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Kaplan University

Welcome to online education. At Kaplan University you earn a college degree on your terms.

Meritus University

Liberty University

With over thirty online degrees offered, Liberty University's Distance Learning Program is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective.

Capella University

As an accredited online university, with online degree programs in five schools, Capella University provides a high-caliber, educational experience that moves you forward.

Everest University Online

At Everest, we offer practical, career-oriented online degree programs in a friendly online environment. You take your classes when and where you want. You set your schedule. It's up to you.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a leading provider of higher education to working adults and is a major global provider of education to the military. With over 5,000 matriculated students, The Center for Online Learning at Saint Leo University is designed to meet the growing needs of adult students.

ITT Technical Institute

With ITT Tech's online education, a quality technical education is now available when and where it is convenient for the student.

Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, we emphasize mastery of essential skills and knowledge instead of accumulating credit hours.

Polytechnic Institute of NYU

Founded in 1854, NYU-Poly is the second oldest private engineering school in the United States. Among our graduates and faculty are Nobel laureates, notable inventors, world class scientists and successful entrepreneurs.

Westwood College

At Westwood College, our primary goal is to prepare students for rewarding jobs in high-demand careers... quickly! Earn an Associate Degree in as little as 20 months or a Bachelor Degree in less than three years.

Everest College

Career Training for Life. With over 70 campuses in the Everest Career Education Network, you'll get the education you need to get on with your life.

Vancouver College of Art and Design

VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly-regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality.

Vancouver Career College

Vancouver Career College is fully accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) of British Columbia and the 2007 winner of the 'Consumer's Choice Award', as voted by you.

University Canada West Academies

Our instructors are also industry-experienced professionals who combine academic instruction with practical training to help you develop the knowledge and the skills the marketplace demands.

Reeves College

Faculty members at Reeves College are both accomplished instructors and skilled professionals whose knowledge and expertise in their respective fields enhance the learning experience in the classroom and work place.

PCU College of Holistic Medicine

PCU College of Holistic Medicine specializes in teaching Oriental Medicine and alternative health treatments in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Various Resources Article

CAD Software Training Opens Multiple Career Opportunities in Architectural Drafting

With a background consisting of just a few college courses and a long history of playing with model cars as a teenager, Duane Martinez has landed a successful, fulfilling career as a model maker. He was recently profiled in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly for his unique occupation. Designers consult Martinez with ideas sketched on sometimes only a napkin, and he proceeds to make a three-dimensional foam model with the assistance of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.1

What is the Function of an Architectural Drafter?

Becoming a model maker is just one creative use of an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting. An architectural drafter serves as the link between designer and final product. In short, an architectural drafter is responsible for making accurate drawings and plans.2

Auto CAD software has revolutionized the field of drafting. An architect creates drawings of blueprints, but a drafter with Auto CAD training fills in the fine details that the construction crew requires to make a solid structure. The pervasiveness of this widely used program can be seen simply through the numerous results that appear on the screen after typing �auto cad download free software� into any search engine.3

Potential Jobs as an Architectural Drafter

Many graduates with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting choose to work for an architectural or engineering firm doing drafting detailing. A professional with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting may also find Auto-CAD jobs in contracting, subcontracting, and materials supply. Numerous construction-related industries provide still more job opportunities for a professional with extensive Auto CAD training.4

Educational Requirements for Architectural Drafters

Although Martinez never completed an official architectural drafting degree, an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting can be a way to jumpstart a career and get a foot in the door at prospective places of employment. Westwood College, with its numerous locations around the nation, is just one of the modern programs students are choosing to attend while receiving their necessary training. Programs similar to the Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting at Westwood College give students hands-on experience with the newest version of Auto CAD software and are taught by professors with real-world industry experience.4

Where to Find More Information

Students may contact Westwood College for additional information about an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting. Westwood College boasts that its students are prepared to work as architectural CAD technicians, engineering CAD technicians, architectural draftspersons, and engineering draftspersons immediately upon graduation.4 Students may find one of these positions to be the perfect entrance into the architectural drafting industry, or they may come up with creative ideas of their own like Martinez's model making.

Melissa Garvey
Dynasty Education Staff Writer
September 15, 2006

References:

1. Crosby, Olivia. (Spring 2005). You're a What? Model Maker, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2005. Retrieved September 14, 2006, from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2005/spring/yawhat.htm.

2. Crosby, Olivia. (2002 � 2003). Associate Degree: Two years to a career or a jumpstart to a bachelor's degree, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Winter 2002 � 2003. Retrieved September 14, 2006, from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/winter/art01.pdf.

3. Wikipedia. (last modified September 14, 2006). Computer-aided design. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_aided_design.

4. Dynasty Education. (2006). Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.dynastyeducation.com/schoolresults.html? category_id=6&subcategory_id=61.