Men and women working as machinists, create precise mechanical parts and tools for engines and other automated products using power-operated machines. In addition to operating technical machinery, machinists are also responsible for reviewing product blueprints and specifications, planning and troubleshooting the production process, and ensuring the accuracy of the finished product they create.

The Machine Technology operator/programmer certificate and degree programs are designed to prepare graduates for careers in the manufacturing industries. Topics within the programs include blueprint reading, computer-aided manufacturing (CAD CAM), machine shop math, extensive hands-on set up, and operating manual lathes and mills, as well as operating, and programming CNC machine tools.

Machine Tool Technology is classified as an evolving occupation and the demand in careers for machinists is projected to remain steady and provide future employment growth and economic competitiveness within Texas. 

The program contains a progressive sequence of curriculum, with awards earned at milestone intervals.

Computer Numeric Control Operator/Programmer II Certificate also referred to as CNC 2 is the final machining technology certificate and is an advanced continuation of the skills learned in the Computer Numeric Control Operator/Programmer I Certificate (CNC). In this certificate the student machinist is taught advanced computer numeric control (CNC) programming and operational skills adding 2 more axes of rotation therefore the student learns to successfully program/operate 5 axis machining and multi axis turning centers. The student in this certificate is taught advanced levels of design and programming through industry standard CAD/CAM (computer aided design / computer aided manufacturing) software.  This is the final set of machining skills which has built upon the previous two certificates (Manual and CNC 1) to prepare the student to enter a machine tool technology and manufacturing career.  After this certificate the student can obtain the AAS if desired by taking 9 credit hours of academic courses and an additional 3 credit hour machining course.

Tuition

Average full-time tuition is $862 per semester.

Tuition rates are based on residency. Get an estimate of your costs by using the Tuition & Fees chart. If you need assistance paying for college, financial aid is available in the form of book advances, grants, scholarships, loans, and more.

For careers and median salaries, visit Career Star for more information.