There has never been a better time to seek out training as an HVAC technician. With the right skills to repair and install heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning along with refrigeration systems, it can be a truly rewarding career path that is only growing in demand.
While states have varying educational requirements for HVAC technicians, spending at least some time in a classroom learning the basics is a great way to jumpstart a career. The programs on this list offer, at minimum, an Associate of Applied Science degree while some even offer an HVAC bachelor’s degree. They represent a diverse geographic area and each has its own strengths that can help to propel students into a brand new lifelong career.
Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College, with three locations in Tacoma, Washington, offers an associate of applied science degree (109 credits) and a certificate of competency (101 credits) in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Students who wish to complete these programs must pass the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute industry competency exam (two exams for the AAS degree and one exam for the certificate certificate).
Graduates in these programs will be prepared for certified entry-level employment in the HVAC-R industry and will acquire the technical skills that may be applied in areas such as systems controls, air conditioning, heating and ventilation technicians, sales, and energy management systems.
The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to tools and fasteners; basic electricity, magnetism; types of electrical motors and applications; theory of heat; indoor air quality, advanced controls; electric & oil heat; refrigeration, oil chemistry, management, recovery; refrigeration system components; special refrigeration systems; commercial refrigeration systems & troubleshooting; and chilled water systems.
- Location: Tacoma, WA
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: Six quarters
Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College, with three locations in Wisconsin (Janesville, Milton, and Monroe), is a natural place to begin one’s HVAC studies. The college offers an associate’s degree in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology that also covers refrigeration and refrigerant handling. Many of the credits earned from the BTC program will transfer to four-year schools for students who wish to further pursue their education.
Students in this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for maintaining environmentally sustainable and highly efficient equipment that provides reliable and affordable comfort in factories, homes, and offices. Along with maintenance and service, graduates will learn the safety procedures, laws of thermodynamics, wiring, electrical distribution, retrofitting older systems, and pressure and temperature relationships. Upon completion, they will be prepared for employment to service, install, maintain, and sell HVAC and refrigeration systems for residential and commercial applications.
This 61-credit program includes courses such as airflow fundamentals; electrical services, wire sizing, and electrical diagrams; access valves, compressors, and condensers; evaporators, metering devices, and accessories; air acetylene and oxy-acetylene brazing copper pipe; split phase motor identification, testing, and replacement; residential air-to-air and geothermal heat pump systems cooling applications; and split refrigeration system installation, among others.
In addition to the regular program, this program also features an embedded technical diploma in residential HVAC which can be earned while taking courses within the main program.
- Location: Janesville, Milton, and Monroe, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, Wisconsin is home to Chippewa Valley Technical College, which offers an associate of applied science HVAC-R degree. The program addresses environmental concerns in the HVAC industry and prepares students for their EPA refrigerant handling examination and an HVAC industry competency exam.
Made up of 66 credits, the program includes courses such as refrigeration principles; refrigeration theory; heating theory; principles of air conditioning; electricity theory; geothermal applications; electricity principles; sheet metal layout; basic home automation; and commercial HVAC systems design.
Notably, Chippewa Valley Technical College also offers a 33-credit technical diploma in HVAC-R, an eight-credit certificate in air conditioning, and an eighth-credit certificate in refrigeration.
- Location: Eau Claire, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); diploma (two semesters); certificate (one semester)
College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada, with locations in North Las Vegas, Charleston, and Henderson, offers five AAS degree programs and four certificates in air conditioning technology. These programs provide advanced HVAC-R training and place special emphasis on hands-on methods and practical skills to prepare students to analyze, synthesize, and solve problems related to HVAC-R.
