As long as there are cars, we’ll need fender bender menders. Sounds like built-in job security, doesn’t it?
Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician Image of cars

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Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician
Program Number: 324051
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
56 Credits | Finish diploma in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$14,072.40

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program 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

    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 are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    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 
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

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

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    32-405-302
    5 credits
    Second Semester
    Third Semester
    Fourth Semester
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2024

    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

    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school  transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) 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

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

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

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career 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.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202020212022
      Number of Program Graduates1255
      Number of Surveys Sent1255
      Number of Surveys Returned422
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment422
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Available for Employment

      202020212022
      Graduates Employed412
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%50.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation412
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment010
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%50.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202020212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.844
      Number of Satisfaction Responses422
      Very Satisfied (4)322
      Percent Very Satisfied75.00%100.00%100.00%
      Satisfied (3)100
      Percent Satisfied25.00%0.00%0.00%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)000
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202020212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses422
      Preparation for Getting a Job201
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job50.00%0.00%50.00%
      Career Change010
      Percent Career Change0.00%50.00%0.00%
      Improvement of Existing Skills000
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Preparation for Further Education100
      Percent Preparation for Further Education25.00%0.00%0.00%
      Personal Interest111
      Percent Personal Interest25.00%50.00%50.00%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202020212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses312
      Before Enrollment000
      Percent Before Enrollment0.00%0.00%0.00%
      While Attending the College302
      Percent While Attending the College100.00%0.00%100.00%
      After Training at the College010
      Percent After Training at the College0.00%100.00%0.00%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202020212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses312
      In College District312
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%100.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202020212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count212
      Average Monthly Wage$3,268$4,300$4,356
      Average Hourly Wage$19.00$25.00$25.33
      Average Work Hours per Week404040
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count1
      Average Hourly Wage$12.00
      Average Work Hours per Week20
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      EimbrickCollision Estimator
      Zimbrick IncPaint Prep

      * - 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

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)