Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3369, Program Site

Everything manufactured or constructed has to be designed and drafted, which is typically done with Computer Aided Drafting software by skilled drafters. Computer-aided drafting provides students with excellent job opportunities in areas of high demand. Nashville State offers a one-year Computer-Aided Drafting Technical Certificate using the latest CAD, 3D and design software. Local business and industry advisory boards help to ensure the software and skills taught are in demand and used by employers.

The Computer-Aided Drafting Technical Certificate is for students who want a technical career and who want to enter the job market quickly, as well as those currently working in construction and industrial fields that wish to hone their skills or offer more diversity of skills for their employers.

Students choose the concentration pathways concentration pathway that best aligns with their career goals: Architectural, Civil and Construction, or 3D and Rapid Prototyping Design. 
 

Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Create new or edit existing designs and work with multiple drafting disciplines;
• Work with 2-D and 3-D Design projects using learned skills to produce accurate designs quickly and efficiently;
• Use 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping technology as well as traditional print technology;
• Apply critical thinking skills to resolve challenges in the workplace;
• Create a full set of drawings as a portfolio to be presented at job interviews.

Career Opportunities

• Drafters work in many fields including but not limited to Architecture, Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. Drafters will assist Engineers in the field and in the office to create and revise drawings.
• Mechanical Systems Developer
• Design Technician
• Surveying/Civil Engineering Cartographer
• Architectural Assistant
• Technical Illustrator

Certificate Requirements

Credit hours required vary by concentration. A minimum of 25 credit hours is required for graduation.