The certificate programs offered by the College of Southern Nevada include:
- Air Conditioning Technology (40.5 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Central Plant (41 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Critical Systems (40 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Food Service Refrigeration (42.5 credits)
The AAS degree programs include:
- Air Conditioning Technology (60 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Building Automation (60 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Central Plant (60 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Critical Systems (60 credits)
- Air Conditioning Technology: Food Service Refrigeration (61.5 credits)
The curriculum includes courses such as residential gas heating; introduction to HVAC electrical theory and application; commercial refrigeration; heat pumps; copper fundamentals; boiler operation and maintenance; HVAC automatic controls; industrial electricity; and equipment cooling, among others.
Graduates of these programs are prepared to obtain their EPA 608 certification and HVAC Excellence Employment Readiness certification. The college also offers an Entry-Level Air Conditioning Technician program which is made up of 18.5 credits.
- Location: Henderson, NV; Las Vegas, NV; North Las Vegas, NV
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); PAHRA; HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: Certificates (one year each); AAS degrees (four semesters each)
Dunwoody College of Technology
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, HVAC students at Dunwoody College of Technology can earn an associate of applied science degree in HVAC installation & residential service. The program requires a four-semester commitment and is part of the college’s construction sciences and building technology division. Employers of Dunwoody graduates have included Honeywell, Centraire, and B&D Plumbing and Heating.
Made up of 67 credits, the program includes courses such as commercial blueprint reading; residential HVAC installation; welding fundamentals; transitional fittings; heating systems; cooling systems; basic motor technology; and residential controls, among others.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters
Elgin Community College
Elgin Community College, located in Elgin, Illinois, offers students the chance to earn an associate of applied science degree in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. With accreditation from PAHRA and a stellar transfer record, this could be an ideal program for someone who may want to complete a bachelor’s degree but wants the option to stop at an AAS if necessary. Notably, the boiler courses in the program are accredited by the National Association of Stationary Operating Engineers (NASOE).
In addition to the 62.5-credit AAS degrees, the college also offers three vocational certificates in HVAC facilities maintenance technician (46.5 credits), light commercial HVAC service tech (38.5 credits), and sheet metal mechanics (34.5 credits). Moreover, the college also has three basic vocational certificates in refrigeration service technician (18.5 credits), residential HVAC service technician (26.5 credits); and residential HVAC systems (12.5 credits).
The curriculum includes courses such as air conditioning and refrigeration; basic electricity and HVAC-R controls; basic sheet metal; basic heating gas/oil; refrigerant recovery certification; advanced heating hydronic/steam; load calculations & duct systems design; heat pumps & electrical heat; and commercial air conditioning.
- Location: Elgin, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); sheet metal mechanics – vocational specialist (two semesters); light commercial HVAC service tech – vocational specialist (three semesters); residential HVAC service technician – basic vocational specialist (two semesters); residential HVAC systems – basic vocational specialist (one semester); HVAC facilities maintenance tech – vocational specialist (four semesters); refrigeration service technician – basic vocational specialist (one semester)
Ferris State University
One of the few universities making an appearance on this list, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan actually offers both an associate of applied science and a bachelor’s degree in HVAC-R technology and energy management. Going on to pursue a more in-depth degree can make a big difference for those technicians who want to go on to more managerial or engineering jobs.
The AAS degree comprises 65 to 66 credits, while the bachelor’s degree consists of 124 credits. The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to refrigeration and air conditioning systems; advanced air conditioning and refrigeration; electricity blueprints and fabrication; advanced electricity and circuits; advanced HVAC-R controls; fundamentals of heating and mechanical systems; commercial refrigeration systems; and commercial HVAC systems design.
- Location: Big Rapids, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
Fresno City College
Fresno City College in Fresno, California has an associate degree program in air conditioning as part of its Applied Technology Division. The program runs for 21 weeks and requires 60 total units for graduation. With California among the top states to seek HVAC employment, this college could be a great choice for prospective technicians.
The curriculum includes courses such as principles of HVAC; electricity for HVAC; heating systems; system analysis and regulations; and brazing and motor technology.
