CNC Machine Set-Up Specialist Certificate

Unlock Your Potential as a CNC Machine Set-Up Specialist

Dive into CNC programming, machine operations, and blueprint reading. You hone advanced skills in CNC operations, programming theory, and precision machining techniques like geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

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CNC Machine Set-up Specialist at a Glance

Degree
Certificate
Length of Study
9 months
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime
Program Start
Fall

See all CNC options at Hawkeye

Your CNC Machining Career

Graduates find employment working in a variety of positions including:

  • Tool and die maker
  • CNC machinist
  • CNC machine operator
  • CNC set-up specialist

Program Overview

  • CNC Fundamentals
  • CNC Programming
  • Machine Operations
  • Machine Trade Print Reading
  • Advanced Machine Theory
  • Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing

CNC Lab: Use the latest equipment in the industry as you learn and perfect your skills on various types of CNC and production manufacturing machines.

Virtual CNC: Practice and gain confidence in your programming skills of CNC machines, mills, and lathes of the most widely used brands.

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of employers who hire CNC graduates:

  • Accurate Gear and Machine, Inc., Waterloo, IA
  • Blackhawk Engineering, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA
  • Criterion Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
  • Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co., Independence, IA
  • GMT Corporation, Waverly, IA
  • Iowa Laser Technology, Cedar Falls, IA
  • John Deere, Waterloo, IA
  • Viking Pump, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA

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How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Natasha Ceaser
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 136C
319-296-4014 ext.1062
Email Natasha Ceaser

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Brent Blythe
Main Campus
Buchanan Hall 153D
319-296-2329 ext.1391
Email Brent Blythe

Last Names N–Z

Chad Smith
Main Campus
Buchanan Hall 153A
319-296-2329 ext.1728
Email Chad Smith