A student utilizing current technology in the architecture industry

Drafting Technician

Technical Diploma

26 Credits | 1 Year

Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior

Join your classes through the internet live from anywhere (through Online Live). Connect with your instructor and classmates during live classes via the web.

Financial Aid-Eligible

Career Cluster: Architecture & Construction

Drafting Technicians uniquely blend both creativity and analytical skills to bring the vision of an architect or engineer to life. In this career, you will use software to convert designs into technical drawings that will guide the creation of buildings, tools or systems. 

Program Overview

The Drafting Technician will work in various positions within the engineering, architectural, construction and manufacturing industries. Students will create working drawings and technical drawings from rough sketches or from scratch. Skills include the visualize of forms and shapes from blueprints and sketches, applying technical knowledge, attention to details, and competence on the latest versions of AutoCAD and REVIT software.

Program Outcomes

Drafting Technician graduates will be able to:

  • Develop construction documents
  • Examine basic construction materials and systems
  • Use computer-aided drafting and architectural related software
  • Utilize office practices and standards
  • Utilize the Enrolled Wisconsin Commercial Building Code incorporating the International Building Code (IBC)
Cutting-edge classroom space

Get hands-on experience working with software and technology that is currently used in the industry. 

A student looking at blueprints on a computer

Learn by doing.

Student working and learning from the comfort of his own home

Use current technology.

Two students looking at notes

Great starting salary potential.


Academics

The coursework for this program is relevant and current. All classes are taught by individuals experienced in the field in a variety of areas. 

Career Pathways

As a Drafting Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can continue your education to build upon your credentials by working to earn the Architectural Commercial Design associate degree.

Flexible Learning

Connect with your instructor and classmates during live classes via the web.

Experienced Instructors

Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you. Northwood Tech’s experienced instructors are knowledgeable, approachable and eager to help you.  


Required Courses

The courses in the Drafting Technician program are designed to incrementally increase your knowledge in construction, CAD/BIM and building systems with a hands-on approach. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Drafting Technician Technician Courses

10614177
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course is an introduction to the application of BIM software in architectural drafting. Students will apply Revit Architecture software to create a three-dimensional building model that allows for deliverables such as floor plans, building sections, exterior elevations, and schedules. The building model will include walls, openings, floors, stairs, roofs, foundations, and footings. Topics such as datum, annotation, modifying family types, and profiles will be covered. PREREQUISITE: 10614170 Architectural Materials and Methods 1.
10614170
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This course introduces the student to the materials and methods used in wood frame construction. It familiarizes students with components of modern construction for the purpose of selecting the materials best suited to various construction jobs.
10614173
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This course introduces the student to the design principles needed for wood frame structures and incorporates the many aspects of building aesthetics and working drawings. The final assignment is to plan a set of drawings for a wood frame commercial building. PREREQUISITE: 10614172 Architectural Drafting and Design 1 and 10614176 Architectural Technology 1.

Drafting Technician is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Drafting Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
26 Credits / 1 Year Full Time; 2 Years Part Time
Potential Careers
Designer, CAD Technician, CAD Designer
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn an associate degree. 

Associate Degree
63 Credits / 2 Years Full Time; 3 Years Part Time
Potential Careers
CAD Technician, Store Planner, Project Manager, Technical Coordinator, Design Technician, CAD Technician, Architectural Technician, BIM Technician
Arrow pointing down

Earn a bachelor's degree through Northwood Tech's transfer opportunities. 


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Drafting Technician

26 Credits | 1 Year

$4,206


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 

Laptops with architectural software are available to student use while in the Architectural Commercial Design program.


After the Northwood Tech Drafting Technician Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Drafting Technician technical diploma. Continue your education in the Architectural Commercial Design associate degree program.

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.