A machine tool student using a CNC machine

Machine Tool Technician

Technical Diploma

56 Credits | 1.5 Years

Financial Aid-Eligible

Superior

Spring Start

Career Cluster: Manufacturing

Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines and grinders to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. Machinists use their knowledge of the properties of metals and machine tools to plan and carry out the operations necessary to make precise specification machined products.

Program Overview

The two-year Machine Tool Technician program at Northwood Tech will prepare you to operate and set up machine tools for the machining industry.  You will learn general machining skills based on the skills and knowledge identified by the Metalworking Industry Skill Standards Board. You will gain skills in production planning, quality control, metallurgical processes, precision measuring, using an engineer's handbook and interpreting prints. Computer-aided machining and programming techniques are emphasized. New program start every January. 

Program Outcomes

Machine Tool Technician 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
  • Perform advanced CNC machining operations

Becoming a machinist is a hands-on learning experience. You will be able to create projects as you learn the trade. In becoming a machinist, you will learn a high skilled trade that requires precision and attention to detail. Being able to program CNC equipment will make you a sought after employment candidate for area employers. 

Student using equipment in WITC's state-of-the-art facilities

Learn by doing.

Instructor guiding a student with equipment in the lab

Highly skilled.

A student working with machinery in the state-of-the-art facilities

Current technology. 


Academics

Machine Tool Technician is offered on the Superior campus. Classes are in-person. Machine Tool Technician is scheduled over 1.5 years, including the summer term.

Experienced Instructors

As a Machine Tool Technician student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries. 

Career Pathways

Earn credentials every step of the way. The Machine Tool Technician two-year technical diploma includes an embedded Machine Tool Operation technical diploma that you will earn after just two semesters into the program. 

Hands-on Learning

The majority of the laboratory projects are hands on. After learning the theory, you'll put what you learned to practice in the machine tool lab. 


Required Courses

Program-specific courses include CAD/CAM Applications, CNC Programming - Turning, Machine Tool Operation 1 and more. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Machine Tool Technician Courses

32420312
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Students will learn about program structure (startup, work, shutdown), and basic G-codes including variations caused by machine type and programmer style. They will write simple programs and edit prewritten programs in order to hone their skill. The goal will be to start out simple and move to programs that are both efficient and effective. PREREQUISITE: 32420365 CNC Fundamentals or consent of instructor.
32420320
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Assisted Manufacturing (CAM) have become standard tools used almost wherever CNC production in metalworking takes place. Students will use the CAD/CAM software to build geometry, tool and material libraries, and define cutting paths/patterns. Post-processing of these CAD/CAM files will generate CNC programs in machine-specific G-code format. PREREQUISITE: 32420361 Introduction to CAD/CAM or 32420365 CNC Fundamentals.
32420325
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
Students will be assigned introductory, specifically designed projects that will be machined using the engine lathe, milling machine, drill press, and various saws. Students will be in a job-like setting. The capability and safe use of machine tools will be stressed.

Machine Tool Technician is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Machine Tool Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
28 Credits / 1 Year Full Time
Potential Careers
Machine Operator, Machinist Apprentice, Machine Setup Operator
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This is the program you’re looking at.

Technical Diploma
56 Credits / 2 Years Full Time
Potential Careers
Machine Tool Operator, Apprentice Machinist, Machine Setup Person, Tool Room Machinist, CNC Machinist, Maintenance Machinist, CNC Programmer
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Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

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

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Machine Tool Technician

56 Credits | 1.5 Years

$10,971

$1,400 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 Technician Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Tool Technician. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.