Because many individuals are simply looking to add to or expand on their occupational skills sets, or complete an organized curriculum in a relatively short period of time, Marion Technical College offers Certificate Programs to satisfy certain short-term training needs.

Certificate options are created by identifying core ‘‘needs’’ in the local workforce and offering concentrated curriculum blocks to accommodate the schedules of working adults.

Typically, a certificate program at MTC can be completed in one year (three quarters of full-time study), and many of the courses will apply toward later associate degree work to the extent that they are required in a specific program or as appropriate elective courses.

The CAD Specialist certificate prepares graduates to work with advanced computer-aided design applications and equipment. The expertise developed is usually used to enter the job field in an engineering discipline or to build stronger skills for career advancement.

In the U.S., more than 213,000 individuals are employed in various drafting fields. Certificate-level training will prepare graduates for entering or advancing many of these areas.

Industry-wide, the drafting industry is projecting a cumulative national increase in the number of jobs of between 10 percent and 20 percent through the year 2010. Ohio’s projections are more modest with a projected increase of between 8 percent and 15 percent over the same time period.

To apply for acceptance into the CAD Specialist Certificate program at MTC, applicants must have:

1. Completed and submitted the MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable application fee.
   
2. Provided official final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable) with posted graduation date or passing GED results.
   
3. Successful completion of the Basic Skills Assessment test (COMPASS) is highly recommended.

Transfer students to MTC must qualify in accordance with current admission criteria.

If required, Foundation Courses are available to help you meet any specialized program admission requirements.