Online CNC Machinist Training Programs

Metal and plastic work are very intricate, precise operations in an industrial setting.

As a CNC Machinist, it will be your job to program lathes, mills, and grinders that are controlled by a computer so that you can create incredible objects with ease.

It may seem like an easy job, but it needs quite extensive training to become an expert CNC Machinist.

Luckily, there are incredible online programs out there where you can learn to become a CNC Machinist in as much time as you need.

Best Online CNC Machinist Training Programs

List at least 7 online programs, for each write about the schools offering the program, the price, duration, and any details you can find about the program.

1. Lake Land College

About the Program:

At Lake Land College, you’ll become part of the solution when you consider enrolling in the Associate’s degree program here.

The Online CNC Machinist Program may take only about twelve months to finish, however, you can take two years if you are more comfortable with that.

Through this program, you will learn the basics of blueprint reading, computer-aided design, how to use machines, and much more.

Courses Offered:

• Production Floor Safety
• Clamping Basics
• Math Fundamentals
• Thread Standards and Inspection
• Manual Mill Setup

Contact Information:

• Address: 5001 Lake Land Blvd. Mattoon, IL 61938
• Phone: 217-234-5253
• Website: Lake Land College

Program Cost:

The program at Lake Land College will cost $4,415 for the twelve-month program.

2. Penn Foster

About the Program:

Once you have decided to become a CNC Machinist, the next step is finding an appropriate program.

The curriculum at Penn Foster will set you apart from others in the field especially when learning about industry safety procedures, machining skills, and programming.

You’ll take twelve months to finish this self-paced program, and if you are motivated you could finish even faster.

Courses Offered:

• Hand and Power Tools
• Basic Machining
• CNC Technology and Programming
• Quality Concepts

Contact Information:

• Address: 200 Hickory St. Scranton, PA 18505
• Phone: 800-275-4410
• Website: Penn Foster

Program Cost:

If you pay in full the cost of this program is $1,099, however, if you’d like to make payments, you will typically pay about $1,399 after monthly payments.

3. Universal Technical Institute

About the Program:

If you are looking for a longer program, consider the one at Universal Technical Institute.

Take three years to complete this in-depth program, where you will study at the Nascar Technical Institute.

Prepare for success in any area of CNC Machining when you take part in this complex learning environment.

Courses Offered:

• Blueprint Reading
• Interpreting Geometric Dimensions
• CNC Lathe Setup
• Basic Machine Shop Skills

Contact Information:

• Address: 10695 West Pierce St. Suite 100 Avondale, AZ 85323
• Phone: 800-834-7308
• Website: Universal Technical Institute

Program Cost:

To attend this thirty-six-week program, tuition will be $41,915.

4. Tooling U

About the Program:

With over 100 instructors, Tooling U is a vast learning experience where you can train at your own pace.

Through the Online CNC Machinist Training Program, you’ll get the in-demand skills needed to succeed.

One of the unique aspects of learning at Tooling U is that you can complete a trial run of some classes for free.

Whether you join the free classes are complete the entire program, this is a great school to start your CNC Machinist career.

Courses Offered:

• History and Definition of CNC
• Muti-Axis CNC Training
• CNC Specs for the Mill
• Calculations for Programming

Contact Information:

• Address: 3615 Superior Avenue East Building 44, 5th Floor Cleveland, OH 44114
• Phone: 866-706-8665
• Website: Tooling U

Program Cost:

Each course will cost you $79 per month and this is a self-paced program.

5. Governors State University

About the Program:

Governors State University is located in Florida, but you can attend CNC Machinist Classes online.

Each step along the way, you will be guided by industry professionals to reach your goals.

There are plenty of new insights to learn throughout this self-paced program, and you can finish in as short of a time as you need.

Courses Offered:

• Fixture Design Basics
• Surface Texture and Inspection
• Manual Mill Setup
• Basics of the CNC Mill
• Introduction to OSHA

Contact Information:

• Address: 1 University Parkway University Park, FL 60484
• Phone: 708-534-5000
• Website: Governors State University

Program Cost:

This self-paced program should take about twelve months to complete and will cost $2,245 in total.

6. Aiken Technical College

About the Program:

Aiken Technical College provides an Online CNC Machinist Program that you can finish in just twelve months.

To begin this program, you’ll need to have at least twelve hours of previous experience.

Those who have experience can get started right away and begin this twelve-month journey.

You can also earn an associate’s degree at Aiken Technical College that will provide you with two years of education as a CNC Machinist, the choice is yours.

Courses Offered:

• Fixture Body Construction
• Blueprint Reading
• Basics of Tolerance
• Hole Standards and Inspection
• Coordinates for the CNC Mill

Contact Information:

• Address: PO Drawer 696 Workplace and Business Development Aiken, SC 29802
• Phone: 803-593-9231
• Website: Aiken Technical College

Program Cost:

It will take twelve months to complete your courses at Aiken Technical College, which costs $6,237 in total.

7. Kennesaw State University

About the Program:

Earn a bachelor’s degree in CNC Machinery at Kennesaw State University.

