Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Automotive Collision Repair Technology - AAS

Love cars and want to make fixing them your career? Bellingham Technical College’s Automotive Collision Repair Technology program will prepare you for a career as an automotive collision repair technician, automotive glass specialist, painter, or auto body repair shop manager. You will be trained for all aspects of automotive repair, using the latest technological processes and equipment in our full-service shop. Your training will include trade-specific skills, such as how to repair and refinish damaged vehicles.

BTC’s Auto Collision Repair program will give you hands-on instruction that will earn you top jobs with employers such as independent automotive repair shops, car detailing shops, automotive manufacturers, automotive recyclers, and more.

The Auto Collision Repair Technology program is an I-CAR Industry Training Alliance member.

Auto Collision Repair Video

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

91% BTC graduate placement rate¹

$49,359 starting annual wage²
$67,803 average annual wage²
$78,986 potential annual wage²

Employment and Wage Data Sources

¹Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

²Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs
Estimated costs based on 6 quarters to complete this program
The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
Average Tuition and Fees per Quarter: $3,600
Average cost per credit: $200
Total Tuition and Fees: $21,600
Total Tools: $3,685 - $7,000
Total Clothing: $80
Average annual cost of living in Bellingham
Living expenses (housing and food): $16,512
Transportation: $1,935
Miscellaneous/Personal: $1,800
TOTAL: $20,247

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program's next entry quarter is Fall of 2025.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

A driver’s license is NOT required to enroll in the program.
Driving citations will not restrict, or prevent students from enrolling in the Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program; however, citations may prevent some internship and/or employment opportunities.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Select your start year to see a typical class schedule:

Total Program Credits: 108

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

Quarter 1

CRT 101

Introduction to Shop Safety

3 CR

CRT 103

New Technology and Exterior Trim

3 CR

CRT 133

Alternative Exterior Panel Replacement

4 CR

CRT 201

Advanced Collision Concepts 1

5 CR

CRT 221

Advanced Collision Concepts 2

5 CR

Quarter 2

CRT 121

Removable Panels and Glass

3 CR

CRT 131

Ferrous Auto Collision Welding

4 CR

CRT 132

Non-Ferrous Auto Collision Welding

5 CR

AMATH 100

Applied Occupational Math

5 CR

This course emphasizes mathematics used in the professional technical occupations. Students will learn mathematical skills in the following: fractions, decimals, percents, ratios & proportions, U.S. Customary Units and metric measurement systems, basic geometry and elementary algebra.
Prerequisites:
Placement into AMATH 100 or completion of ABE 050 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Maniatis	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Hegeberg	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Johnson	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Maniatis	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Hegeberg	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Hegeberg	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Johnson	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Johnson	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	T	5:30 PM-7:40 PM	Maniatis	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

or higher
Quarter 3

CRT 123

Auto Collision Exterior Lighting & Plastics

4 CR

CRT 202

Admin Industry Simulation

6 CR

CRT 222

Structural Industry Simulation

This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.
Prerequisites:
Placement into AENGL 100 or completion of ENGL 095 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Barber	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Gordon	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Gordon	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	Th	8:30 AM-10:40 AM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Gordon	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	TTh	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Barber	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Gordon	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	W	8:30 AM-10:40 AM	Richards	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

or higher
Quarter 4
CRT 102 Automotive Refinishing Basics 10 CR
Learn the essentials of prepping, masking and refinishing with HVLP or compliant refinish equipment to return a surface to pre-accident appearance. Surfaces refinished consist of all materials used to build modern day vehicles including and not limited to ferrous and nonferrous metals, as well as most types of composites and plastics. A strong emphasis on refinish equipment maintenance will also be covered in this course. Students will study the proper procedures of mixing undercoats and top coats to achieve the correct perceived color match. Corequisite: CRT 122. Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in CRT 101 with a D or higher.
CRT 122 Non-Structural Body Repair 8 CR
In this course students will learn how to assess and repair various types of non-structural damage to ferrous and non-ferrous vehicle exterior panels using a multitude of tools and techniques best suited for the repair needing to be performed. Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in CRT 101 with a D or higher.
Quarter 5
CRT 203 Non- Structural Industry Simulation 6 CR
This course simulates an auto collision shop environment. Students will apply the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired to make non-structural repairs to a vehicle in the time allotted by an estimating program.
Prerequisites:
CRT 102 and CRT 122, both with a D or higher. Corequisite: CRT 223. Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in CRT 101 with a D or higher.
CRT 223 Refinish Industry Simulation 6 CR
This course focuses on advanced refinishing techniques including color tinting and color blending.
Prerequisites:
CRT 102 and CRT 122, both with a D or higher. Corequisite: CRT 203. Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in CRT 101 with a D or higher.

CMST& 210

Interpersonal Communication

5 CR

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
Placement into AENGL 100 or higher or completion of ENGL 095 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	TTh	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Zamora	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Zamora	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	T	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Waters	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	11:40 AM-1:50 PM	Burns	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	Th	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Burns	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Zamora	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	T	2:10 PM-4:20 PM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink

PSYC& 100

General Psychology

5 CR

An overview of the factors affecting behavior including topics related to theories of learning, the senses, perceptions, nervous system, emotions, personality theory, motivation, abnormal behavior and therapy, and social psychology.
Prerequisite:
Placement into ENGL& 101 or completion of ENGL 095 with a C or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	MW	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
04/08/2025-06/27/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Summer 2025
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
07/08/2025-08/29/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	MW	11:50 AM-1:10 PM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink
09/17/2025-12/05/2025			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink

SOC& 101

Introduction to Sociology

5 CR

Quarter 6

CRT 231

Final Industry Certification

2 CR

CRT 232

Weld Certification Aluminum

3 CR

CRT 233

Weld Certification Steel

3 CR

CRT 234 Field-Based Experiences 7 CR
This course provides industry training at a functioning repair facility approved by the instructor. Students will apply the skills learned in the program to a specific area of the industry.
Prerequisite:
Instructor Permission. Corequisites: CRT 231, CRT 232 and CRT 233.
Current & Future Offerings:

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year you started or the closest prior:

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

Use basic industry tools, equipment and hazardous materials safely.
Diagnose and repair basic non-structural auto body damage to I-CAR standards.
Assess damaged vehicles and perform structural auto body repairs to I-CAR standards.
Diagnose and repair various types of plastic and composites used in the automotive industry.
Refinish various substrates to pre-accident condition.
Produce aluminum GMAW welds to I-CAR.
Produce steel GMAW welds to I-CAR.

Employment Outlook

Employment opportunities in the automotive collision repair industry are expected to grow along with the demand for qualified auto body technicians. Due to rapid changes in technology getting formal skills training in automotive body repair will better qualify and individual for employment.

BTC’s Auto Collision Repair program will give you the hands-on instruction that employers are looking for. Program graduates can work as automotive body technicians for independent auto body repair shops, automobile or truck dealers or companies who specialize in body repairs and painting. Opportunities may also exist to work for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking companies and automobile rental companies, automotive dealerships, automotive manufacturing plants, automotive recyclers, automotive parts and plastics supply shops, independent collision repair shops, detailing shops, aircraft detail and repair shops, boat manufacturers, and industrial manufacturing plants.

Potential positions include automotive repair technician, automotive glass specialist, automotive painter, auto body supply salesperson or body shop manager.

About 94% of BTC Auto Collision Repair students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $51,792, with an earning potential of about $75,462 per year.*

Faculty & Support

Andrew Riggs

Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
AAS, Auto Collision Repair Technology, Bellingham Technical College

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email TransportationNav@btc.edu

Fall 2025
09/17/2025-12/05/2025	Riggs	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Find in ctcLink

Winter 2026
01/06/2026-03/27/2026	Riggs	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Spring 2025
04/08/2025-06/27/2025	Pollard	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Automotive Collision Repair Technology - AAS

Employment Information

Employment and Wage Data Sources

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 108

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Andrew Riggs

Degrees and Credentials

Contacts