Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician Overview
Are you passionate about car aesthetics and troubleshooting and looking to turn that passion into a rewarding career? CVTC’s one-year Auto Collision Repair and Refinish Technician program is your gateway to a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Our program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an auto collision shop environment.
Gain hands-on experience tackling real-world projects that mirror the daily tasks of a non-structural repair and paint technician, from fixing cosmetic damage like dents and scratches to mastering non-structural repairs, building the foundational skills for a successful career.
You will learn the following skills:
- Pre and post-repair scans, calibration, scanning, and ADAS
- Repair concepts such as airbags, SRS, seat belts, and enhanced estimating
- Painting techniques, color blending and tinting, and identifying painting flaws
- Dent repair, body line repair, and door skin replacements
- Metal finishing, spreading body filler, prep sanding for primer, plastic repair, and disassembly/reassembly
- Basic welding skills using GMAW, PAC, and OFC
Join us at CVTC and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in auto-collision repair. Our program provides you with the technical skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in the industry. Enroll today and start your journey.
Save the Date
Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning.
Career Opportunities
Autobody Technician
Metal Technician
Body Tech/Painter
Autobody Collision Technician
Graduate Employers
Caliber Collision
Trubilt Collision Center
Quality Truck Care Center
Markquart Motors
Nuss Trucking and Equipment
Eau Galle Body Shop
Just the Facts
Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician
35 Credit Technical Diploma
Program Length
One Year
Delivery Method
Face-to-Face
Program Location
Eau Claire
Start Months
August
Next Start Date
August 25, 2025
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Term 1
$ 3,010
Term 2
$ 3,211
Term 3
$ 1,396
Materials
$ 90
License, Certificate, or Credential
$ 100
What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $7,807
Program Outcomes
CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.
// Program Scorecard$46K* Yearly Salary
Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician professionals make an average starting salary of $45,774.
100% Employed
100% of our recent Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician graduates got a job in the industry.
49 Regional Jobs
There are 49 job openings in the CVTC district for the Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician industry.
* This wage is not specific to CVTC graduates. Wage estimates are based on entry-level positions and are gathered from Lightcast which is an economic modeling software that blends historical and projected industry and occupation trends within CVTC's 11-county district. Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey.
Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions
Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.
Program Courses
These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.
You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.
Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician program.
Sample Courses
Welding for Auto Collision
Students will acquire basic welding skills on light gauge metals and other materials used in the automobile industry by using oxyacetylene welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and plastic welding.
Refinishing
Students will complete paint jobs, spot repair, color blending, sanding techniques, and taping.
Estimating & Structural Repair
Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct an inspection and perform damage analysis, both structural and non-structural.
Request More Information
Please provide your contact information and an Admissions Advisor will get back to you ASAP with more information about this program.
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Your future is waiting…Are you ready to get started?
Apply NowRelated Programs & Certificates
Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
Degrees & Diplomas
Automotive Maintenance Technician, Technical Diploma
Automotive Technician, Technical Diploma
Diesel Technician, Technical Diploma
Motorcycle, Marine & Outdoor Power Products Technician, Technical Diploma
Truck Driving, Technical Diploma
Continue Your Learning
CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.
// Explore Continuing Ed OpportunitiesUnsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.
A Program You Can Trust
Program Accreditation
The ASE Education Foundation strives to uphold quality and excellence in automotive service. It accredits qualified educational programs in schools (secondary and post-secondary) through its 5-Step Process, and offers student career development. Visit accreditation website.
Additional Admissions Resources
Admission Requirements
Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.
// View Admission RequirementsAdvising Tips
We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.
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