Now that you have made a decision on a career as a heating and cooling specialist, the next step is to look for an HVAC trade school near Elk Mound WI. But with so many to pick from, how do you pick the best one to obtain the training that you need? Some future students will make their choice based solely on the price of tuition or how near the school is to their residence. Although these are significant concerns, they are not the only ones to evaluate. Just some of the other details 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 within this article. But before we explore how to choose an HVAC technical school, let’s look at what a heating and cooling contractor does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

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

How to Become an HVAC Pro in Elk Mound WI

HVAC is an acronym that is frequently used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC techs specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, though every state and local municipality has its own prerequisites. Attaining professional certification is not required, but a voluntary means for Elk Mound WI HVAC technicians to establish that they are exceptionally skilled and experienced in their area of specialization. There are multiple respected certifications within the field that are available. 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 attained by passing a proficiency exam and can be earned 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 examination are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have 3 years of experience along with a passing score on the professional level exam. Similar to NATE, certifications are offered in multiple specialties.
• EPA Section 608. This certification is necessary for technicians that handle refrigerants. There are three types of certification available, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Since licensing might be required in your area, and you may also desire to obtain certification, it’s imperative that you enroll in an HVAC technical school that will train you for both. And since you will probably be dealing with refrigerants, make sure that the program you choose readies you for passing the EPA Section 608 examinations.

HVAC Degree and Certificate Courses

There are a variety of alternatives offered for HVAC instruction in a technical or vocational school. You can attain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the least amount of time, typically achieved in just six months, though some courses are longer. A certificate will train you for the majority of HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification relevant to the position. The degree programs can provide a competitive edge for securing employment and will furnish more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a brief description of each option offered near Elk Mound WI.

• Certificate. Generally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level residential or commercial HVAC specialists. They provide a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities 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. Generally requiring two years to complete, many 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 air conditioning systems, you will also study how to design them.

Picking the appropriate credential program will be dependent on what your long term career objectives are, together with the time and financial resources that you have to invest. One possibility is to start with a certificate or even an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the trade in Elk Mound WI, eventually going back to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your approach, make certain to ask the HVAC tech school you are looking at about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Training Online

Enrolling in an HVAC program online is one option to getting your training and receiving a certificate or degree. Most schools will call for some attendance on campus to take part in practical training. Many also offer internship or work-study programs in addition to or instead of practical lab work. But since the remainder of the classes can be attended on the web, this option may be a more accessible solution for many Elk Mound WI students that are pressed for time. And some online degree programs are more economical than other traditional options. Even driving expenses from Elk Mound and study materials may be reduced, helping to make schooling more affordable. And numerous online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family obligations have left you with little time to attend classes, maybe an HVAC online training program will make it easier to accommodate school into your hectic lifestyle.

Questions to Ask HVAC Schools near Elk Mound WI

After you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you desire to earn, either online or on campus, you can begin to limit your list of schools. As you are certainly aware, there are a large number of HVAC vocational schools in the Elk Mound WI area and all over the USA to select from. That’s why it is extremely important to have a list of important qualifications when making school assessments. As formerly mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will most likely be the initial two variables you will look at. Following are some additional ones that you need to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC technical schools in the Elk Mound WI area have earned either a regional or a national accreditation. They can earn Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to an individual program, such as HVAC technology. Make certain that the program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping make certain that you get a quality education, it may help in obtaining financial assistance or student loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools. Furthermore, some states require 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 looking at what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage or portion of students who enroll in and complete the program. A low completion rate might suggest that students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. It may also suggest that the teachers were not qualified to instruct the students. It’s similarly important that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive list of alumni, which may mean more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Elk Mound WI HVAC employers to assist grads acquire apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Most HVAC training programs are taught together with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating trade and vocational schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of HVAC contractors or trade unions. Ask if the schools you are comparing have referring partnerships with local Elk Mound WI HVAC companies. An apprenticeship not only provides a rewarding experience by providing practical training, but it also supplies job opportunities and helps to build relationships in the area HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make certain that the campus facilities and the equipment that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be using in the field. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, check with the HVAC technician you are working with regarding what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Elk Mound WI HVAC company if they can provide some tips. Also keep in mind that unless you are willing to relocate, the school must be within driving distance of your Elk Mound WI home. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there may be increased tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you receive as much individualized training 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 big they are and witness first hand the interaction between instructors and students. Talk to several of the students and get their comments regarding class sizes and instruction. Finally, speak with some of the teachers and learn what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they have earned.

Flexible Scheduling.  Make sure that the class schedules for the programs you are reviewing are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you are only able to go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Elk Mound WI, check that the schools you are reviewing provide those options. If you can only attend part-time, be sure that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Also, ask what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family issues.

Attending HVAC School near Elk Mound WI?

Enroll in the Right HVAC Training Classes near Elk Mound WI

Selecting the ideal HVAC training course is a crucial first step toward a rewarding career in the heating and cooling industry. As we have discussed in this post, you need to pick a school and a certificate or degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC trade. Other factors to look for are plenty of hands-on training and state-of-the-art facilities. You should visit each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to explore 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. In addition, inquire about scheduling choices and if evening or weekend classes are offered if needed. And remember to ask about financial aid and student loan options also. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have detailed in our guidelines for comparing schools, you’ll be able to narrow down your options so that you can make an educated decision. With the right training, hard work and commitment, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC technician in Elk Mound WI.

More Fabulous Cities in Wisconsin

Business Results 1 - 10 of 14

Wiersgalla

5 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing

Phone:

1710 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Kelly Heating & Electric

1 Reviews

Electricians, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

1219 Vernon St, Altoona, WI 54720

Kosier Refrigeration

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

Eau Claire, WI 54703

Bartingale Mechanical

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Plumbing

Phone:

3213 Louis Ave, Ste G, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Christie Heating & Cooling

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

829 Eddy St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Fireside Hearth & Home

1 Reviews

Building Supplies, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Fireplace Services

Phone:

2540 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Kurth Heating & Cooling - Kurth Sheet Metal

1 Reviews

Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Metal Fabricators

Phone:

4115 123rd St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing

1 Reviews

Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

N6705 State Hwy 25, Durand, WI 54736

Eau Claire Insulation

1 Reviews

Contractors

Phone:

1125 Starr Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Glen Pelke Plumbing, Heating & Well Drilling

1 Reviews

Plumbing, Well Drilling, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

Phone:

835 W Riverside Ave, Mondovi, WI 54755

 

The post HVAC Schools Near Me in Elk Mound WI 54739 appeared first on Become an HVAC Technician.