Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 1-yr and the 2-yr Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing programs?
When can I start the program?
When can I apply, and how can I apply?
What are the admissions requirements?
Does this program have a waitlist and how long is it?
What is the cost of tuition?
What significant additional costs are involved beyond tuition?
How long is the program, and what kind of diploma/degree will I receive?
What is a typical schedule?
Can I start working towards graduation requirements before I am accepted into the program?
Can I just take one or two of the Auto Collision classes without applying to the program?
Who do I ask if I have additional questions?

What is difference between the 1-yr and the 2-yr Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing programs?

• The 1-year program is the 1st year of the 2-year program
• The 2-year program is highly recommended for people that plan to work in the industry.  Measuring, estimating, structural straightening, plastic bumper repair, advanced color tinting and blending are skills that are only taught in the 2nd year.
• Students may easily change between the two programs.  You can decide sometime during the 1st year if you would like to continue for the 2nd year or not.

When can I start the program?

• You can only start the Auto Collision programs in the fall semester.
• A waitlist can form for these programs, so the year you start depends on when you applied and the status of the waitlist.

When can I apply, and how can I apply?

• The Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing programs accept students for fall semesters only.  You can apply as early as September 1 for the next year’s fall admittance.
• Given that a waitlist does form with this program, we recommend you apply as early as possible.

What are the admissions requirements?

• The only admissions requirement is that you have a high school diploma, HSED, or GED.

Does this program have a waitlist?

• A waitlist often forms for this program, so the earlier you apply the better.
• Even if you are initially placed on a waitlist, you will likely be able to take the spot of someone who decides not to attend.
• Last year, every student that was placed on the waitlist was offered a spot for the fall (spaces become available as admitted students decide not to attend.)
• If you have already completed an application and want to know what number you are on the waitlist, call advisor Kimbrin Cornelius at 243-4283 or email kcornelius@matcmadison.edu

What is the cost of tuition?

• Go to MATC’s tuition webpage to see approximate cost per semester for every program.

What significant additional costs are involved beyond tuition?

• The Auto Collision programs have tool, supply, and book requirements that cost approximately $1200 in addition to tuition.  These tools and supplies must be purchased the first week of class because they are necessary to work in the lab.
• All students should have a main plan, and a backup plan in terms of having the funds to purchase these tools.  If you cannot purchase the tools, you will not be able to participate in class and will quickly fall behind.
• If you are counting on financial aid to help you with these costs, you must make sure your financial aid application is in order, and is not missing information.  You will receive written notification if you are missing information, so read all your mail.
• If you make a written request to financial aid and provide documentation of your additional supply costs, financial aid may be able to increase the size of some awards.  Call the financial aid office at 246-6170 for additional information.

How long is the program, and what kind of diploma/degree will I receive?

• There is a 2-year and a 1-year option. Both are technical diplomas.
• The program will take two years (2-year option) or one year (1-year option) to complete if you take all the classes each semester in sequence.

What is a typical schedule?

• Students must attend class full time.  A morning/early afternoon section and an afternoon/evening section are offered.  Students are not guaranteed their first choice of schedule.
• All classes are held at the Madison Truax campus.

Can I start working towards graduation requirements before I am accepted into the program?

• There are up to 5 credits of general studies credits that can be taken prior to the program. To find these classes, look at the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing curriculum (2 year) or Auto Collision Repair and Refinish curriculum (1-year) which lists all required classes.  General studies courses are identified by an 800 course number (for example, Vocational math is 31-804-379).

Can I just take one or two of the Auto Collision classes without applying to the program?

• No.  Each class depends on each other so students must take all the Auto Collision courses (full-time) each semester.
• Because this program has a waitlist, classes are full to capacity with program students.  As a result, you cannot register for our program classes before being admitted into the program.
• MATC does offer a custom painting certificate that is available to non-program as well as to program students.

Who do I ask if I have additional questions?

For additional questions about admissions or about the Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing programs, call advisor Kimbrin Cornelius at (608) 243-4283 or email her at kcornelius@matcmadison.edu.