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Program Overview
The Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing 1-year program at Madison College is designed with the hands-on learner in mind.
This program includes very little book work. On Day One and throughout the first semester you’ll practice techniques on various materials so that the second semester you are ready to work on an actual vehicle.
Hands-on, Real-world Learning
As a student in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing 1-year program, you will learn:
- the basic theories and principles used in the collision repair industry
- how to diagnose and resolve common collision repair issues
- the specifics of various late-model vehicle materials and systems and the proper collision repair techniques for each
You will also develop hands-on job skills, including:
- metal inert gas (MIG) welding
- panel replacement
- metal forming
- sheet metal alignment and finishing
- automotive refinishing/painting
Program Details
Students in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program must start classes in the fall semester and attend full time.
Classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!
As a Madison College auto collision repair and refinishing student, you'll automatically earn the technical diploma upon completion of the first-year curriculum. If you choose to continue your education, all your credits will seamlessly transfer into the 2-year program.
Choose Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing at Madison College
Learn more about our program options and why students choose Madison College to train for an auto collision repair and refinishing career.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester32-405-301Basic Sheet Metal Repair & Welding Fundamentals
Course material covers the introduction in the use of an oxyacetylene welding/cutting outfit as related to collision repairs. A heavy emphasis is placed on the mig welding process, types of welds and techniques used of hammer and dolly, pry tools, stud guns, air and electrical tools, hydraulic-porto-power jacks and other straightening tools, used in the processes of metal finishing and plastic filling.5 credits32-405-302Refinishing 1
The refinishing phase includes instruction in the proper use and maintenance of the spray gun, refinishing panels and fenders, spot repairing of panels and fenders, and mixing of paint formulas. Application of primers, sealers, single stage, and coat/clear coat are covered. Instruction in shop, tool and paint safety, and state and federal environmental concerns are presented.5 credits32-405-361Collision Repair/Refinishing Theory 1
Covers related information on all phases of auto body welding and metal straightening with hand tools and hydraulic equipment. Collision damage analysis of sheet metal and unibodies is studied. Different types of sheet metal, such as HSS and HSLA, as well as the properties of sheet metal are discussed. Where and how to use plastic filler is presented. Paint equipment such as the operation and maintenance of the spray gun is studied. Extensive discussion takes place on refinish products, surface preparation, sanding and polishing, thinners and reducers and top coat application. Instruction in shop, tool, paint safety, and state and federal environmental concerns and regulations are presented.3 creditsSecond Semester32-405-303Non-Structural Panel Repair & Glass Servicing
Further development of straightening skills and sheet metal alignment is achieved by performing these activities on automobiles. Such operations as straightening damages sheet metal on fixed parts and removable panels are performed. Instruction on the replacement of fixed glass such as windshields, rear window, and side glass is covered using industry standards. Further instruction includes the components and procedures involved in the removal and installation of movable glass.5 credits32-405-304Refinishing 2/Trim & Hardware
The refinishing phase includes further instruction in the proper use of the spray gun, performing partial and complete refinishing repairs on vehicles. Procedures for blending and tinting of the paint to achieve an acceptable color match are practices. Shop and paint safety practices are emphasized. Instruction on the safe removal and installation of trim and hardware is covered along with specialty tools necessary to perform operations using industry accepted procedures.5 credits32-405-363Collision Repair and Refinishing Theory 2
To further promote knowledge of repair skills related to auto collision repair and refinishing, the following discussion areas are included: the evaluation of automobile bodies and damage repair techniques, unibody construction and repair techniques, vehicle preparation, metal correction and parts replacement. Additional instruction includes glass installation, electrical accessories, door and window servicing and trim replacement.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity. It shares this capacity with other programs that have similar curriculum.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician career.
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Career Outcomes
Earning your 1-year technical diploma in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as a/an:
- Auto Body Disassembler/Assistant
- Paint Prep Tech
- Detailer
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 14 5 17 Number of Surveys Sent 14 5 17 Number of Surveys Returned 12 5 15 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 4 2 7 Percent Available for Employment 33.3% 40.0% 46.7% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 66.7% 60.0% 53.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 4 2 7 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 3 2 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 75.0% 100.0% 71.4% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 25.0% 0.0% 28.6% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.5 3 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 6 3 10 Very Satisfied (4) 3 2 6 Percent Very Satisfied 50.0% 66.7% 60.0% Satisfied (3) 3 0 4 Percent Satisfied 50.0% 0.0% 40.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 12 5 15 Preparation for Getting a Job 4 1 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 33.3% 20.0% 6.7% Career Change 1 1 4 Percent Career Change 8.3% 20.0% 26.7% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 0 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 8.3% 0.0% 13.3% Preparation for Further Education 6 2 7 Percent Preparation for Further Education 50.0% 40.0% 46.7% Personal Interest 0 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 20.0% 6.7% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 4 2 7 Before Enrollment 2 0 1 Percent Before Enrollment 50.0% 0.0% 14.3% While Attending the College 0 1 4 Percent While Attending the College 0.0% 50.0% 57.1% After Training at the College 2 1 2 Percent After Training at the College 50.0% 50.0% 28.6% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 4 2 7 In College District 4 1 6 Percent In College District 100.0% 50.0% 85.7% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 50.0% 14.3% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 2 1 2 Average Monthly Wage $3,655 $7,740 $3,202 Average Hourly Wage $21.25 $45.00 $18.62 Average Work Hours per Week 45.0 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 1 3 Average Hourly Wage $19.00 $15.00 $18.00 Average Work Hours per Week 20.0 5.0 14.7 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Caliber Collision Detailer Marklein Auto Body Auto Collision Technician Dodgeville Schwing America Automotive Body Technician St Paul MN Unspecified Body Technician Verona Zimbrick Inc Automotive Paint Technician * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
