In the past drafting was an occupation that required a person to sit at a drafting table with pencil and drafting paper. However, now CAD or computer assisted drafting is allowing drafting schools to begin offering online courses in this field. Students interested in a drafting career can now achieve certification thru online education.There are many online drafting programs on the web. These programs lead to certification in several drafting areas. Furthermore, the same specializations offered at traditional campus based programs are offered at online schools. Architectural drafting, civil drafting, and electrical drafting are some of the programs offered at online schools. Students must take the same certification tests as students in campus based drafting programs.
These online programs have the same course work and rigorous schedule as other more traditional programs. A student in an online drafting program must take college algebra, physics, and CAD training. Furthermore, college composition, and architectural drawing are all requirements to achieve this degree. It takes at least two years to complete the associates in drafting degree. A student must complete 27 hours to graduate from this program.
Students don’t have to worry about online drafting programs being shunned in the workforce. Many companies respect graduates who earned their degrees from an accredited online program. The average salary of a graduate of an online drafting program is 44,000 dollars a year. A good living can be earned thru attaining this degree. It is recommended by some online schools for students to continue their education further and attain a bachelors degree. There are online programs that offer this degree option.
Computer savvy is a requirement for an online drafting degree. CAD or computer assisted drafting requires a person with some ability to use computers affectively. A prospective student doesn’t have to be an expert, but just familiar. The program will train you in whatever skills you need. As stated previously, years ago the only tools needed were drafting paper, a drafting table, protractor, pencil and other tools. In today’s drafting work place, a person can perform their job at a computer based work station. The drafting table is now a desktop computer with drafting software installed. However, one must still posses the skills to manually draft as well. An understanding of classic drafting technique is a requirement to be successful in this career.
Four percent growth is expected for the drafting industry thru 2018. Drafters are usually employed in manufacturing industries. These types of companies are dwindling in number in America. Jobs are available but students are encouraged to attain advanced certification to insure a job in the future. Furthermore, as new products and processes are developed, drafters’ employment prospects will continue to improve.
Before picking a program students must perform research. Online is a wonderful way to earn an education, but all schools are not created equal. Please check out the courses offered and how they compare to traditional on campus programs. Examine the cost and time commitment the program requires. Furthermore, the program should be a fit for a student’s current lifestyle. Examine job and family commitments and make sure the program picked fits into the current schedule. Finally, a student must be sure this is the program for them. This is a technical degree that requires an interest in computers, drawing, math and science. If a person does not possess those interests, then this degree may not be for them.
