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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.
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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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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 creditsThird Semester32-405-305Auto Refinishing/Color Adjustment
Vehicle refinishing techniques including preparing adjacent panels for blending, base coat and clear coat blending, color adjustment and testing color match. Complete refinishing and panel blending is performed on repaired vehicles.5 credits32-405-306Collision Structural Welding & Panel Replacement
Structural damage analysis, measuring vehicle dimensions, pulling and straightening vehicle structures. Replacement and alignment of non-structural panels will be performed on vehicles. Collision structural section joints will be constructed and welded (GMAW).5 credits32-405-311Introduction to Airbrushing and Custom Painting
This course is designed to implement and reinforce core skills presented in the two-year Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician Program by applying them to specialized uses in custom painting and airbrushing applications. Use an airbrush and conventional paint guns to perform small-scale repairs and touch-ups and create advanced paint schemes, layouts, and graphics. Techniques of mixing custom paint colors will be presented. Introduction to metal shaping tools and techniques, hand tools, and machines to create metal parts and metal art.2 credits32-405-365Collision Repair and Refinishing Theory 3
Color theory, color adjustment procedures, planning the blending process and application techniques will be applied. Vehicle construction, anchoring and pulling systems, and measure systems are introduced. Theory includes structural straightening process, full panel replacement, sectioning joints and procedures and repair planning. Non-structural panel repair, replacement and alignment will be covered.3 creditsFourth Semester32-405-307Adv Collision Structural Repair
Further development of straightening skills and sheet metal alignment is achieved by performing these activities on automobiles. Such operations as straightening damaged 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 credits32-405-308Collision Plastics/Composites & Adv Refinishing Applications
Identification of automotive plastics, repair decisions, using adhesives and welding to repair plastics. Refinishing techniques include refinishing plastic, multi-stage finishing, and advance blending techniques and custom painting options.5 credits32-405-321Advanced Airbrushing and Custom Painting
This course is designed to implement and reinforce core skills, while practicing more advanced skills in specialized custom painting and airbrushing application. Use an airbrush and conventional paint guns to perform small-scale repairs and touch-ups, create advanced paint schemes, layouts, and graphics. Use custom paint mixing techniques to match and blend for accurate repairs. Create metal parts and art using shaping tools and machines and practice fiberglass mold and part making.2 credits32-405-334Collision Damage Analysis and Report Writing
This course includes damage analysis, vehicle identification, estimate writing sequence, use of estimation guide for parts and labor costs, and writing damage reports manually and with a computer. Each student has the opportunity to estimate damaged vehicles.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 & 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 3 0 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 50.0% 0.0% 16.7% Career Change 1 0 2 Percent Career Change 16.7% 0.0% 33.3% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 0.0% 33.3% Preparation for Further Education 0 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Personal Interest 1 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 16.7% 100.0% 16.7% Other 1 0 0 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
