Program Description

The Machine Tool Operation Technical Diploma program prepares learners to set up, program, and operate various types of manual and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Learners will machine piece parts, use precision measuring tools and instruments for parts inspection, as well as equipment and setups using both conventional and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards.

As an Embedded Technical Diploma, this program ladders fully into the Machine Tool Technics Technical Diploma program and can accept students on a full-time or part-time basis.

Found in These Career Fields:

Approximate Cost

$7,076
Tuition: $5782 , Books: $1294

Starting Salary

$22,932-$33,280
Average, based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available

Program Overview Video

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The application takes just a few minutes to complete.

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
at Wausau
100%
at Antigo
10-20%
at Medford
100%
at Phillips
10-20%
at Spencer
10-20%
at Wittenberg
10-20%
at Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Perform programming, set-up and operation of CNC machine tools
  • Perform basic machine tool equipment set-up and operation
  • Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
  • Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
  • Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Surface Grinder Operator
  • Milling Machine Operator
  • Lathe Operator
  • Machine Setup Operator
  • Production Machinist

Courses

The Machine Tool Operation Technical Diploma is a 30 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

COLLEGE 101 1.00
MACHINE TOOL SAFETY AND BASIC TOOL USE 1.00
INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE TOOL 2.00
MATHEMATICS FOR MACHINE TOOL 1.00
CNC MILLING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 1 3.00
CNC TURNING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 1 2.00
MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 1 2.00
PRINT READING FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 1 1.00
PRECISION INSPECTION 1.00
MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMING 1 1.00

Second Term

PRINT READING FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 2 1.00
MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 3 2.00
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR MACHINE TOOL 1.00
CNC MILLING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 2 3.00
CNC TURNING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 2 2.00
MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 2 3.00
MACHINE TOOL CALCULATIONS 2.00
INTRODUCTION TO CAD/CAM 1.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Pathways

Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.

Completing the Machine Tool Operation Technical Diploma Earns You:

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.

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What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.