Earn an associate degree in two years' time from the New England Institute of Technology, which offers programs in automotive collision repair technology or auto body technology. Coursework includes multi-stage paint applications, fundamentals of auto body metal repair, basic electricity fundamentals, paint and refinishing applications, structural component replacement and plastic panel repair. Environmentally-minded students may be interested to know that the college now trains students using a "green" waterborne automotive paint. The New England Institute of Technology offers scholarships to high school juniors and seniors, plus other forms of financial aid, such as veterans' benefits and loans.
New England Institute of Technology
2500 Post Rd.
Warwick, RI 02886-2266
800-736-7744
neit.edu
Antelope Valley College, in Lancaster, California, offers a two-year auto body associate degree, where students can focus on auto collision repair, automotive refinishing or combine both. Classes include topics in prevention and care of paint problems, color tinting and matching paint, plastic composite repair procedures, clear coat paint systems, use of spray guns, conventional frame repair and repair of minor collision damage.
Antelope Valley College
3041 W. Ave. K
Lancaster, CA 93536
661-722-6300
avc.edu
Located in Flint, Michigan, Mott Community College's technology division offers a two-year associate degree in auto body repair and painting. Coursework includes auto body welding, advanced auto body repair, ventilation and air conditioning, metal finishing, suspension and alignment and auto body painting. A welding course is also required for graduation. For real-world training, Mott College has an apprentice program, where students receive company-sponsored training from employers looking to add to their auto body or vehicle painting staff.
Mott Community College
1401 E. Court St.
Flint, MI 48503
810-762-0200
mcc.edu