Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Transfer
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

The Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician program at Madison College is a two-year technical diploma designed to provide students with the skills necessary to enter the collision repair industry. Emphasis is placed on returning damaged vehicles to previous condition with safe, manufacturer-specific repairs.

As a student in the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician program, you will:

• Understand the basic theories and principles used in the collision repair industry.
• Learn about various materials and systems present on late-model vehicles and the proper collision repair considerations for each.
• Exercise methods for diagnosing and resolving common collision repair issues.
• Work to develop hands-on job skills such as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, panel replacement, metal forming, sheet metal alignment and finishing, and automotive refinishing/painting.
• Assess collision damage and create repair estimates with computerized estimating software commonly used in collision repair shops.
• Evaluate structural damage using laser measuring system.
• Repair structural damage using Chief Fuzion Straightening Solutions.
• Practice structural welding and frame sectioning.
• Perform plastic repairs on various types of automotive plastics. 
• Learn concepts and processes related to automotive custom painting and airbrushing.
• Create a work portfolio to present to potential employers.

Program Details

Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician is on a career pathway that includes this two-year technical diploma and a one-year technical diploma. Both will prepare you for a good job. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.

Students must start classes in the fall semester.

Students in the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician must attend full time.

Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

Explore financial aid eligibility for Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician.

All courses for this program are offered only in person.

Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKjsFuddXJU

Admission

Admission

To Apply

• View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements.
   
• Attend an Advising, Application, Information & More (AAIM) Session to get started in the admission process.
   
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at MATC. 

Questions?

Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2020-2021 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

Current program students (including newly admitted), go directly to your Degree Progress Report (also referred to as an Advising Report or Academic Requirements) to view:

• Progress toward your specific requirements
• Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

If you have questions after reviewing your report, please see Advising Services.

First Semester

Basic Sheet Metal Repair & Welding Fundamentals

32-405-301

5 credits

Refinishing 1

32-405-302

5 credits

Collision Repair/Refinishing Theory 1

32-405-361

3 credits

Collision Electrical Fundamentals

32-405-340

2 credits

Second Semester

Non-Structural Panel Repair & Glass Servicing

32-405-303

5 credits

Refinishing 2/Trim & Hardware

32-405-304

5 credits

Collision Mechanical Systems

32-405-341

2 credits

Collision Repair and Refinishing Theory 2

32-405-363

3 credits

Third Semester

Auto Refinishing/Color Adjustment

32-405-305

5 credits

Collision Structural Welding & Panel Replacement

32-405-306

5 credits

Introduction to Airbrushing and Custom Painting

32-405-311

2 credits

Collision Repair and Refinishing Theory 3

32-405-365

3 credits

Fourth Semester

Adv Collision Structural Repair

32-405-307

5 credits

Collision Plastics/Composites & Adv Refinishing Applications

32-405-308

5 credits

Advanced Airbrushing and Custom Painting

32-405-321

2 credits

Collision Damage Analysis and Report Writing

32-405-334

3 credits

Transfer

Transfer Partnerships

There are currently no Transfer Partnerships for this program. Review our Transfer Opportunities page for information on all Madison College transfer options.

Outcomes

Outcomes

MATC Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician program graduates are prepared to enter the field with these effective workplace skills:  

Safety
Use safe technique and personal protection in compliance with OSHA regulations.

Problem Solving
Apply logic and math to troubleshoot and solve auto body repair problems.

Communication
Communicate effectively both in oral and written format with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.

Work Ethics/Employability
Demonstrate work ethics and professionalism by displaying initiative, positive attitude, flexibility, honesty, efficiency, and ability to work with all members of the team.

Continuing Education
Awareness of responsibility for continuing education to maintain and expand professional skills.

Technical Skills

• Repair or replace sheet metal and plastic body panels.
• Restore the structural integrity of vehicle.
• Remove and replace mechanical and electrical components.

 

Careers

Careers

Earning your two-year technical diploma in the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as:  

• Auto Body Technician
• Frame and Alignment Specialist
• Unibody Repair Specialist
• Painting Technician

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

• Insurance Adjuster and Appraiser
• Equipment and Supplies Specialist
• Foreman/Manager/Shop Owner 

Find open jobs in this industry on Wisconsin TechConnect^tm