AutoCAD training
A program in computer-aided drafting and design will prepare holders to open, edit, and exchange drawing files easily and confidently. AutoCAD, the program of choice for drafting and design, is equipped with communication tools that allow you to share information with design team members, and therefore streamline collaboration within the work process. This type of training is perfect for professionals who work with architectural or land development firms, construction companies, or product manufacturers because AutoCAD it is well known as an industry leading design program. Learn more about a career in drafting.
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Alaska
Charter College
Request More Information Locations:
Anchorage, AK
/ Wasilla, AK
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Computer Aided Drafting Assistant (Certificate)
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Computer Aided Drafting Associate (Certificate)
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Computer Science: Concentration in Technical Graphics (Associate's Degree)
Alabama
Virginia College
Request More Information Locations:
Birmingham, AL
/ Mobile, AL
/ Huntsville, AL
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
You will have access to a broad-based education within a CADD environment. You can become proficient with the most commonly used software, and develop basic skills in 3D design, CADD customization, and surface modeling, all while you're developing your own professional portfolio.
Arkansas
Arizona
Anthem College
Request More Information Locations:
Phoenix, AZ
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CAD/Drafting Technology (Associate's Degree)
Training in residential drafting/detailing, roadway drafting, light commercial drafting, structural and commercial detailing, and structural steel drawing.
California
ITT Technical Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ Lathrop, CA
/ Oxnard, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ Sylmar, CA
/ Torrance, CA
/ West Covina, CA
/ Clovis, CA
/ San Dimas, CA
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Computer Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
Western Career College
Request More Information Locations:
Emeryville, CA
/ San Jose, CA
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Design Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Design Drafting program provides training in the fundamental principles of technical drawing, standard procedures for producing designed working drawings of a structure and mechanical devices indicating dimensions, fasteners and joining requirements and other engineering data, and proper drafting standards of construction drawings, floor plans, elevations and diagrammatic drawings as required for manufacture and repair of structures.
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Anaheim, CA
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
Colorado
IntelliTec College
Request More Information Locations:
Colorado Springs, CO
/ Grand Junction, CO
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Architectural Drafting/CAD (Associate's Degree)
At IntelliTec you will learn manual drafting skills, architectural drafting techniques, become proficient on the latest versions of AutoCAD & Architectural Desktop software, & gain experience in project development by creating residential & commercial drawings.
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Mechanical Drafting (Associate's Degree)
At IntelliTec you will learn manual drafting skills, mechanical drafting techniques, become proficient on the latest versions of AutoCAD & Inventor software, & gain experience in project development.
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Denver North, CO
/ Denver South, CO
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
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Computer-Aided Design / Mechanical Drafting (Associate's Degree)
Connecticut
Florida
ATI Career Training Center
Request More Information Locations:
Miami, FL
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Drafting & Computer-Assisted Design (Associate's Degree)
The Drafting and Computer Assisted Design program offers specialized training for graduates who seek employment as detail drafters, CAD operators, or layout persons within the mechanical, architectural, electrical and civil engineering fields.
Florida Technical College
Request More Information Locations:
Auburndale, FL
/ DeLand, FL
/ Jacksonville, FL
/ Orlando, FL
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Computer Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
FTC Computer Drafting and Design program will take you from the basics to an advanced understanding of CAD. Course work emphasizes mechanical, civil and architectural drafting, 3-D CAD, and LAN analysis and design.
Southwest Florida College
Request More Information Locations:
Ft.Myers, FL
/ Tampa, FL
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Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
We will focus you on the area of architectural drafting; however, you will be introduced to other disciplines such as civil, structural, electrical/electronic, and mechanical drafting.
Georgia
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Atlanta Midtown, GA
/ Atlanta Northlake, GA
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
Iowa
Vatterott College
Request More Information Locations:
Des Moines, IA
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Computer-Aided Drafting (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
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Computer-Aided Drafting Technology (Associate's Degree)
Illinois
Vatterott College
Request More Information Locations:
Quincy, IL
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Chicago, IL
/ DuPage (Woodridge), IL
/ Chicago (O'Hare), IL
/ Calumet City (River Oaks), IL
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
Indiana
Brown Mackie College
Locations:
Merrillville, IN
/ Michican City, IN
Kansas
Brown Mackie College
Locations:
Lenexa, KS
/ Salina, KS
Northeast Kansas Technical College
Request More Information Locations:
Atchison, KS
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Computer Aided Drafting (Diploma)
The diploma program is intended to produce graduates who are prepared for employment as drafters. Program graduates are to be competent in computer use, advanced mathematics, and basic CAD applications to translate the ideas of engineers, architects, and designers into working plans and models, which can be used to make the desired product such as buildings, maps, or machine parts. Students can select from three specialized areas of drafting—architecture, civil engineering, or mechanical drafting.
