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Featured CAD Programs
Also known as: Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), or Architectural Drafting
The introduction of CAD (computer aided design software) has revolutionized the architectural, engineering and mechanical drafting professions in the past 5 years. Drafting and design have always been highly skilled, technical positions requiring advanced education from accredited colleges and universities. But the introduction of computer-aided design software has taken those who received early training in the tool and set them apart against their peers. To effectively use CAD, also referred to as CADD, formal training is required, but fortunately, many of the top cad school programs now offer training online for the working professionals.
CAD software is the clear industry standard across the full spectrum of design-related professions, from graphic, interior, and fashion design to industrial and commercial drafters. A degree or diploma in computer-aided drafting is the most common way today to make your resume stand out and increase your overall net worth to employers. Below are a couple profiles of professions who benefit from CAD.
Architectural and civil drafters: Architectural drafters design the structural features of buildings, often focusing on a specific type of structure or material (such as cement or timber). Civil drafters work on major construction or civil engineering projects, like bridges, flood control projects, or highways. Annual salaries in both fields range from $65,000 to $95,000.
Electrical and electronics drafters: Electrical drafters prepare diagrams detailing wiring and layout for electrical equipment in power plants, communication centers, and other buildings. Electronics drafters detail the wiring, circuit board assembly, schematics, and layout of electronic devices and components. Annual salaries in both fields range from $75,000 to $115,000.
Despite increased use of computer-assisted design, drafters are still expected to be experienced or trained in traditional, manual sketching methods. Computers are not a replacement for manual drawing. Rather, they are considered a tool to enhance the design and drafting process, making it easier to store, view, print, and program drawings into automated manufacturing systems or make variations on a design.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that a one-year certificate program is sufficient training to leverage the functionality of CAD. Two year postsecondary training is also available and recommended for those needing to utilize the full functionality of CAD.
Find out more about CAD training and Online CAD Certification from one of our recommended schools.
Resources
Wikipedia
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Autodesk
About.com
CAD Programs
Alabama Schools
Virginia College
(Birmingham, Huntsville) - CAD/Drafting Technology
Arizona Schools
Anthem College
(Phoenix) - CAD/Drafting Technology
California Schools
Westwood College
(Anaheim
, Inland Empire/Upland, Long Beach, Los Angeles) Architectural Design Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting
Colorado Schools
IntelliTec Colleges
(Colorado Springs) - Architectural Drafting, Mechanical Drafting
Westwood College
(Denver North, Denver South) - CAD / Architectural Drafting
Florida Schools
ATI Career Training Center*
(Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Oakland Park) - Drafting & Computer Assisted Design (DCAD)
Florida Technical College
(Auburndale, DeLand, Orlando, Jacksonville - FL) -- Computer Drafting and Design
Keiser University
(Fort Lauderdale, Melbourne) - Computer Animation Design and Drafting
Southwest Florida College*
(Fort Myers) - Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
Georgia Schools
Westwood College
(Atlanta)- Architectural Design Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting
Illinois Schools
Vatterott College
(Quincy)
- Computer Drafting and Design
Westwood College
(DuPage
, Chicago Loop, O'Hare, River Oaks) - Architectural Design Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting
Indiana Schools
(Indianapolis) - Architectural Drafting Design & CAD Technology
Kentucky Schools
Spencerian College
(Lexington) - Architectural Computer Aided Design
Missouri Schools
Vatterott College
* (Joplin, Kansas City, South County, Springfield, St. Ann, St. Joseph) - Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Computer-Aided Drafting Technology
Nebraska Schools
Vatterott College
(Omaha) - Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting Technology Management, Graphic Art & Design
New Jersey Schools
CDM Institute
* (Marlton, Wayne, West Long Beach) - AutoCAD Drafting & Design
New York Schools
Island Drafting & Technical Institute
(Amityville) - Computer Aided Drafting & Design (Architectural, Mechanical)
Ohio Schools
Technology Education College
(Columbus) - Engineering / Computer Aided Design
Pennyslvania Schools
Berks Technical Institute
(Wyomissing) - Drafting Technology
CDM Institute
(Allentown) - AutoCAD Drafting and Design
®
(Allentown) Architectural Drafting Design & CAD Technology
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
(Media) - Computer-Aided Design
Pittsburgh Technical Institute
(Pittsburgh) - CAD Architectural/Mechanical
Thompson Institute
(Harrisburg) - Computer Aided Design
Tennessee Schools
ITT Technical Institute
(Nashville) - Computer Drafting and Design
Vatterott College
(Memphis) - Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting Technology
Texas Schools
Westwood College
(Dallas
, Fort Worth, Houston) - CAD Architectural Drafting
Wisconsin Schools
Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Employment Opportunities
Employers are looking for CADD technicians and drafters who have completed post-secondary school training. Typically this means a four year programs offered by a technical institute, a community college, or a college/university.
CADD Training Opportunities
Basic training for a career in drafting and CADD emphasizes the following:
* drafting, drafting standards, and mechanical-drawing skills
* math
* science
* computer-aided design
* communications and problem solving
Many drafters pick a specialty and seek further education based on this particular discipline. Therefore, it is important to check the school’s curriculum to make sure they offer courses in your specific area of interest.
CADD and Drafting Certification
Most employers do not require drafters to be certified by The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA). However, if you wish, you may take the Drafter Certification Exam to prove your extensive knowledge of drafting practices and techniques. Certainly, a certificate is one way to stand out among the drafters competing for employment.
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