Once you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioning technician, the next action is to locate an HVAC vocational school near Concordia MO. But with so many to choose from, how do you pick the best one to get the training that you need? Many future students will make their decision based exclusively on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their residence. While these are relevant factors to consider, they are not the only ones to evaluate. Just some of the other factors 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 additional benchmarks will be addressed in more detail later within this article. But before we explore how to select an HVAC training program, let’s look at what a heating and a/c professional does to become a licensed qualified tradesman.

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

How to Become an HVAC Specialist in Concordia MO

HVAC is an acronym that is widely used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC technicians provide services for the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, however each state and local municipality has its own prerequisites. Obtaining professional certification is not compulsory, but a voluntary means for Concordia MO HVAC techs to establish that they are exceptionally qualified and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. There are a number of respected certifications within the industry that are available. Following are some of the significant ones.

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally recognized certification for HVAC techs. The certification is achieved by passing a proficiency examination and can be earned in one or more specialties.
• HVAC Excellence. This certification offers both a professional and a master specialist credential. 2 years of field experience together with passing a comprehensive examination are needed for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have 3 years of experience together with a passing result on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are provided in several specialties.
• EPA Section 608. This certification is required for specialists that handle refrigerants. There are three types of certification obtainable, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Since licensing may be required in your area, and you may also wish to acquire certification, it’s essential that you enroll in an HVAC vocational school that will train you for both. And since you will more than likely be working with refrigerants, make certain that the school you select prepares you for passing the EPA Section 608 examinations.

HVAC Degree and Certificate Courses

There are a variety of options offered for HVAC training in a trade or technical school. You can attain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the minimum period of time, often completed in as little as six months, however some courses are longer. A certificate will train you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification applicable to the position. The degree programs might provide a competitive advantage in the job market and will provide more extensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a short summary of each credential offered near Concordia MO.

• Certificate. Normally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level residential or commercial HVAC specialists. They furnish a strong foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
• Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program supplies a more extensive background of heating and cooling systems than the certificate program. Generally requiring two years to finish, many degrees feature 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 conventional four year program. In addition to mastering how to service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, you will also study how to design them.

Choosing the appropriate credential program will be dependent on what your future career objectives are, along with the time and money that you have to commit. One possibility is to start with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after getting some experience in the field in Concordia MO, later going back to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your strategy, make sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Classes Online

Attending an HVAC program online is one alternative in attaining your training and receiving a degree or certificate. Almost all schools will call for some attendance on campus to take part in hands on training. Some also offer internship or work-study programs in addition to or in place of practical lab work. But since the remainder of the classes may be attended via the internet, this option may be a more accessible solution for many Concordia MO students that are pressed for time. And a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other traditional choices. Even driving expenses from Concordia and study supplies can be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And many online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family responsibilities have left you with limited time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it less complicated to fit school into your hectic lifestyle.

Questions For HVAC Training Programs near Concordia MO

Once you have chosen the type of degree or certificate that you desire to earn, either on campus or online, you can start to narrow down your selection of schools. As you are no doubt aware, there are a large number of HVAC vocational schools in the Concordia MO area and all over the United States to pick from. That’s why it is extremely important to have a list of key qualifications when making school comparisons. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will probably be the initial 2 aspects you will consider. Following are some additional ones that you need to research before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC trade schools in the Concordia MO area have attained either a regional or a national accreditation. They can acquire Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to an individual program, for instance HVAC technology. Confirm that the program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In addition to helping ensure that you receive a quality education, it can assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Furthermore, many states require that the HVAC training program be accredited for it to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the HVAC schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage or portion of students who enroll in and finish the course. A low completion rate could signify that students were unhappy with the course and quit. It could also suggest that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It’s similarly imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive directory of alumni, which may result in more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only affirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the trade, but additionally that it has the network of Concordia MO HVAC employers to assist students secure apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Many HVAC trade programs are taught in conjunction with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating trade and vocational schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of Heating and Cooling companies or trade unions. Find out if the schools you are comparing have working relationships with local Concordia MO HVAC contractors. An apprenticeship not only provides a valuable experience by providing hands-on training, but it also provides employment opportunities and helps to form relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Confirm that the campus facilities and the equipment that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be using on the job. If you are already in an internship or an apprenticeship, talk to the HVAC tech you are working under concerning what you should be expecting. Otherwise, ask a local Concordia MO HVAC contractor if they can provide some tips. Additionally keep in mind that unless you are willing to relocate, the school must be within driving distance of your Concordia MO home. Remember that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there might be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you receive as much individualized instruction as possible, which can be difficult in larger classes. Ask if you can monitor a couple of the classes so that you can observe how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between teachers and students. Talk with some of the students and get their comments concerning class sizes and instruction. Finally, talk to some of the instructors and learn what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the schools you are assessing are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Concordia MO, verify that the programs you are comparing offer those choices. If you can only attend part-time, make certain that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Also, find out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending HVAC School near Concordia MO?

Choose the Right HVAC Certification Training near Concordia MO

Picking the ideal HVAC training course is a crucial first step toward a gratifying career in the heating & cooling field. As we have addressed in this article, you should pick a school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC profession. Other things to look for are lots of hands-on training and modern facilities. You need to go to 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 instruction and the interaction between them. Additionally, inquire about scheduling choices and if evening or weekend classes are offered if needed. And remember to inquire about financial assistance and student loan options also. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have laid out in our guidelines for comparing schools, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make an informed decision. With the proper training, hard work and dedication, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC technician in Concordia MO.

More Fabulous Cities in Missouri

Business Results 1 - 10 of 10

Fox Heating & Cooling

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Fireplace Services, Appliances & Repair

Phone:

448 E Gay St, Warrensburg, MO 64093

Air Design Heating & Cooling

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Turner Heating & Air Conditioning

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

500 W Main St, Sedalia, MO 65301

Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning

1 Reviews

Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

Sedalia, MO 65301

Sedalia Heating And Air Conditioning

1 Reviews

Metal Fabricators, Appliances, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

218 E 2nd St, Sedalia, MO 65301

Luther Woods Heating & Cooling

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

7658 Triple Springs Rd, Camden, MO 64017

Air & Water Solutions

3 Reviews

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

Phone:

1604 A Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202

Peters Heating and Air Conditioning

4 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Gutter Services, Air Duct Cleaning

Phone:

3801 Waco Rd, Columbia, MO 65201

Ideal Temp Heating & Cooling

2 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

3501 NE Kimball Dr, Kansas City, MO 64161

Rehagen Heating & Cooling

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing

Phone:

2041 US Hwy 63, Westphalia, MO 65085

 

The post HVAC Schools Near Me in Concordia MO 64020 appeared first on Become an HVAC Technician.