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Computer Aided Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Associate of Applied Science Degree program is for those individuals who seek computer aided drafting training and additional academic preparation for advancement into management, engineering, or other related areas.
Vatterott College
Request More Information Locations:
Wichita, KS
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
Kentucky
Louisville Technical Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Louisville, KY
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Architectural Computer Aided Drafting (Certificate)
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Architectural Computer Aided Drafting (Associate's Degree)
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Mechanical Computer Aided Design Drafting (Certificate)
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Mechanical Computer Aided Design Drafting (Associate's Degree)
Louisiana
Herzing College
Request More Information Locations:
New Orleans, LA
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Computerized Drafting (Associate's Degree)
This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills in computer-aided drafting and design in order to enter into employment as a general draftsperson in the design industry. Program emphasis is on the development of requisite skills necessary to produce materials according to industry drafting conventions in the disciplines of architecture, structural, HVAC, and mechanical design.
Massachusetts
Maryland
TESST College of Technology
Request More Information Locations:
Beltsville, MD
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Drafting & Graphic Design (Certificate)
The objective of the Drafting and Graphic Design program is to prepare graduates for entry-level positions as CAD drafters in many areas, some of which include computer-aided drafting; electrical/electronics; mechanical, civil and architectural drafting; illustrations; and detailing.
Missouri
Vatterott College
Request More Information Locations:
Joplin, MO
/ St. Joseph, MO
/ Kansas City, MO
/ Springfield, MO
/ Sunset Hills, MO
/ St. Ann, MO
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
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Computer Engineering Design and Drafting (Diploma)
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Computer Engineering Design and Drafting Technology (Associate's Degree)
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Computer-Aided Drafting (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
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Computer-Aided Drafting Technology (Associate's Degree)
Nebraska
Vatterott College
Request More Information Locations:
Omaha (Deerfield), NE
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Computer-Aided Drafting (Diploma)
Students graduating from this program will learn the necessary skills to obtain employment in the drafting field with a working knowledge of project management, CAD customization and CAD as it applies to the mechanical, architectural and civil/structural fields.
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Computer-Aided Drafting Technology (Associate's Degree)
New Jersey
The Chubb Institute
Request More Information Locations:
North Brunswick, NJ
/ Parsippany, NJ
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CAD/Drafting Technology (Diploma)
Training in AutoCAD, residential drafting/detailing, roadway drafting, light commercial drafting, structural and commercial detailing, and structural steel drawing
New York
NetCom Information Technology
Locations:
New York, NY
/ Long Island City, NY
Ohio
Online
Pennsylvania
Lincoln Technical Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Allentown, PA
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Architectural Drafting and CAD Technology (Diploma)
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Architectural Drafting Design and CAD Technology (Associate's Degree)
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Mechanical Drafting and CAD Technology (Diploma)
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Mechanical Drafting Design and CAD Technology (Associate's Degree)
Schuylkill Institute of Business & Technology
Locations:
Pottsville, PA
YTI Career Institute
Request More Information Locations:
York, PA
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
Students will gain an understanding of manual drafting through sketching. Drawings which illustrate drafting and design techniques will be accomplished using CAD. The Computer Aided Drafting and Design program prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level positions in architectural, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and civil engineering design teams as CAD drafters, design drafters, detailers, and estimators.
Tennessee
Virginia College
Request More Information Locations:
Chattanooga, TN
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design (Associate's Degree)
You will have access to a broad-based education within a CADD environment. You can become proficient with the most commonly used software, and develop basic skills in 3D design, CADD customization, and surface modeling, all while you're developing your own professional portfolio.
Texas
Border Institute of Technology
CCI Training Center
Locations:
Arlington, TX
/ Dallas, TX
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Dallas, TX
/ Fort Worth, TX
/ Houston, TX
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
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Computer-Aided Design / Interior Finishes (Associate's Degree)
Westwood's Associate Degree program in Computer-Aided Design / Interior Finishes, equips students with the skills needed to truly excel in this field. Students learn to use CAD in a lab, and are also exposed to the ideas and principles of design, through lecture.
