Program Overview

Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician 1-Year Technical Diploma

Program Overview

The Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician program is a one-year program at Madison College designed to provide students with skills necessary to enter the metal finishing and automotive refinishing/painting areas of the auto body and light truck trade. Students may also choose to go on to receive Madison College's Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician two-year technical diploma.

Program Details

• Program Number:
• Degree: Technical Diploma
• Area of Study: Transportation
• Delivery Method: 100% In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 26 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
• Financial Aid Available

Tuition and Fees

• Estimated Program Cost: $7,532.08
• View Tuition and Fees

Admission

To Apply

• Application open
• Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025

Admission Requirements

• Admission Application
• 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

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.

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Basic Sheet Metal Repair & Welding Fundamentals (5 credits)
• Refinishing 1 (5 credits)
• Collision Repair/Refinishing Theory 1 (3 credits)

Second Semester

• Non-Structural Panel Repair & Glass Servicing (5 credits)
• Refinishing 2/Trim & Hardware (5 credits)
• Collision Repair and Refinishing Theory 2 (3 credits)

Career Outcomes

MATC Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician program graduates are prepared with the following 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.
• Technical Skills: Repair or replace sheet metal and/or plastic body panels. Refinish vehicle to pre-accident condition.

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 14 (2022), 14 (2023), 5 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: 14 (2022), 14 (2023), 5 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Returned: 14 (2022), 12 (2023), 5 (2024)
• Percent of Surveys Returned: 100% (2022), 85.7% (2023), 100% (2024)
• Available for Employment: 5 (2022), 4 (2023), 2 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: 35.7% (2022), 33.3% (2023), 40.0% (2024)

Graduate Employers

• Caliber Collision: Detailer (Minneapolis, MN)
• Custom RV: Autobody Technician (DeForest, WI)

Related Program

• Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician