the-art labs with advanced tools, so you will be prepared to work in multiple settings. Our students find work in:

  • Body shops
  • Car dealerships
  • Upholstery shops
  • Glass shops
  • Paint and equipment manufacturing
  • Insurance companies

Learn from experienced instructors with hands-on training. You also have the opportunity to pick a career focus. Gain expertise in sheet metal, unibody repair, auto refinishing, or collision damage estimation.

Gabe McLaughlin
Transportation Department Chair
417-447-8133

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Accreditation

The degree program is accredited by the ASE Foundation (NATEF), 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE Suite 401 Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 669-6650.  

Program Mission

The mission of the Automotive Collision Repair program at Ozarks Technical Community College is to provide students with a positive learning environment that will present the opportunity for every student to fulfill their potential within the Collision Repair field. The program uses the Automotive Service Education Foundation guidelines with the aid of a technical advisory committee to develop course content and a competency list that will provide the student with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the automotive collision repair industry.

Program Goals:

1. Practice safety by selecting appropriate attire, handling materials properly, and correctly using tools and equipment.

2. Identify the careers available in the auto collision repair technology field.

3. Develop respect for rules, regulations, laws, competent work habits, and ethical conduct.

4. Demonstrate practical decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

5. Demonstrate familiarity with terminology, skills, materials, tools, and equipment used in auto collision repair technology.

6. Select, inspect, and maintain the proper tools and equipment for specific job performance.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of when, how and why to remove or replace parts.

8. Demonstrate a strong foundation for furthering training in the field of auto collision repair technology.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

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General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Auto Body Collision Repair
  • Find work as an auto body professional or related role immediately after graduation
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

63 credit hours
4 semesters

$13,294.00*
to
$17,086.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Auto Body Collision Repair
  • Find work as an auto body professional or related role immediately after graduation
  • Complement existing education or work experience

32 credit hours
2 semesters

$6,916.00*
to
$8,804.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Auto Collision Repair Technology (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 63 Hours

Sheet metal and unibody repair, automotive refinishing, and collision damage estimation are areas of concentration and employment for graduates of the Auto Collision Repair Technology program. Employers include independent body shops, new and used car dealerships, upholstery shops, glass shops, paint and equipment manufacturers and distributors, and insurance companies. The degree program is accredited by the  ASE Education Foundation, 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd, NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176.  The Web address is https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

Auto Collision Repair Technology Certificate

Certificate: 32 Hours

Sheet metal and unibody repair, automotive refinishing, and collision damage estimation are areas of concentration and employment for graduates of the Auto Collision Repair Technology program. Employers include independent body shops, new and used car dealerships, upholstery shops, glass shops, paint and equipment manufacturers and distributors, and insurance companies. The degree program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd, NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176.  The Web address is https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.