This program provides a four-year experience where you will gain an in-depth perspective on machine usage, blueprints, mills, and lathes.

Learning is easy at Kennesaw State University especially when you have access to tutors and professors at the top of your career.

Courses Offered:

• Clamping Basics
• Blueprint Reading
• In-Line Inspection Applications
• Basics of the CNC Lathe
• Turning Calculations

Contact Information:

• Address: 100 Chastain Rd. 3301 Kennesaw, GA 30144
• Phone: 470-578-4636
• Website: Kennesaw State University

Program Cost:

You can start this program at any time and it will cost $13,796 for a four-year commitment.

What Courses Are in an Online CNC Machinist Program?

In a CNC Machinist Training Program, you will find quite a bit of variety as far as classes go.

You will likely take classes such as:

• Blueprint Reading
• Clamping
• CNC Lathe
• Turning Calculations
• Fixture Body Construction
• CNC Specs of the Mill
• History of CNC Machinery
• Interpreting Geometric Dimensions
• Math Fundamentals
• Thread Standards
• Inspection

Can You Earn a CNC Machinist Certification Completely Online?

Nowadays, you can earn just about any type of certification online, including CNC Machinist certification.

Most certification programs to become a CNC Machinist will take about twelve months to complete, and you can do everything right on the computer.

Those who want more experience can consider an internship or work-study program that allows them hands-on experience with a lathe and mill.

This may help when considering a career after graduation so that you have real-world knowledge of the specifics of working as a CNC Machinist.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a CNC Machinist Certification Online?

It typically takes about twelve months to learn everything necessary to become a successful CNC Machinist.

However, you may find some self-paced programs online that will allow you to work as fast or slow as you need.

This could result in you finishing your schooling within six months or longer than one year.

Decide which education program is right for you when considering an online school.

How Much Does an Online CNC Machinist Certification Cost?

The price of a CNC Machinist Online Training Program can vary depending on where you learn.

However, you should expect to spend around $2,000 for a decent program.

Some that are self-paced can cost less, around $800, which is a great price if you do not spend over a year studying.

Types of CNC Machinist Certifications

Certifications come in all shapes and sizes when considering one as a CNC Machinist.

These certifications can help narrow down your specialization and win over employers.

Some certifications you can expect as a CNC Machinist include:

• Milling I
• Grinding I
• Precision Sheet Metal Operator
• Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer
• Metalworks Fluid Specialist
• Setup and Operations
• Master Engine Machinist
• HVAC Specialist
• Quality Control

4 Self-Study Tips for CNC Machinist Online Students

1. Consider Math

An important part of working as a CNC Machinist is to understand math, especially algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.

You will use these types of equations every day in your career, so it’s best to brush up on your math skills while studying for tests, exams, and just in general.

This can be done online through math websites, or you can pick up math books at your local bookstore.

Study every day to get quicker at understanding basic equations so you aren’t stumped when you start your next job.

2. Practice

You’ll want to practice setting up all the types of machines needed for working as a CNC Machinist.

This can be done through a business that uses them, you can intern there or consider an apprenticeship for volunteer work or pay, depending on what is offered.

The more hands-on experience you have in this career, the better.

3. Learn the Codes

There are a lot of codes that are required to work as a CNC Machinist.

Some of these codes include Feedrate, Spindle Speed, Clockwise Spindle, Tool Changing, and Peck Drilling.

The quicker you commit these codes to memory and how to use them, the faster you will be at your machine.

This will help you in the long run so that you can get the job done faster and more efficiently.

4. Watch videos

Your school may offer some precision videos or you may want to look on YouTube for different types of videos to watch other people working with CNC machines.

This way, you’ll get a better understanding of how the machines work and the proper way to set up and take down your equipment.

Summary

CNC Machinists are skilled in creating parts made of metal and plastic by using computers.

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, then definitely check out any of these great Online CNC Machinist Training Programs to get started on your dream career today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of CNC Machinists are there?

There are several types of CNC Machinists.

Today, you can work as a Plasma Cutting Machinist or Laser Cutting Machinist, or you can work on a Milling Machine, Router Machine, or CNC Lathe.

Sometimes, you will need to do all of these jobs in one, so having a wide variety of knowledge will help you in the long run.

Do I need to be certified as a CNC Machinist?

To work as a CNC Machinist, you do not need to have certification.

It is an option to have certification in this field, but employers and customers will be more intrigued about your services if you do have certification.

Certification is another way to show that you are authentic, skilled, and right for the job, so you don’t need to be certified but it is highly suggested.

What skills are needed for a CNC Machinist?

When working as a CNC Machinist, you will need to have a set of skills that are particular to the job.

These skills will include the ability to read blueprints, strategic planning, accuracy, math knowledge, and organization.

Each skill is pertinent to doing the job well, as everything with a CNC Machine is precise to get the optimum result.

What is the job market like for a CNC Machinist?

Across all of the manufacturing sectors in the United States, CNC Machinists are in high demand.

This is because it is an intricate job that requires patience, skill, and precision.

There are over 44,000 new career openings for CNC Machinists each year.

You can find job openings in electronics, commercial goods, optics, aerospace, and even medical devices.