- Location: Fresno, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges ( ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges ( WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Front Range Community College
Although Front Range Community College has multiple locations in Colorado, its HVAC program is only offered at its Larimer campus, making it a convenient choice for those who are local to that area. FRCC offers a 60-credit associate of applied science degree in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The college also offers four certificates in residential air conditioning and heating (35 credits); light commercial air conditioning and heating (37 credits); commercial refrigeration (28 credits); and HVAC-R fundamentals (15 credits).
The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to air conditioning & refrigeration; basic electricity; basic refrigeration; electrical components; hot water heating systems; heating for commercial; industrial controls; commercial refrigeration; troubleshooting & customer service; and advanced air conditioning.
- Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); residential air conditioning and heating (three semesters); light commercial air conditioning and heating (three semesters); commercial refrigeration (two semesters); and HVAC-R fundamentals (one semester)
Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona offers an associate of applied science degree in air conditioning/refrigeration/facilities. The program requires both HVAC degree-specific programs and general education courses focusing on communications and reading. Overall, students must complete between 68.5 to 79.5 credits to obtain the degree. The program has earned accreditation from PAHRA.
The program includes courses such as HVAC for residential systems; electrical systems; HVAC installation; HVAC troubleshooting; electro-mechanical devices; facilities air conditioning systems; commercial air and water test and balance; and motors: theory and application.
In addition to the AAS, the college also offers a 4-credit automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems certificate, a 12-credit automotive electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems certificate, a 45.5 to 51.5-credit HVAC commercial installation and service technician certificate, and a 23.5 to 29.5-credit HVAC residential installation and service technician certificate.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters for the AAS degree
Ivy Tech Community College
With campuses throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Terre Haute, Ivy Tech Community College (ITCC) can be an ideal choice for HVAC students looking for a degree program there. ITCC offers an associate of applied science degree that requires 60 credits over four semesters.
The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to HVAC technology; heating fundamentals; refrigeration; heating service; electrical circuits & controls; industrial electrical; duct fabrication and installation; and heat pump systems.
The college also offers a long-term HVAC certificate consisting of 31 to 32 credits and a short-term HVAC certificate consisting of 21 credits.
Successful students will receive nationally recognized certifications in various disciplines including heat pumps, gas heat, and HVAC-related electrical systems.
- Location: Bloomington, Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie, Sellersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute, and Valparaiso, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); certificate (two to three semesters)
J.F. Drake State Technical College
J.F. Drake State Technical College, located in North Huntsville, Alabama, offers an Associate Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning Technology. Students must take 66 credits to complete the AAT degree and the program has been awarded accreditation by HVAC Excellence. In addition to the AAS degree, the college also offers a 21-credit heating and air conditioning short certificate and a 38-credit heating and air conditioning certificate.
The curriculum includes courses such as principles of refrigeration; refrigeration piping practices; HVAC-R service procedures; fundamentals of electric heating systems; residential air conditioning; HVAC-R electrical components; principles of electricity for HVAC-R; fundamentals of gas heating systems; and commercial air conditioning systems.
- Location: Huntsville, AL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
Johnson County Community College
Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, Kansas has one of the most robust HVAC training programs of the colleges on this list. Not only do they offer an HVAC associate of applied science degree, but they also offer both residential and commercial specialties. JCCC also offers a technician certificate program for those students who cannot commit to the full AAS training regimen.
The AAS degree comprises 63 credits, while the certificate comprises 33 credits. The curriculum includes courses such as HVAC fundamentals; electrical fundamentals; heating system fundamentals; sheet metal layout and fabrication; load calculation and duct design; cooling systems; HVAC installation and start-up procedures; advanced electrical systems; HVAC rooftop units; and introduction to plumbing systems.
- Location: Overland Park, KS
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (five semesters); certificate (two semesters)
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho has an HVAC training program that is unique in a few ways. The college offers a 55-credit certificate and a 68-credit associate of applied sciences program. Further, the school has stringent requirements for admission to the program, ensuring classes of students destined to succeed in the field.
