Program Overview
Machine Tool Operation
Program Number:
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
34 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
Financial Aid Available:
Program Overview
As a Machine Tool Operations student, you will:
- Be introduced to Computer Numerical Control (CNC), 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.
- 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 the Machine Tool Operations program can attend full- or part-time.
- Machine Tool Operations classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
Careers
Earning your One-Year Technical Diploma in Machine Tool Operations program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work in:
- Machine Operator
- Repair/Precision Machinist
- CNC Machinist
- Machine Repair Specialist
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Journey-level Tool and Die Maker
- Journey-level Mold Maker
- Journey-level Millwright
- Shop Owner
- Shop Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Industrial Sales Engineer
- Die and/or Mold Designer
- Educator
- Tool and Die Apprentice
- Mold Making Apprentice
- Millwright Apprentice
- CNC Programmer
Get training for high demand jobs, attractive pay and advancement opportunities.
- Entry level metalworkers can average $30,000-$45,000 with a two-year diploma.
- Precision machining can lead to an engineering or business degree.
- Experienced precision metalworkers earn from $40,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Advancement Opportunities to Manager, Teacher, Shop Owner.
- Ford Motor Co., Cadillac Motor Co., Brown & Sharpe, and Fairbanks Morse were all started by machinists.
Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students , the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the ** academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First Semester
- Interpreting Engineering Drawings
- Machine Tool 1
- Machine Tool 2
- Intro to CNC - G-code Programming
- Elements of Basic Metrology
- Math for the Machine Trades
Second Semester
- Introduction to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT)
- Machine Tool 3
- Machine Tool 4
- Manufacturing w/Solid Modeling-2D
- Applied CNC-Conversational and Setup
- Fundamentals of Metallurgy
- Machine Tool-Occupational Development
Get hands-on learning from day one on high-tech equipment.
Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
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.
- 1. Admission Application
- The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
- 2. 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
- Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at or 608.246.6210.
Career Outcomes
Madison College Machine Tool Operations program graduates are prepared 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: 7 (2022), 5 (2023), 9 (2024)
- Number of Surveys Sent: 7 (2022), 4 (2023), 9 (2024)
- Number of Surveys Returned: 7 (2022), 4 (2023), 6 (2024)
- Percent of Surveys Returned: 100% (2022), 100% (2023), 66.7% (2024)
- Available for Employment: 1 (2022), 1 (2023), 1 (2024)
- Percent Available for Employment: 14.3% (2022), 25.0% (2023), 16.7% (2024)
- Not in Labor Market: 6 (2022), 3 (2023), 5 (2024)
- Percent Not in Labor Market: 85.7% (2022), 75.0% (2023), 83.3% (2024)
Graduate Employers
- Plastic Ingenuity Inc (Machinist/Moldmaker, Cross Plains)
Related Programs
- Machine Tooling Technics
- Basic Machining
- CNC Setup Technician
- Machinist Apprenticeship
- Tool & Die Apprenticeship
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Machine Tool Operation program at Madison College equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the machining and metalworking industries. The one-year Technical Diploma program provides hands-on training in advanced manufacturing techniques, preparing students for entry-level positions such as machine operator or repair machinist.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the Machine Tool Operation program, students will be able to:
- Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
- Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
- Employ precision measuring methods for part inspection
- Perform basic machine tool equipment setup and operation
- Program, set up, and operate CNC Machine Tools
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:
- Introduction to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) (1 credit)
- Machine Tool 3 (4 credits)
- Machine Tool 4 (5 credits)
- Manufacturing w/Solid Modeling-2D (2 credits)
- Applied CNC-Conversational and Setup (2 credits)
- Fundamentals of Metallurgy (2 credits)
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Machine Operator
- Repair/Precision Machinist
- CNC Machinist
- Machine Repair Specialist
Additional Opportunities:
- Journey-level Tool and Die Maker
- Journey-level Mold Maker
- Journey-level Millwright
- Shop Owner
- Shop Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Industrial Sales Engineer
- Die and/or Mold Designer
- Educator
- Tool and Die Apprentice
- Mold Making Apprentice
- Millwright Apprentice
- CNC Programmer
Madison College
Overview:
Madison College, formerly known as Madison Area Technical College, is a public technical college offering a wide range of academic programs and services. It aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and prepare them for successful careers or further education.
Services Offered:
Madison College offers a comprehensive set of services for students, including:
Admissions:
Assistance with the application process, including transcript submission and becoming a student.Enrollment:
Guidance on enrolling in classes.Academic Programs:
A diverse selection of programs across various areas of study, including degrees, certificates, and credentials.Transfer Opportunities:
Pathways to transfer to four-year universities, including partnerships with institutions like UW-Madison.College Credit in High School:
Programs for high school students to earn college credit.International Education:
Opportunities for study abroad.Flexible and Online Learning:
Options for online and flexible learning formats.Honors Program:
A program for high-achieving students.Professional and Continuing Education:
Customized workforce training programs in various fields.High School Completion and Alternatives:
Programs for GED/HSED, English as a Second Language, and other alternatives.Career Discovery Youth Programs:
Classes and camps for youth.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Opportunities to engage in clubs, organizations, athletics, and campus events.Academic and Advising Services:
Support services for academics, advising, career development, testing, and transfer.Student Services and Support:
Financial aid, scholarships, student safety, physical and mental health services, disability resources, veteran services, and technology support.Commitment to Equity:
Initiatives promoting equity and diversity.Paying for College:
Information on tuition and fees, financial aid, scholarships, and other payment options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Madison College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
A wide range of clubs and organizations for students to join.Athletics:
Participation in sports.Campus Events:
Opportunities to attend events and activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Hands-on Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Transfer Opportunities:
Pathways to transfer to four-year universities.Affordable Tuition:
Competitive tuition rates compared to other institutions.Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Extensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities.Student Support Services:
Comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Commitment to Equity:
Dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.Academic Programs:
Madison College offers a wide range of academic programs across 11 areas of study, including:
- Architecture and Engineering
- Arts, Design and Humanities
- Business
- Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
- Culinary, Hospitality and Fitness
- Education and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law, Protective and Human Services
- Science, Math and Natural Resources
- Transportation