Machine Tool Operation
Technical Diploma
28 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland
Fall and Spring Start
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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Machining is the foundation of manufacturing. You may not have heard of it, but it is an essential part of your everyday life. Any product you own or touch has either been machined or has been made from a die or mold that has been machined. Machining is mostly computer controlled and is the modern replacement to manual machining. These machines cut material to make molds for the manufacturing industry. Those who train to become machinists are well paid and in high demand.
Program Overview
Machine Tool Operation is a nine-month technical diploma program designed to provide in-depth study and hands-on skills in the machine processing of a variety of metals.
You will become proficient in the set up and operation of manual mills, lathes, grinders, drills and saws as you complete increasingly complex projects while holding tight tolerances. Various pieces of precision measuring equipment are used to check quality. Additional work in blueprint reading, heat-treating and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining is required to complete the Machine Tool Operation program.
Program Outcomes
Machine Tool Operation 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.
Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program
Northwood Tech's Machine Tool Operation graduates start out on the job making approximately $18 per hour. After training and time on the job, that wage increases rapidly.
High demand.
High pay.
Highly skilled.
Academics
Machine Tool Operation is offered on the Ashland campus but similar programs are offered at all four of the Northwood Tech locations.
Career Pathways
Career Pathways connect progressive levels of coursework to allow students to build upon their education. Each step in the pathway connects with employment options and provides the opportunity for advancement to higher levels. The Machine Tool Operation program is a pathway option into the Machine Tool Technician technical diploma, which is offered at Superior.
Hands-on Learning
All laboratory projects are hands on. You will design the projects via the use of Solidworks to create the project using your own blueprint.
Experienced Instructors
As a Machine Tool Operation student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries.
Required Courses
Program-specific courses include: Machine Tool Operation 1–4, Machine Tool Theory 1 & 2, CNC Fundamentals, and Print Reading for the Machine Trades.
Featured Machine Tool Operation Courses
Machine Tool Operation is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Machine Tool Operation student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
Advance your skills with a two-year technical diploma.
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.
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
28 Credits | 1 Year
$5,271
Plus $1,625 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 Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Machine Tool Operation technical diploma. Continue your education at Northwood Tech in the Machine Tool 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.
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.
