2026-2027 Course Catalog
Machinist Technology, Diploma
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
Machinist Technology graduates should have the skills required to work in the following career fields: - General Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- CNC Lathe or Mill Operator
- Quality Technician
- Engine (automotive) Machinist
- Gunsmith
A graduate would have a solid foundation for these fields: - CAD Tech
- Mechanical or Production Engineering
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Students start Fall semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Minimum ALEKS math placement score of 13%
- Satisfy required assessments with a minimum composite ACT score of 20 or ACCUPLACER Next Gen with a minimum score of 220 Reading and 240 Writing.
- Attend any required information/registration session.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Machinist Technology Diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Option 1 - Select 1 Course
Option 2 - Select 1 Course
Total Credits Required to Complete the Machinist Technology Diploma - 48
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | | Books (approximate) | 300 | 150 | | | Supplies | 50 | 50 | 50 | | Equipment-Tool | 70 | 1000 | | Approximate total for program: $11,990** **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Make dies, metal forms and tools; guide and hold devices used in the mass production of metal and plastic parts.
- Spend time doing precision handwork on dies such as sanding, filing, scraping, and polishing parts of the dies.
- Use almost every kind of machine tool and precision-measuring instrument.
- Repair gauges, jigs, fixtures, and dies that may be worn or damaged.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Apply math skills in specific machine setups and operations.
- Organize your work, planning each step of the job from beginning to end.
- Maintain a steady hand for precise movements and use your eyes for close work for long periods of time.
- Be able to lift 25 to 50 pounds.
- Demonstrate imagination and creativity on the various machine setups and operations.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and work closely with others.
- Basic computer management skills.
- Must be able to follow industry standard safety guidelines.
- A quick reaction time is critical in this field. The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears is necessary to avoid injury.
What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?
- To be a journeyman machinist, you will need two to three years of on-the-job apprenticeship experience.
- There is danger of accidents due to the high-powered, fast-moving machine parts.
- Most of the work will be done in a standing position.
- Average starting salary, Machinist Diploma-$45,840 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should discuss options with a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for credit transfer.
Program Competencies
- Demonstrate the workplace basic skills of listening, writing, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships and leadership
- Demonstrate the ability to setup, operate and adjust state of the art multiprocess welding power sources
- Evaluate weld quality to an American Welding Society industry standard
- Understand basic principles of electricity as it relates to welding
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret weldment blueprints and symbols
- Understand heat transfer as it relates to specific metal alloys and weld joints
- Assess welding discontinuities to determine appropriate ways to solve problems
- Demonstrate the safe and effective procedures and method in the proper use of tools, machines, and measuring tools
- Interpret data to industry standards
- Analyze industrial components using metrology to verify quality
- Create components using standard and advanced machining processes to industry standards
- Fabricate components using standard and advanced machining and welding processes to industry standards
Competencies revised date
FY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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