Virginia
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Arlington, VA
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Computer-Aided Design / Architectural Drafting (Associate's Degree)
The Computer-Aided Design (Architectural Drafting) Program equips students with the skills necessary to become a candidate for many careers available to the skilled CAD operator. Architectural Drafting students receive training on recent releases of AutoCAD, a popular CAD application that provides experience in developing technical drawings related to the field of architecture.
Auto CAD, a computer program that renders two or three dimensional drawings of schematics or designs, is a changing career. At one time, drafters sat at their desks hand drawing the plans used to build many items from homes to cars to appliances to industrial machines. Today, drafters use Auto CAD to form these schematics and drawings. With the precision of a computer, drawings are scaled to perfection and can be printed out in minutes.
There are many levels of drafters in the world today. Each form comes with different salary scales. Take a look at some of them to see the differences in this widely varying profession.
- Aeronautical Drafters (Drafting the plans used to build airplanes, space craft, and missiles.)
- Architect/Architectural Drafters (Creating blueprints for homes and businesses to be constructed.)
- Civil Drafters (Designing bridges, pipelines, drainage systems, sewers, highways, and dams.)
- Electrical Drafters (Drafting the manner in which electrical lines and wiring should be laid out.)
- Electronics Drafters (Designing circuit boards and wiring used to manufacture electronic equipment.)
- Mechanical Drafters (Drawing the assembly plans for machinery.)
- Pipeline Drafters (Drafting the manner in which pipelines (oil, gas, water, etc.) should be laid out.)
All of these drafting positions require experience and certification with Auto CAD Auto CAD is the only program that is available for the creation of 3-D replicas of these building plans. Many colleges, especially technical colleges offer special certificate programs to train men and women to use Auto CAD with ease.
If you are interested in an Auto CAD certificate program, you must be able to meet the requirements. Your computer needs at least 512 megabytes of RAM and 750 MB free disk space on the hard drive in order to run the Auto CAD software. It also requires a VGA monitor and video card, capable of 1024 x 768, and Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. Also needed are a plotter/scanner and laser jet printer. The laser jet printer is necessary to print out the blueprints.
To receive a certificate in Auto CAD, you must pass the following courses:
- 3D Drafting
- Advanced Drafting
- Auto CAD Programming
- Basic Drafting
- Civil Drafting
- Commercial Drafting
- Intermediate Drafting
- Residential Drafting
Depending on the college or technical school, classes focusing on generic business skills (Business Math, Communication Skills, and Management of an Office) are often required. Look for a program that requires at least 120 credit hours of study. Less than this and the program my skip on some of the more important essentials.
In today's world drafting is done on mainly through the Auto CAD program installed on a computer. However, students must be able to draft designs by hand. Power failures, computer troubles, and other troublesome situations can prevent you from completing a job on time if you cannot draft by hand.
A reputable Auto CAD program will cost upwards of $2,500 in tuition, software, and books. It is best to learn Auto CAD in a real school setting rather than online. With the online learning environment, you may have problems truly knowing if your work is correct because your access to an instructor is limited.
Most Auto CAD designers work a normal 9am to 5pm shift. Very rarely are overtime hours available. You are going to be spending a good deal of time sitting behind a large desk with space to draw and a computer. You need to have a comfortable chair and keyboard set up. Sitting behind a computer can be tiring. It can lead to back pain, eye fatigue, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Make sure you are getting up and walking around every hour to remain healthy. It also helps keep the mind focused. Repetitive computer use can easily lead to boredom which in turn leads to a form of "writer's block."
CAD Drafters earn approximately $28,000 to $49,000 per year. Those in larger cities (New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco) will have a higher pay scale than those in rural areas. Entry level CAD drafters generally work under a supervisor for two or three years before being given harder assignments. Supervisors earn even more. A Drafting Supervisor can expect to average $52,000 to $96,000 per year.
CAD Drafters should apply for a membership with the ADDA (American Drafting Design Association.) ADDA offers yearly memberships for $85 if you have been employed as a CAD Drafter for more than five years, $45 for those who have worked as a CAD Drafter for less than five years, and $30 for students. Membership with the ADDA gives you a better air of professionalism that makes clients and prospective employees take notice. Membership in the ADDA provides you with a job database where employers can view your resume, certification programs, and continuing education. This is the best way to keep up to date with changes in the Auto CAD world.
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