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If you’d like to learn more about the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
The Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing 2-year program goes beyond the basics of welding, painting and bodywork and allows you to learn more about the area of the industry that particularly interests you.
This program includes very little bookwork. On Day One and throughout the first semester, you’ll practice techniques on various materials so that in the second semester, you are ready to work on an actual vehicle.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
As a student in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing 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
Panel replacement to restore a vehicle’s appearance and structural integrity is one of the many skills you’ll learn in the 2-year program. 
Airbrushing and custom painting classes allow you to flex your creativity as you learn advanced paint schemes, layouts and graphics. Build Your Skills Beyond the Basics!
The 2-year Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program goes beyond the basics so that you will also:
- assess collision damage and create repair estimates with estimating software commonly used in collision repair shops
- evaluate structural damage using a laser measuring system
- repair structural damage using Chief Fuzion Straightening Solutions
- practice structural welding and frame sectioning
- perform plastic repairs on various 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 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.
Earning your 2-year technical diploma in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program prepares you for valuable work as an:
- Auto Body Technician
- Frame and Alignment Specialist
- Unibody Repair Specialist
- Detailer
- Painting Technician
- Insurance Adjuster and Appraiser
- Equipment and Supplies Specialist
- Foreman/Manager/Shop Owner
- Product Support and Sales
Get hands-on experience repairing structural damage using Chief Fuzion Straightening Solutions. Individuals choosing to enter professions in areas other than collision repair will also benefit from skills learned in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program; related careers could include, but are not limited to:
- Welding and fabrication
- Auto glass installation
- Industrial painting
Choose Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing at Madison College
Learn more about our program options and why students choose Madison College to train for a rewarding career in auto collision repair and refinishing.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 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 SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth Semester -
Admission
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
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.
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.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician career.
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Career Outcomes
Earning your 2-year technical diploma in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program prepares you for valuable work as an:
- Auto Body Technician
- Frame and Alignment Specialist
- Unibody Repair Specialist
- Detailer
- Painting Technician
- Insurance Adjuster and Appraiser
- Equipment and Supplies Specialist
- Foreman/Manager/Shop Owner
- Product Support and Sales
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 13 6 6 Number of Surveys Sent 13 6 6 Number of Surveys Returned 6 1 6 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 6 1 6 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 5 1 5 Percent of Graduates Employed 83.3% 100.0% 83.3% Employed in Related Occupation 4 1 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 80.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 16.7% 0.0% 16.7% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 4 3.7 Number of Satisfaction Responses 6 1 6 Very Satisfied (4) 5 1 4 Percent Very Satisfied 83.3% 100.0% 66.7% Satisfied (3) 1 0 2 Percent Satisfied 16.7% 0.0% 33.3% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 6 1 6 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 5 1 5 Before Enrollment 0 0 1 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% While Attending the College 2 1 2 Percent While Attending the College 40.0% 100.0% 40.0% After Training at the College 3 0 2 Percent After Training at the College 60.0% 0.0% 40.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 1 5 In College District 3 1 3 Percent In College District 60.0% 100.0% 60.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 0 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 20.0% 0.0% 20.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% Employer Location Unknown 1 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 3 1 3 Average Monthly Wage $3,175 $5,504 $4,013 Average Hourly Wage $18.46 $32.00 $23.33 Average Work Hours per Week 41.3 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 2 Average Hourly Wage $16.00 Average Work Hours per Week 17.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Autozone Retail Worker Michels Auto Design Automotive Body Technician Cambridge Schwing America Automotive Body Technician St Paul MN Zimbrick Inc Autobody Technician Zimbrick Inc Collision Repair Apprentice * - 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
