Once you have come to a decision on a career as a heating and cooling technician, the next step is to find an HVAC vocational school near Plantsville CT. But with so many to pick from, how do you decide on the best one to get the training that you require? Some prospective students will make their decision based solely on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their residence. While these are necessary factors to consider, they are not the only ones to take into account. Just some of the other details that you need to look into are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. These and additional criteria will be discussed in more detail later within this article. But before we tackle how to select an HVAC vocational school, let’s look at what a heating and a/c contractor does to become a licensed professional tradesman.

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

Becoming an HVAC Contractor in Plantsville CT

HVAC is an acronym that is widely used in the business that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC techs provide services for the installation, repair and maintenance of central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are generally mandated to be licensed, however every state and regional municipality has its own requirements. Obtaining professional certification is not required, but a voluntary way for Plantsville CT HVAC technicians to establish that they are exceptionally proficient and experienced in their area of expertise. There are multiple acknowledged certifications within the industry that are available. Here are some of the important ones.

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC techs. The certification is achieved by passing a proficiency examination 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 together with passing a comprehensive exam are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have three years of experience as well as a passing score on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are provided in various specialties.
• EPA Section 608. This certification is necessary for technicians that work with refrigerants. There are three forms of certification available, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Because licensing could be required in your area, and you may also intend to obtain certification, it’s important that you pick an HVAC vocational school that will train you for both. And since you will probably be dealing with refrigerants, make sure that the school you pick readies you for passing the EPA Section 608 examinations.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Classes

There are a variety of choices available for HVAC instruction in a trade or technical school. You can attain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Acquiring a certificate will take the lesser period of time, often achieved in as little as six months, although some programs are longer. A certificate will train you for most HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification applicable to the position. The degree training programs might provide a competitive edge in the job market and will deliver more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a brief explanation of each option offered near Plantsville CT.

• Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among beginning residential or commercial HVAC specialists. They provide a solid foundation of skills for employment within the trade.
• Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program provides a more exhaustive understanding of heating and cooling systems than the certificate program. Typically requiring two years to finish, a number of degrees feature an internship or work-study program.
• Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is geared more for a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs call for an Associate Degree, while others are a standard 4 year program. In addition to learning how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also study how to design them.

Selecting the ideal credential program will be based on what your long term career objectives are, in addition to the time and money that you have to commit. One approach is to begin with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after gaining some experience in the field in Plantsville CT, eventually going back to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your tactic, make certain to ask the HVAC technician school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Schools

Enrolling in an HVAC program online is one alternative to getting your education and earning a degree or certificate. Nearly all schools will require some attendance on campus to take part in practical training. Many also offer internship or work-study programs in addition to or in place of practical lab work. But since the rest of the classes may be attended online, this approach may be a more practical solution for some Plantsville CT students that are pressed for time. And some online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even travelling expenses from Plantsville and study supplies can be lessened, helping to make schooling more budget-friendly. And a large number of online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family responsibilities have left you with little time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it easier to accommodate school into your active schedule.

What to Ask HVAC Trade Schools near Plantsville CT

When you have selected the type of certificate or degree that you wish to earn, either online or on campus, you can begin to narrow down your list of schools. As you are probably aware, there are many HVAC technical schools in the Plantsville CT area and across the Country to choose from. That’s why it is imperative to have a checklist of key qualifications when making school comparisons. As formerly stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will probably be the initial 2 aspects you will take into consideration. Following are some additional ones that you need to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Numerous HVAC vocational programs in the Plantsville CT area have attained either a regional or a national accreditation. They may earn Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, such as HVAC technology. Make certain that the program and school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you obtain a quality education, it can assist in obtaining financial assistance or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited schools. Furthermore, many states mandate that the HVAC training course be accredited in order to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Air Conditioning schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage or portion of students who enroll in and complete the course. A lower completion rate could indicate that students were disappointed with the course and quit. It may also signify that the instructors were not qualified to instruct the students. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader list of alumni, which can mean more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only validate that the school has a good reputation within the field, but additionally that it has the network of Plantsville CT HVAC employers to help students acquire apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Many HVAC trade programs are taught together with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating vocational and technical schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of HVAC businesses or labor unions. Find out if the schools you are comparing have working partnerships with local Plantsville CT HVAC contractors. An apprenticeship not only offers a rewarding experience by furnishing practical 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 trained on are state-of-the-art and what you will be working with in the field. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, talk to the HVAC tech you are working with concerning what you should be expecting. If not, ask a local Plantsville CT HVAC company if they can give you some tips. Additionally bear in mind that unless you are willing to move, the school needs to be within commuting distance of your Plantsville CT home. Take note that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there may be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you receive as much one-on-one instruction as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can monitor some of the classes so that you can observe how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between teachers and students. Speak with several of the students and get their feedback concerning class sizes and instruction. Last, talk to some of the instructors and learn what their level of experience is and what certifications or degrees they have earned.

Flexible Scheduling.  Verify that the class schedules for the schools you are evaluating are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Plantsville CT, confirm that the schools you are comparing offer those choices. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, be sure that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Additionally, ask what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family issues.

Attending HVAC School near Plantsville CT?

Pick the Right HVAC Training Course near Plantsville CT

Finding the ideal HVAC training course is a critical beginning toward a fulfilling career in the heating & cooling trade. As we have addressed in this post, you should pick a school and a certificate or degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the HVAC trade. Other factors to look for are sufficient practical training and state-of-the-art facilities. You need to visit each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to inspect the campus and speak with both the current students and faculty. Try to get a feel for the quality of the teaching and the interaction between them. Additionally, inquire about scheduling options and whether or not night or weekend classes are available if needed. And remember to ask about financial assistance and student loan options too. If you ask the proper questions as we have detailed in our checklist for comparing schools, you’ll be able to filter your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the proper training, hard work and commitment, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC technician in Plantsville CT.

More Fabulous Cities in Connecticut

Business Results 1 - 10 of 406

AMS Heating and Air

6 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

29 Milldale Ave, Plantsville, CT 06479

Air On Time

4 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

155 Skyview Dr, Cromwell, CT 06416

Douglas Mechanical Services

2 Reviews

Water Heater Installation/Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

47 Northampton Ln, Plainville, CT 06062

Bosse Heating & Air Conditioning

3 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

34 Green Valley Dr, Plantsville, CT 06479

Nero Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration

3 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

334 State St, North Haven, CT 06473

M&G Plumbing And Heating

3 Reviews

Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

26 Bagley Ave, Hamden, CT 06514

Castle Heating & Air Conditioning

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

275 Hanover St, Meriden, CT 06451

Campbell Cooling

5 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

419 Robbins Ave, Newington, CT 06111

Chris Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Service

3 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

Bristol, CT 06011

American Heating Service

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair

Phone:

64 Westridge Dr, Waterbury, CT 06708

 

The post HVAC Schools Near Me in Plantsville CT 06479 appeared first on Become an HVAC Technician.