Is This Program for You?

If you are driven, highly motivated, love cars, possess a keen eye for detail, and love hands-on work, this field may be just the career for you.

Students entering the Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician program should:

• Enjoy working on all types of cars.
• Work well with details and have good hand dexterity.
• Have good communication and human relation skills.
• Be able to lift 60 pounds and have good vision.
• Like the challenge of fixing things.
• Appreciate the beauty of returning an auto to pre-accident condition.

Program Basics

• Technical diploma, requiring a minimum of one year to complete.
• Day classes.
• High school articulation courses accepted.
• Financial aid available.
• Classes start in the fall.
• ASE Master Certified program.

Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

Based on Wisconsin Residents.

Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
• To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Admissions Preference Policy

  Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until May 1, 2024:

  1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
  2. Non-District State Residents
  3. Out-of-State Residents

Helpful Academic Background

• Math, communications, and technical education courses.

Program Fees

• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
• Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

Additional requirements

Students must have eyewear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater at all times within the lab areas. These glasses are included in the student supplies kit through the Bookstore.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

• Straighten Collision Damaged Sheet Metal
• Refinish Automobile Body Parts
• Replace Non Structural Panels and Parts
• Perform collision repair welding procedures​

Technical Skill Attainment (TSA)

This TSA scoring guide will be used to document your attainment of technical program outcomes for the Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Degree. To meet the requirements on the scoring guide, you will be asked to draw upon the skills and concepts that have been developed throughout the program and are necessary for successful employment in your field. Results will be used to inspire continual improvement of teaching and learning in Wisconsin Technical College System. In addition, this assessment will provide feedback to you about your performance.

With an increase in the number and value of autos on the road, there is also an increasing need for graduates from this program. The following are some career possibilities:

• Auto Body Technician: Repairs damage or replaces parts and then refinishes.
• Painting Technician: Paints vehicles or works as an industrial painter.
• Auto Glass Replacement Specialist: Removes and replaces or repairs all types of glass or glass-related problems.
• Estimator: Works in larger shops doing initial estimates and work schedules.
• Custom Painter: Designs and applies custom paint and graphics.
• Paint and Equipment: Works for distributor supplying products to repair facilities.
• Insurance Adjustor: Works for insurance companies determining repair costs.
• Frame and Alignment Technician: Straightens, welds, replaces, and aligns all types of frames and unibody structures.

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

Credit for Prior Learning

Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
31-804-305	Applied Mathematics
	College Mathematics CLEP Test would also be accepted.

Accreditation Status

The Southwest Tech Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.