Collision Repair Technician

Certificate
Students working on computer in lab

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.

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

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.

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
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.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

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.

NATEF logo
I-Car logo
Axalta logo
PPG logo
Honda PACT
Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.

Penn College Classic Cruisers

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

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
03.20.2024

Collision repair alumni visit campus, encourage students

A trio of collision repair technology graduates from 2006 recently returned to campus to address students in the Collision Repair Operations class taught by Eric D. Pruden, instructor of automotive technology. Ryan M. Arnold, Lanessa (Satteson) Taylor and Gilberto Alicea “shared their experiences in the collision repair industry and encouraged the students to find their place in the industry,” according to Pruden.

03.01.2024

College's Transportation Scholars program featured on 'Centre County Report'

Friday’s “Centre County Report” featured a story on Penn College’s Transportation Scholars program. The weekly broadcast -- produced by students in the capstone broadcast journalism course in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State – included an interview with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

02.26.2024

Model A Restorers Club donates book collection to library

The West Branch Model A Restorers Club visited The Madigan Library recently to donate 14 books to support learning at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The local organization has a consistent presence on campus, including showcasing vehicles during summer automotive restoration camps.

Gain global experience
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. 

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Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Students supplement lab work with Honda field trip

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.

Read More

More Information

Accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

View general transfer information

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. Rusty Orelli, Owner, Orelli Supply, Inc.
  • 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
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair