Machine Tool Operation - CNC
Technical Diploma
32 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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This program is currently not accepting applications. Northwood Tech's admissions advisors are available to answer your questions and add your name to a contact list for any future program updates. Contact an advisor here.
Please note that applications are being accepted for Northwood Tech's Machining programs at the Ashland, New Richmond and Superior campuses.
Machining is the foundation of all manufacturing. If you have never heard of machine tool or machining it is an essential part of your life. Any product you own, use or even or touch has either been machined or has been made from a die or mold that has been machined. Machining is mostly done with computer controlled equipment and is the modern replacement to manually operated machine tools used thru the 1950s and '60s. CNC machines cut material, everything from metal to plastic, to make parts, molds, for the manufacturing industry. People who become machinists are well paid and in high demand.
Program Overview
Machine Tool Operation - CNC program is a 9-month technical diploma program designed to provide in-depth study and hands-on skills for the machine tool industry.
Students become proficient in the set up and operation of mills and lathes, as well as manual mills, lathes, drills, and saws. Students write set sheets, build fixtures, program parts, set-up, and machine parts using the students' own processes and CNC programs. They also perform inspection to ensure quality and precision.
Program Outcomes
Machine Tool Operation - CNC graduates will be able to:
- Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
- Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
- Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
- Perform basic machine tool equipment set up and operation
- Perform programming, set up, and operation of CNC machine tools
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
As a machinist, you will learn a highly skilled trade that requires precision and attention to detail. You will interpret engineering drawings, apply precision measuring methods for inspection, perform CNC programming with software.
Northwood Tech students are in high demand.
Graduates get high starting salaries.
Learn by doing.
Academics
Machine Tool Operation - CNC is offered on the Rice Lake campus, but similar programs are offered at all four of the Northwood Tech locations.
Career Pathways
The Machine Tool Operation - CNC program offers one embedded technical diploma in CNC Technician which is 15 of the 32 credits needed for the full diploma.
Experienced Instructors
As a Machine Tool Operation - CNC student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries.
Current Technology
Being able to program CNC equipment as well as learning programs such as Master Cam will make you an attractive employment candidate for area employers.
Required Courses
Program specific subjects covered including Machining Fundamentals, Introduction to CAD/CAM, CAD/CAM Applications, Print Reading for Machine Trades and Milling and Turning 1-5
Featured Machine Tool Operation - CNC Courses
Machine Tool Operation - CNC is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Machine Tool Operation - CNC student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
This technical diploma is embedded in the Machine Tool Operation - CNC program.
CNC Technician
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
This program is currently not accepting applications. Northwood Tech's admissions advisors are available to answer your questions and add your name to a contact list for any future program updates. Contact an advisor here.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Machine Tool Operation - CNC
32 Credits | 1 Year
$6,340
Plus $2,150 for tools, supplies and uniforms
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Machine Tool Operation - CNC Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in CNC Technician and Machine Tool Operation - CNC.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
