Program Description

The Machine Tool Technics Technical Diploma prepares learners to set up and operate various types of manual and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools. Learners machine piece parts, use precision measuring tools and instruments for parts inspection. The program encourages hands-on activities, creativity, problem solving and productivity in all phases of manufacturing. This program accepts new students on a full- or part-time basis.

Please note: This program is subject to the Clock-to-Credit Hour Conversion and some courses listed will not be eligible for full financial aid funding based on the program’s credit hours.

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Approximate Program Cost

$12,776
Tuition & Fees: $11,572
Books & Supplies: $1,204

Starting Salary

$41,600–$45,760
Average, based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
An aerial view of NTC's Wausau Campus main entrance on a sunny summer day. Trees and greenery frame the spacious side walks that lead up to the light-brown brick building.

Take a Look Around

Explore NTC’s Machine Tool Lab and get an idea of what it’s like to be a student in the Machine Tool Technics program.

Get Started

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
50-60%
at Antigo
10-20%
at Medford
50-60%
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 tool, die and mold operations
  • 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:

  • CNC Programmer
  • Jig and Fixture Builder
  • Tool & Die Apprentice
  • Maintenance Machinist
  • Machine Setup Operator
  • Job Shop Machinist

Courses

The Machine Tool Technics Technical Diploma is a 58 credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

Please note: This program is subject to the Clock-to-Credit Hour Conversion and some courses listed will not be eligible for full financial aid funding based on the program’s credit hours.

First Term

College 101 1.00
Mathematics For Machine Tool 1.00
Precision Inspection 1.00
Print Reading For The Machine Trades 1 1.00
Machine Tool Programming 1 1.00
Machine Tool Processes 1 2.00
CNC Milling Machine Fundamentals 1 3.00
CNC Turning Machine Fundamentals 1 2.00
Machine Tool Safety And Basic Tool Use 1.00
Introduction To Machine Tool 2.00

Second Term

Machine Tool Calculations 2.00
Machine Tool Processes 2 3.00
CNC Milling Machine Fundamentals 2 3.00
CNC Turning Machine Fundamentals 2 2.00
Print Reading For The Machine Trades 2 1.00
Machine Tool Processes 3 2.00
Technical Communication For Machine Tool 1.00
Machine Tool Programming 2 1.00

Third Term

Machine Tool Cam Programming 1.00
Introduction To CAD/CAM 1.00
Machine Tool Processes 4 2.00
Print Reading For The Machine Trades 3 1.00
Machine Tool Processes 5 3.00
CNC Milling Machine Fundamentals 3 3.00
CNC Turning Machine Fundamentals 3 2.00
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing 1.00

Fourth Term

Introduction To Welding 1.00
Precision Machining Processes 1 3.00
Precision Machining Processes 2 2.00
Advanced CNC Machining Centers 1 3.00
Advanced CNC Machining Centers 2 3.00
Machine Tool Internship 1.00
Metallurgy 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.

If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn significant credit towards this Machine Tool Technics Technical Diploma:

Cost of Attendance

2024–2025 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance

The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College uses the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student's cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student's financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies.

Please Note: this COA budget estimate assumes full-time attendance for two semesters — Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
Expenses Student Living With Parents (Home) Student Living on Own (Other)
Full-time Tuition (based on a total of 30 credits, 15 credits fall and 15 credits spring)
In-State Tuition & Fees
$4,844*
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$7,127*
In-State Tuition & Fees
$4,844*
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$7,127*
Living Expenses (Housing & Food) $3,008 $9,147
Books / Supplies $1,465 $1,465
Transportation $4,017 $4,017
Personal Expenses $3,608 $3,608
Loan Fees $85 $85
Total Estimated Cost Of Attendance
In-State
$17,027
Out-of-State
$19,310
In-State
$23,166
Out-of-State
$25,449

* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2024–2025 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and estimated budgets are updated at that time.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the Wisconsin Resident tuition rate is $149.50 per credit and Out-of-State resident tuition is $224.25 per credit.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Student Fees include: a minimum $5.00 material fee and a $13.15 per credit activity fee. A $4.00 per semester insurance fee will be assessed to students taking at least one course which has a scheduled session on campus.

Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.

Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.

NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.

For more information regarding billed tuition and fees visit https://www.ntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

NTC Financial Aid Office

715.803.1647
financialaid@ntc.edu

Additional Information

Clock-to-Credit Hour Conversion

This program is subject to the Clock-to-Credit Hour Conversion and some courses listed will not be eligible for full financial aid funding based on the program’s credit hours.

Term Course Credit Hours Financial Aid Credit Hours
1 COLLEGE 101 1 1
1 MACHINE TOOL SAFETY AND BASIC 1 1
1 INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE TOOL 2 2
1 MATHEMATICS FOR MACHINE TOOL 1 1
1 CNC MILLING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 1 3 3
1 CNC TURNING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 1 2 2
1 MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 1 2 2
1 PRINT READING FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 1 1 1
1 PRECISION INSPECTION 1 1
1 MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMING 1 1 1
2 PRINT READING FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 2 1 1
2 MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 3 2 2
2 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION FOR MACHINE TOOL 1 1
2 CNC MILLING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 2 3 3
2 CNC TURNING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 3 2 2
2 MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 2 3 3
2 MACHINE TOOL CALCULATIONS 2 2
2 INTRODUCTION TO CAD/CAM 1 1
3 MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 4 2 2
3 MACHINE TOOL PROCESSES 5 3 3
3 CNC MILLING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 3 3 3
3 CNC TURNING MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS 3 2 2
3 MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMING 2 1 1
3 MACHINE TOOL CAM PROGRAMMING 1 1
3 GEOMETRIC DIMENSIONING & TOLERANCING 1 1
3 PRINT READING FOR THE MACHINE TRADES 3 1 1
4 INTRODUCTION TO WELDING 1 0.9
4 PRECISION MACHINING PROCESSES 1 3 3
4 PRECISION MACHINING PROCESSES 2 2 2
4 ADVANCED CNC MACHINING CENTERS 1 3 3
4 ADVANCED CNC MACHINING CENTERS 2 3 3
4 MACHINE TOOL INTERNSHIP 1 1
4 METALLURGY 1 1

For more information, please refer to our Financial Aid Policies.

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.

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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 emailed to you.