Once you have decided on a career as a heating and air conditioning specialist, the next action is to find an HVAC technical school near Cudahy WI. But with so many to select from, how do you pick the best one to receive the training that you require? Some potential students will make their selection based solely on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their home. Even though these are important considerations, they are not the only ones to take into account. Just some of the other things that you need to research are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. These and other criteria will be covered in more detail later in this article. But before we examine how to pick an HVAC training program, let’s look at what a heating and air conditioning professional does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find HVAC Training Schools Near You!” aos=”53237562″ concentration=”16D42C74″ tracking=”HVAC-D”]

Becoming an HVAC Specialist in Cudahy WI

HVAC is an acronym that is extensively used in the business that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC contractors specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are commonly required to be licensed, however every state and regional municipality has its own requirements. Attaining professional certification is not required, but an optional means for Cudahy WI HVAC techs to prove that they are exceptionally qualified and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. There are several respected certifications within the field that are offered. Following are a few of the significant ones.

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC technicians. The certification is achieved by passing a competency exam and may be acquired in one or more specialties.
• HVAC Excellence. This certification makes available both a professional and a master specialist credential. Two years of professional experience in addition to passing a comprehensive examination are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have 3 years of experience along with a passing result on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are offered in various specialties.
• EPA Section 608. This certification is necessary for techs that handle refrigerants. There are three types of certification available, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Considering that licensing could be required in your location, and you may also desire to obtain certification, it’s imperative that you choose an HVAC trade school that will prepare you for both. And since you will probably be working with refrigerants, make certain that the program you choose prepares you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Degree Courses

There are several alternatives offered for HVAC training in a trade or technical school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the least amount of time, often accomplished in just six months, though some programs are longer. A certificate will train you for the majority of HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification appropriate to the position. The degree training programs may provide a competitive advantage in the job market and will deliver more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Following is a short description of each credential offered near Cudahy WI.

• Certificate. Normally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among beginning residential or commercial HVAC professionals. They furnish a strong foundation of skills for employment within the industry.
• Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program provides a more comprehensive understanding of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Usually requiring two years to finish, a number of degrees incorporate an internship or work-study program.
• Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more towards a career in management as well as business ownership. Some programs require an Associate Degree, while others are a standard four year program. In addition to being taught how to service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, you will also study how to design them.

Picking the right credential program will be dependent on what your future career aspirations are, in addition to the time and financial resources that you have to invest. One option is to begin with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after gaining some experience in the trade in Cudahy WI, later returning to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your tactic, make sure to ask the HVAC technician school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Schools Online

Choosing an HVAC school online is one option to obtaining your education and earning a degree or certificate. Most schools will require some attendance on campus to complete practical training. Many also sponsor internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the rest of the classes may be participated in via the internet, this approach may be a more convenient solution for some Cudahy WI students that are pressed for time. And some online degree programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even driving expenses from Cudahy and study supplies can be lessened, helping to make schooling more affordable. And many online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your job or family responsibilities have left you with limited time to attend classes, maybe an online HVAC degree program will make it easier to fit school into your busy lifestyle.

What to Ask HVAC Training Programs near Cudahy WI

When you have selected the type of degree or certificate that you desire to acquire, either on campus or online, you can begin to decrease your selection of schools. As you are no doubt aware, there are a large number of HVAC vocational schools in the Cudahy WI area and all over the United States to pick from. That’s why it is essential to have a checklist of key qualifiers when making school comparisons. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will probably be the first two variables you will take into consideration. Following are some additional ones that you should research before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Numerous HVAC technical schools in the Cudahy WI area have received either a regional or a national accreditation. They may attain Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to an individual program, such as HVAC technology. Confirm that the program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping ensure that you get a quality education, it can assist in securing financial assistance or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of states mandate that the HVAC training program be accredited for it to be approved for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the HVAC schools you are reviewing what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the portion or percentage of students who enroll in and finish the program. A lower completion rate might signify that students were disappointed with the program and quit. It might also indicate that the instructors were not qualified to train the students. It’s similarly essential that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader directory of alumni, which can mean more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only affirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the trade, but additionally that it has the network of Cudahy WI HVAC employers to assist grads obtain apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Many HVAC technical programs are taught together with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating vocational and technical programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of Heating and Cooling companies or labor unions. Find out if the schools you are comparing have referring relationships with local Cudahy WI HVAC contractors. An apprenticeship not only offers a rewarding experience by providing hands-on training, but it also supplies job opportunities and helps to form relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make certain that the school facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be using in the field. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, check with the HVAC tech you are working under concerning what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Cudahy WI HVAC company if they can provide some suggestions. Additionally keep in mind that unless you are willing to move, the school needs to be within driving distance of your Cudahy WI home. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there can be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you get as much one-on-one instruction as possible, which can be challenging in bigger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a few of the classes so that you can see how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between students and instructors. Talk with some of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, talk to some of the instructors and learn what their level of experience is and what degrees or certifications they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Verify that the class schedules for the programs you are reviewing are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you are only able to attend classes at night or on weekends near Cudahy WI, check that the schools you are reviewing provide those choices. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Also, find out what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Attending HVAC School near Cudahy WI?

Enroll in the Right HVAC Certification Training near Cudahy WI

Finding the ideal HVAC training course is a critical beginning toward a fulfilling career in the heating and cooling field. As we have addressed in this post, you need to pick a vocational school and a certificate or degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the HVAC field. Other factors to look for are sufficient hands-on training and state-of-the-art facilities. You need to go to each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to tour the campus and speak with both the current students and faculty. Try to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. Additionally, inquire about scheduling options and whether evening or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don’t forget to ask about financial aid and student loan options too. If you ask the proper questions as we have laid out in our guidelines for evaluating schools, you’ll be able to filter your choices so that you can make an informed decision. With the appropriate training, hard work and commitment, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC specialist in Cudahy WI.

More Fabulous Cities in Wisconsin

Business Results 1 - 10 of 178

Affordable Heating and Air Conditioning

7 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

4630 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Cudahy, WI 53110

Stramowski Heating

4 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

6508 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154

Kingdom Appliance Repairs

12 Reviews

Appliances & Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

3035 E Norwich Ave, Saint Francis, WI 53235

D & M Heating Air Conditioning

4 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

4227 S 13th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221

Earl's Heating & Air Conditioning

3 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

3555 E Layton Ave, Cudahy, WI 53110

Zigs Heating & Air Conditioning

5 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

2831 S 13th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215

Oak Creek Heating & Cooling

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

928 E Rawson Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154

Nimmer Heating & Air Conditioning

4 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

6530 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220

O & W Heating and Cooling

3 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Appliances & Repair, Home Cleaning

Phone:

Cudahy, WI 53110

Allied Heating & AC

10 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

11907 W Dearbourn Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

 

The post HVAC Schools Near Me in Cudahy WI 53110 appeared first on Become an HVAC Technician.