Mechatronics Basics
Technical Diploma
14 Credits | 1 year part time
Custom Delivery, New Richmond, Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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.
Mechatronics is defined as the combination of mechanics, electronics, computer technologies, sensors, robots, controls, hydraulics, and pneumatics. It is used in the development, maintenance, and design of high-tech, efficient machines and products, and is also used in automated processes for manufacturing and industrial tasks.
Northwood Tech provides the Mechatronics Basics training program for those looking to get a start in the manufacturing industry or advance their careers.
Tuition reimbursement may be available to assist with your training in mechatronics as part of the Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) Grant. To determine if you are eligible, please contact an Admission Advisor. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Program Overview
The Mechatronics Basics program will give students the skills to repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery. Students are also trained on how to lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance. Northwood Tech is a partner school with PMMI, certification tests are available upon request.
Program Outcomes
Mechatronics Basics graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe practices and techniques
- Install power transmission components
- Maintain power transmission components
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.
Northwood Tech focuses on the skills that are priorities for industry. Not only are students working on real equipment, but they are also gaining real skills. A major focus is on training to troubleshoot. Whether the problem is mechanical, software related, or networking, students gain valuable experience in the theory, logic and process of troubleshooting.
State-of-the-art equipment.
Flexible delivery
Learn by doing.
Academics
Mechatronics Basics is offered through flex and in-person classes at the Rice Lake campus.
Mobile Lab
Northwood Tech’s Mechatronics mobile lab is designed to offer coursework at off-campus sites to provide increased training opportunities for manufacturing partners and high schools. The mobile lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide learners with hands-on training. Please contact Liz Pizzi, Associate Dean of Workforce and Community Development at 715.752.8127 or liz.pizzi@NorthwoodTech.edu if interested in mobile delivery.
Industry Credentials
Following course completion, students are eligible to take the Association of Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) Mechatronics Certification, Level 1 online exams. PMMI credentials include Industrial Electricity 1, Fluid Power 1, Programmable Logic Controllers 1, and Mechanical Components 1. These certification exams are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certification System.
Less Than 1 Year
This technical diploma is just 14 credits and can be completed in less than one year. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to get a rewarding career in the exciting and innovative field of Mechatronics.
Required Courses
The program is comprised of 14 credits that can be completed in one year while attending part time.
Featured Mechatronics Basics Courses
Mechatronics Basics is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Mechatronics Basics student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
Industry 4.0 Smart Automation
You can continue your education and advance your skills.
You can continue your education to earn a 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.
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.
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*
Mechatronics Basics
14 Credits | Less than 1 Year
$2,455
*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 Mechatronics Basics Program
Upon completion of your Mechatronics Basics technical diploma at Northwood Tech, you can continue your education to earn the Automated Packaging Systems Technician technical diploma.
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.
Smart Automation Certification Alliance
The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program is a member of SACA.
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute
The PMMI Mechatronics program helps move manufacturing forward by providing employers, schools and potential workers the tools needed to advance the workforce and close the ever expanding skills gap.
Through a series of tests based on industry-developed skill standards, the PMMI Mechatronics Certification program:
- Helps employers assess workers for core skills
- Guides schools in developing curriculum to prepare students for the manufacturing workforce
- Provides a career pathway for students looking for rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing
PMMI certification tests are based on industry-developed standards and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certification System. PMMI works with a growing number of PMMI Mechatronics Education and Industry Partners to further advance this program.
HOMES Grant
Equal Opportunity
No person may be denied admission to, participation in, employment at, the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any service, program, course or facility of Northwood Technical College because of the person's political affiliation, age, race, creed, religion, color, handicap (disability), marital status, parental status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, pregnancy, arrest record, conviction record, service in the armed forces, genetic testing, or use or non-use of lawful products off the College premises during non-working or non-class hours.
Funding
The 3-year, $9.8 million Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) project is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Impact Seven will provide an additional $20 million for sustainable affordable housing options within the district. Northwood Technical College will provide an additional $1.25 million to conduct advanced manufacturing training for underemployed, unemployed, and special population individuals.
Reporting
General demographic and job placement information of program participants will be used and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as one measurement of success for this grant-funded program.
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.
