Certificate — Machine Technologist

This 30-credit certificate includes seven Production Technology courses that provide core skills and seven courses with advanced machining skill topics and hands-on experience.

Coursework includes:

  • Machine tool print reading
  • Machine tool technology theory and lab principles
  • Machining math
  • Introduction to computer numerical control (CNC)
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Students who have already completed the seven core courses in the Production Technologies Certificate only have seven additional courses to complete.

This certificate contains foundational courses that make-up the 360 eTECH 30-credit certificates (Automation Technologies, Machine Technologist and Welding Technology).

Employment

Graduates of the Machine Technologist certificate can expect to have the skills necessary to fill positions such as production machinist, CNC machinist and CNC operations technician.

In Minnesota, the short-term employment outlook as of 2012 indicated there would be more than 470 positions available in machining. More long-term employment forecasts predict more than 2,000 available machining positions through 2019 in Minnesota. According to iSeek.org, Machinists working in Minnesota earn an average wage of $20.87 per hour — more than the national average.

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Next Steps

Students completing the Machine Technologist certificate will have gained the knowledge required to pass the MSSC full-certified Production Technician Certification.

Northwest Technical College (360 eTECH) does not award the MSSC Certification. Students earning an NTC (360 eTECH) certificate will need to locate the nearest MSSC Certified Assessment Center to arrange testing for the MSSC Certification.

The nationwide Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), based upon industry-defined and federally endorsed national standards, offers both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the high-growth, technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century. The MSSC System awards certificates to individuals who pass any of its four production modules:

  • Safety
  • Quality Practices and Measurement
  • Manufacturing Processes and Production
  • Maintenance Awareness

MSSC offers a full Certified Production Technician (CPT) Certification to those who pass all four.

A sample of businesses that recognize the MSSC Certification include:

  • Harley-Davidson
  • Cummins
  • Dow Chemical
  • Arctic Cat
  • ITW/Heartland
  • Toro
  • Steelcase

College Readiness

A student may be required to enroll in college readiness courses in reading, writing and math. A student’s scores on the Accuplacer assessment will determine enrollment in college readiness courses. The purpose of college readiness courses is to prepare students for the demands of a college-level curriculum. Credits may vary.

Degree Requirements

Course #Course NameCredit
CMAE 1502Technical Math3.00
CMAE 1506Introduction to Computers2.00
CMAE 1510Print Reading2.00
CMAE 1514Safety Awareness2.00
CMAE 1518Manufacturing Processes and Production2.00
CMAE 1522Quality Practices2.00
CMAE 1526Maintenance Awareness2.00
Total Credits0