The curriculum includes courses such as basic electricity; refrigeration theory; duct fabrication; mechanical and electrical code review; gas code review; heating systems; hydronic systems; mechanical systems maintenance; basic electricity; heating systems; and refrigeration theory, among others.
- Location: Lewiston, ID
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
State Technical College of Missouri
State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, Missouri, allows students to work towards an associate in applied science HVAC degree. The school accepts applications once yearly and has received accreditation from both HVAC Excellence and PAHRA. The 72 credits of required courses include training in job search strategy and general education.
Courses in the curriculum include fundamentals of refrigeration and air conditioning; electrical fundamentals; sheet metal duct fabrication; residential & commercial heating and cooling; air conditioning & refrigeration motors and controls; and commercial refrigeration systems.
- Location: Linn, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence; PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: Five semesters
Mt. San Antonio College
Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California is affectionately called “Mt. SAC”. It offers an associate of science degree in air conditioning and refrigeration technology as part of the technology career cluster. HVAC classes take place during the day and in the evening, making it an ideal program for part-time students looking to change careers. The college also offers a certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration technology.
The AAS degree comprises 61 credits, while the certificate comprises 31.5 credits of coursework. The curriculum covers welding for air conditioning and refrigeration; refrigeration fundamentals; electrical fundamentals for air conditioning and refrigeration; air conditioning codes and standards; gas heating fundamentals; heat load calculations and design; commercial electrical for air conditioning and refrigeration; and air properties and measurement.
- Location: Walnut, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); HVAC Excellence; PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
North Georgia Technical College
Students can earn an associate’s degree in air conditioning technology at North Georgia Technical College, in Clarkesville, Blairsville, and Toccoa. The program is accredited by HVAC Excellence, which means experts in HVAC degree programs have evaluated it and has met their high standards, making it a smart choice for Georgia HVAC students.
In addition to the 70-credit associate’s degree, the college also has a 53-credit diploma in air conditioning technology, a 12-credit certificate in advanced commercial refrigeration, a 12-credit certificate in air conditioning electrical technician, a 12-credit certificate in air conditioning technician assistant, and a 16-credit certificate in heating and air conditioning installation technician.
The curriculum includes courses such as refrigeration fundamentals; refrigeration principles and practices; refrigeration systems components; air conditioning systems application and installation; gas heat; heat pumps and related systems; troubleshooting air conditioning systems; and troubleshooting and servicing commercial refrigeration.
- Location: Clarkesville, GA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: One to four semesters
Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) offers students the opportunity to earn an associate of applied science degree in air conditioning and refrigeration. Students who have previously attended college-level courses may be able to transfer credits at the beginning of the program, thereby shortening their stay at NVCC. Otherwise, the typical student schedule means the program lasts four semesters and covers 67 to 69 total credits.
In addition to the AAS degree, the college also offers a 33- to 34-credit air conditioning and refrigeration certificate and a 23-credit HVAC-R and facilities services technology certificate.
The curriculum includes courses such as air conditioning and refrigeration controls; circuits and controls; heating systems; gas-fired warm air furnaces; hydronics and zoning; heat loads and psychrometrics; heat pumps; and advanced troubleshooting and service.
- Location: Woodbridge, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); certificate (two semesters)
Northwest Mississippi Community College
The Senatobia, Mississippi campus of Northwest Mississippi Community College offers an HVAC technology program preparing graduates to work in engineering departments or private firms installing, operating, and maintaining small or medium HVAC-R systems. Students who complete 30 credits earn a career certificate, while those completing 45 credits earn a technical certificate. Students who successfully complete 60 credits earn an associate of applied science degree in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology.
The curriculum includes courses such as basic compression refrigeration; electricity for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration; brazing and piping; introduction to heating and air conditioning technology; refrigeration system components; refrigerant, retrofit, and regulations; heating systems; and commercial refrigeration.
