CNC Machinist Schools in Kansas City

The field of CNC machining is quite a technical profession. It includes various topics from different walks of life, including graphic design, computer programming, manufacturing, business, product design, and more. As an aspiring CNC Machinist in Kansas City, Missouri, having a robust and complete education is something you simply need to maintain.

Thankfully, thanks to the abundance of top-quality training programs in and around the city, you should not have to. Of course, it can be challenging to sort and select the best out of the pool of options. But that is exactly what this article is for.

We have highlighted the best options so that candidates can feel confident in their decisions and enjoy starting their careers.

How to Become a CNC Machinist in Kansas City

The first step to becoming a CNC machinist in Kansas City is to have a high school diploma or GED. This will be needed to secure admission into a training program — either an academic or an apprenticeship program.

A candidate’s training duration will depend on their chosen training avenue. Most specialist academic programs last 9 months, some extended programs last 2 years, and advanced bachelor’s degree programs require 4 years of training. Apprenticeship programs may take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

After completing their training, candidates often acquire professional credentials before securing employment. Popular options include the Certified CNC Lathe Programming Setup and Operations, CNC Milling 1, Manufacturing Technician Level 1, and the Certified Metalworking Fluids Specialist credentials offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

Top CNC Machinist Schools in Kansas City, Missouri

The following are some of the most worthwhile training programs for CNC machining candidates in Kansas City to consider.

Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City is one of the most popular destinations for students seeking trade and technical training at an academic institution. The school’s Computer Integrated Machining and Manufacturing (CIMM) program is undoubtedly the most popular choice for future CNC machinists in the area.

Accepted applicants will not only have a chance to acquire the necessary skills in a wonderful environment, but they will also be able to practice what they are being taught in real-world scenarios thanks to partnerships with industry leaders.

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is another popular choice for CNC machining training. Thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and historically competent faculty, the course is 100% online and focuses on cutting-edge machining techniques.

The program outlines its key objectives, including its commitment to helping students master the basics of CNC controls and programs and learn inspection methods and work-holding principles.

Missouri Valley College

Missouri Valley College offers one of the most popular online training programs for aspiring CNC machinists anywhere in the state. The program was designed to be a flexible introduction for students looking to acquire the necessary skills to perform crucial CNC machining duties.

It includes work holding, mathematics, safety, metal cutting, and computer-aided design topics. Candidates only need a laptop and internet connection to get started. The program can be completed in one year.

Explore detailed steps and top trade schools in the state:

St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College offers another high-quality entry-level training program for CNC machinists, the Precision Machining Technology Program. This Certificate of Specialization program is particularly popular due to its comprehensiveness and fast-tracked nature.

Students will learn how to safely operate drill presses, lathes, and milling machines while gaining knowledge of computer-aided design and general CNC machine setup.

Students will also be encouraged to develop soft transferable skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving to consolidate their technical skills.

Ranken Technical College

At Ranken Technical College, candidates who enroll in the CNC Machinist program will be able to secure employment immediately after they graduate. Students of the day school will graduate with an Associate of Technology or Associate of Science degree in Advanced Precision Machining Technology, while students of the evening school will leave with a Certificate in Precision Machining Technology.

Topics of focus include mathematics fundamentals, work holding principles, fixture body construction, fixture design basics, drill bushing selection, basic measurement, machining and stamping, calibration fundamentals, and an introduction to GD & T.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include the Precision Machining Technology Program offered by the State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, the Precision Machining Technology - OTC Industrial offered by Ozarks Technical Community College, and the online Machining Technology program offered by Southeast Missouri State University.

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