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Precision Machining Technician
Technical Diploma
Why choose Precision Machining Technician?
- Machinists create nearly perfect parts for use in aerospace, medical, military, and food industries.
- Machinists also operate and repair custom machining.
- Machining is a great career for those with attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
- Infusion of new technology into the field has increased the need for skilled machinists today.
- Get the training you need to get started in a machining position. Additional training and experience often lead to advanced positions including quality technician, supervisor, and business owner.
A machinist starts with a piece of raw material, then cuts material away through multiple processes to create an object of great utility and precision. That object is a part to be used in manufacturing, and it must be nearly perfect. How perfect? Usually within 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) and sometimes at tolerances as low as 0.0001 inches.
Program Locations
AMETA™ Center
5000 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 52-53
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
The Precision Machining Technician program prepares graduates for machining positions, an in-demand skill set at the heart of industrial production. Additional training and experience often lead to supervisory, quality assurance, and tool maker positions.
In this program you will learn to shape various materials into intricate, precise, usable parts. You’ll also work from blueprints and written specifications to select the proper machinery, materials, and tools, and you’ll gain proficiency with machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, computers, and computerized numerical control (CNC) machines.
Outcomes
- Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop.
- Interpret industrial/engineering drawings.
- Apply precision measuring methods to parts inspection.
- Perform basic machine tool equipment setup and operation.
- Perform programming, setup, and operation of CNC machine tools.
- Perform advanced CNC machining operations.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $10,368.44
- Books: $533.00
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $10,901.44
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420331 | Print Reading for Precision Machining | 2 | |
| 32420326 | Introduction to Turning Machines | 2 | |
| 32420373 | CNC Lathes Set Up and Operation | 2 | |
| 32420311 | Safety, Measurement and Layout | 1 | |
| 32420329 | Intermediate Turning Applications | 5 | |
| 31804305 | Applied Mathematics | 2 | |
| -or- | 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| Term Total | 14-15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420310 | Introduction to Solid Modeling | 2 | |
| 32420337 | Introduction to Milling Machines | 2 | |
| 32420374 | CNC Mills Set Up and Operation | 2 | |
| 32420340 | Intermediate Milling Applications | 5 | |
| 31801368 | Workplace Communication | 1 | |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420332 | Materials and Machinability | 2 | |
| 32623301 | Manufacturing Principles | 1 | |
| 32420325 | Inspection with Geometric Dimensioning | 2 | |
| 32420362 | CNC Lathes/Manual Programming | 2 | |
| 32444377 | CNC Lathes Computer Aided Programming | 2 | |
| 32420330 | Advanced Turning Applications | 3 | |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32420380 | Multi-Axis Machining Processes | 3 | |
| 32420364 | CNC Mills/Manual Programming | 2 | |
| 32444378 | CNC Mills Computer Aided Programming | 3 | |
| 32444379 | Advanced CNC Milling Operations | 3 | |
| 32420341 | Advanced Milling Applications | 3 | |
| Term Total | 14 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 52-53 Credits |
Instructors
MIKE BERRY, BS
Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from UW–Stout and is a certified journey worker machinist. He has worked for local manufacturers and maintains constant contact with industry leaders, giving him a real-life understanding of what they need from their employees.
“Teaching at Mid-State allows me to give back to a trade I have found so much satisfaction in being a part of.”
JOE BYCZYNSKI
Joe earned his Journeyman Machinist license from Northcentral Technical College and his technical diploma in machine tool operations from Mid-State Technical College. His extensive experience includes working in the metal manufacturing sector since 1987, where his roles included everything from project manager to shop owner.
“Being a Precision Machining Technician instructor is a great way for me to utilize my unique experiences and pass my knowledge on to the future generation of machinists.”
KERRY DUCKART, TD
Kerry earned his Machine Tool Technician technical diploma from Mid-State Technical College in 2002. His 17 years of industry experience include five years in a machine shop and 12 years working for an OEM company where he advanced to machine shop manager. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree.
“I love having the opportunity to teach skills that have allowed me a successful career as a machinist.”
Careers
- Advanced Machine Operator
- CNC Machine Operator
- Job Shop Machinist
- Apprenticeship
- CNC Operator
- CNC Programmer
- Machine Operator
- Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- Tool Room Machinist
- Quality Control Technician
- Metrology Technician
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”
JAKE ANDERSON
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