All certificate students must obtain Type I and II EPA certifications before graduation.
- Location: Senatobia, MS
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology, affiliated with Pennsylvania State University, offers a variety of HVAC degree programs. They offer an associate of applied science degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology and mechanical systems and a bachelor of science degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design technology. The school focuses on the “green” career possibilities for graduates of their program due to a focus on environmentally sustainable work practices and technologies.
The AAS degree comprises 67 credits, while the bachelor’s degree comprises 128 credits. Courses include introduction to refrigeration; fundamentals of HVAC electrical controls; basic heating systems; warm-air heating & duct design; refrigeration applications – commercial installation/service; fundamentals of engineered systems design; heating & cooling system configurations; and commercial refrigeration systems design.
- Location: Williamsport, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (four semesters); bachelor’s (eight semesters)
Pikes Peak State College
Pikes Peak State College, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has a highly regarded HVAC degree program. The college offers an associate of applied sciences degree in the field. The 68-credit AAS program requires two years of courses to complete, but the duration may be shortened if students take general education classes during the summer semester. The college also offers a 15-credit direct digital controls certificate, an 18-credit industry upgrade certificate, and a 35-credit residential HVAC certificate.
The curriculum includes courses such as basic refrigeration; electricity for HVAC-R; fundamentals of gas heating; air conditioning & refrigeration controls; residential air conditioning; hot water heating systems; sheet metal fabrication; heating for commercial; direct digital controls; and advanced refrigeration.
- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
Pitt Community College
Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina offers an associate of applied science HVAC degree, including instruction in heating and cooling theory, electricity, and residential building codes. These practical courses mean that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. Students will also be able to earn diplomas and certificates as part of this AAS degree.
The 68-credit AAS degree includes courses such as introduction to refrigeration; HVAC controls; HVAC-R electricity; heating technology; comfort cooling; schematics and diagrams; heat pump technology; refrigeration certification; refrigeration systems; residential system design; and commercial HVAC controls.
- Location: Winterville, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Scott Community College
Scott Community College—part of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges system—in Bettendorf, Iowa has a diploma in heating, ventilation & air-conditioning. Students do classroom work as well as hands-on training to prepare themselves for entry-level employment upon graduation. Through labs and lectures, students in this fast-paced program will learn to work on commercial and residential HVAC systems covering electrical troubleshooting, sheet metal application, the refrigeration cycle, and more.
Made up of 39 credits, the program includes courses such as HVAC trade skills; refrigeration fundamentals; domestic heating; advanced domestic heating and air conditioning; and basic electricity for HVAC tech.
- Location: Bettendorf, IA
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters
University of Northwestern Ohio
Located in Lima, Ohio, the University of Northwestern Ohio offers an associate of applied science and a less rigorous diploma program in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. The AAS program requires 88 credits, including general education courses, and usually takes students 18 months to complete. The diploma consists of 61 credits and takes 14 months to complete.
The curriculum includes courses such as service & procedures; electrical & electronics; air conditioning systems and controls; heating systems & controls; refrigeration systems & controls; heat pump systems & controls; and special topics & applications of refrigeration and temperature controls.
- Location: Lima, OH
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); HVAC Excellence; PAHRA; American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (18 months); diploma (14 months)
Vernon College
Vernon College, which maintains both a Vernon and Wichita, Texas campus, offers an HVAC associate of applied science degree. To graduate from the program, students must complete between 60 credits of coursework. The college also has an 18-credit advanced HVAC certificate and a 24-credit level 1 HVAC certificate.
The curriculum includes courses such as basic electricity for HVAC; air conditioning control principles; refrigeration principles; residential air conditioning; gas and electric heating; air conditioning troubleshooting; air conditioning installation and startup; commercial air conditioning; and residential air conditioning systems design.
- Location: Vernon and Wichita Falls, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: AAS (two years); advanced certificate (32 weeks); level 1 certificate (32 weeks)
