CNC Setup Technician

Program Overview

Program Overview

As a CNC Setup Technician student, you will:

• Gain skill sets that prepare you for careers in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operation and CNC programming.
• Learn Basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
• Acquire skills in basic machining such as milling, manual lathes, and drill presses.
• Learn blueprint reading, measurement, quality control, precision, and repair machining.
• Gain knowledge and skills necessary to build and inspect machined parts.
• Get hands-on training in a high-tech work environment.
• Practice problem solve, team work, math, communication, and computers.
• Prepares students for employment in the machining and metalworking industries.
• Build skills needed to become a skilled craftsman.

Program Details

• Students in Madison College's CNC Setup Technician program can attend full or part time.
• CNC Setup Technician classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

Careers

CNC Setup Technician degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of CNC including:

• CNC Machinist
• Machine Operator
• CNC Operator
• CNC Setup Technician

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Interpreting Engineering Drawings (2 credits)
• Machine Tool 1 (4 credits)
• Machine Tool 2 (5 credits)
• Intro to CNC - G-code Programming (2 credits)
• Elements of Basic Metrology (2 credits)
• Math for the Machine Trades (2 credits)

Second Semester

• Manufacturing w/Solid Modeling-2D (2 credits)
• Applied CNC-Conversational and Setup (2 credits)
• Fundamentals of Metallurgy (2 credits)

Admission

To Apply

• The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

Application Dates

• Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
• Spring 2026: Application open, Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

• All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
• Admission Application: The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
• Education Completion: Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
  • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
  • GED/HSED completion
  • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
    • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
    • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
      • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
      • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
      • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

Career Outcomes

After completing the CNC Setup Technician program at Madison Area Technical College, you 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

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 9 (2023), 1 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: 8 (2023), 1 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Returned: 7 (2023), 1 (2024)
• Percent of Surveys Returned: 87.5% (2023), 100.0% (2024)
• Available for Employment: 1 (2023), 0 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: 14.3% (2023), 0.0% (2024)
• Not in Labor Market: 6 (2023), 1 (2024)
• Percent Not in Labor Market: 85.7% (2023), 100.0% (2024)

Related Programs

• Machine Tooling Technics
• Machine Tool Operation
• Basic Machining
• Machinist Apprenticeship
• Tool & Die Apprenticeship

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The CNC Setup Technician program is a one-year program that combines programming and machining.
• Students will gain skill sets that prepare them for careers in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operation and CNC programming.
• Graduates will learn Basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), acquire skills in basic machining such as milling, manual lathes, and drill presses, learn blueprint reading, measurement, quality control, precision, and repair machining, and gain knowledge and skills necessary to build and inspect machined parts.
• Graduates will also receive hands-on training in a high-tech work environment, practice problem solving, teamwork, math, communication, and computers.
• The program prepares students for employment in the machining and metalworking industries and builds skills needed to become a skilled craftsman.

Outline:

• First Semester
• Interpreting Engineering Drawings (2 credits)
• Machine Tool 1 (4 credits)
• Machine Tool 2 (5 credits)
• Intro to CNC - G-code Programming (2 credits)
• Elements of Basic Metrology (2 credits)
• Math for the Machine Trades (2 credits)
• Second Semester
• Manufacturing w/Solid Modeling-2D (2 credits)
• Applied CNC-Conversational and Setup (2 credits)
• Fundamentals of Metallurgy (2 credits)

Careers:

• Graduates of the CNC Setup Technician program are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of CNC, including:
• CNC Machinist
• Machine Operator
• CNC Operator
• CNC Setup Technician