Trade School for Heating and Air Conditioning Loachapoka AL

How to Enroll In the Right HVAC Degree Program near Loachapoka Alabama

air conditioner condensers in Loachapoka ALNow that you have decided on a career as a heating and air conditioner professional, the next action is to look for an HVAC vocational school near Loachapoka AL. But with so many to choose from, how do you choose the right one to obtain the training that you need? A number of prospective students will make their decision based entirely on the price of tuition or how near the school is to their residence. Even though these are important factors to consider, they are not the only ones to evaluate. Some of the other details that you need to research are the graduation rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. Those and other criteria will be covered in more detail later in this article. But before we discuss how to pick an HVAC vocational school, let’s take a look at what a heating and a/c contractor does to become a licensed professional tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Professional

Loachapoka AL HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is extensively used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC technicians provide services for the installation, repair and maintenance of central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, however each state and local municipality has its own prerequisites. Acquiring professional certification is not compulsory, but an alternative way for Loachapoka AL HVAC specialists to establish that they are exceptionally skilled and experienced in their area of expertise. There are a number of acknowledged certifications within the industry that are offered. Here are a few of the significant ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC techs. The certification is earned by passing a competency examination and can be acquired in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification offers 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 in addition to a passing result on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are offered in multiple specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for technicians that work with refrigerants. There are 3 forms of certification available, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Considering that licensing might be required in your area, and you may also desire to acquire certification, it’s imperative that you choose an HVAC vocational school that will train you for both. And since you will probably be handling refrigerants, make sure that the program you choose preps you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Degree Schools

radiator heater in Loachapoka AL homeThere 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. Earning a certificate will take the least amount of time, often completed in just 6 months, however some courses are longer. A certificate will train you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification related to the position. The degree programs can provide a competitive edge for securing employment and will furnish more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Following is a short description of each credential offered near Loachapoka AL.

  • Certificate. Generally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among beginning commercial or residential HVAC technicians. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program delivers a more exhaustive understanding of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Generally requiring 2 years to finish, some degrees include an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is geared more towards a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs call for an Associate Degree, while others are a conventional four 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 right credential program will be dependent on what your long term career objectives are, together with the time and money that you have to invest. One option is to start with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after gaining some experience in the trade in Loachapoka AL, later returning to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your tactic, make sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Courses

Loachapoka AL student attending HVAC school onlineChoosing an HVAC program online is one alternative to getting your education and receiving a degree or certificate. Most schools will require some attendance on campus to complete hands on 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 via the internet, this option may be a more practical solution for many Loachapoka AL students that are short on time. And a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other traditional choices. Even driving expenses from Loachapoka and study supplies can be lessened, helping to make schooling more affordable. And many online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family commitments have left you with little time to attend classes, maybe an online HVAC degree program will make it easier to accommodate school into your hectic schedule.

What to Ask HVAC Certification Courses

Questions to ask Loachapoka AL HVAC training schoolsAs soon as you have picked the type of degree or certificate that you would like to attain, either on campus or online, you can begin to limit your list of schools. As you are probably aware, there are a large number of HVAC trade schools in the Loachapoka AL area and across the USA to choose from. That’s why it is essential to have a list of relevant qualifiers when making school comparisons. As previously stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will undoubtedly be the initial 2 variables you will take into consideration. Following are some additional ones that you will want to research before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC vocational programs in the Loachapoka AL 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, such as HVAC technology. Make certain that the program and school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved accrediting agency, for instance the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping make certain that you obtain a quality education, it may assist in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are in many cases not available for non-accredited programs. Furthermore, a number of states require that the HVAC training program be accredited for it to be approved for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Cooling 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 course. A low completion rate may signify that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It might also signify that the teachers were not competent 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 directory of alumni, which can mean more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only validate that the school has a good reputation within the trade, but also that it has the network of Loachapoka AL HVAC employers to assist students obtain apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Many HVAC training programs are taught along with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating technical and vocational programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of HVAC companies or trade unions. Ask if the schools you are considering have working relationships with local Loachapoka AL HVAC contractors. An apprenticeship not only offers a valuable experience by furnishing practical training, but it also supplies employment opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Confirm that the school facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are up-to-date and what you will be using on the job. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, check with the HVAC specialist you are working with regarding what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Loachapoka AL HVAC company if they can provide some tips. Also bear in mind that unless you can relocate, the school needs to be within commuting distance of your Loachapoka AL home. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there can be higher tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you get as much individualized instruction as possible, which can be difficult in bigger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of the classes so that you can see how big they are and experience the interaction between instructors and students. Speak to a few of the students and get their feedback regarding class sizes and instruction. Finally, talk to some of the teachers and find out what their level of expertise is and what certifications or degrees they have earned.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the schools you are reviewing are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Loachapoka AL, check that the schools you are reviewing provide those options. If you can only attend part-time, make certain that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Also, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, sickness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Loachapoka AL?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the Loachapoka Alabama area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

Loachapoka, Alabama

Loachapoka is a town in Lee County, Alabama, United States. It is located less than 1/2 mile west of the City of Auburn and approximately 5 miles West of Auburn University, in west-central Lee County. The population was 180 as of the 2010 census. It is part of the Auburn metropolitan area.

The name "Loachapoka" means "turtle killing place" in Muskogee, with locha meaning "turtle" and poga meaning "killing place."[3] In literature, Lochapoka was the destination of the colonists in James H. Street's 1940 novel Oh, Promised Land.

Loachapoka is governed by a mayor and 5 town council members. However, in the most recent municipal election (2016), no incumbents submitted qualifying paperwork to run for re-election. Therefore, the only citizen that did qualify for the ballot became mayor-elect, as per state law, and this was confirmed by the AL Director of Elections.[4] When the mayor-elect brought the issue to light, several town, county and state officials worked together in a poorly hatched plan to improperly disqualify the only candidate to follow the law for qualification, as referenced in several newspaper articles and audio recordings of town hall meetings.[4][5][6] The corruption portrayed in this series of events reflect a pattern of politics in Alabama that has been commonplace for many years, as reported in the Harvard Political Review.[7]

Trade School for Heating and Air Conditioning Loachapoka AL

Finding the right HVAC school course is a critical first step toward a gratifying career in the heating and cooling industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Trade School for Heating and Air Conditioning. However, as we have discussed in this post, you should select an HVAC technical school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the HVAC community. Other factors to search for are ample practical training and modern facilities. You should check out each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to explore the campus and speak with both the faculty and current students. Try to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. Also, ask about scheduling options and whether or not night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And remember to ask about financial aid and student loan options as well. If you ask the proper questions as we have detailed in our guidelines for evaluating schools, you’ll be able to filter your choices so that you can make an informed decision. With the right training, hard work and commitment, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC professional in Loachapoka AL.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Alabama

  • HVAC Associates Degree Online Opp AL
  • HVAC Tech School Atmore AL
  • Air Conditioner and Refrigeration Courses Talladega AL
  • Trade School for HVAC Munford AL
  • HVAC Course Cost Walnut Grove AL
  • Heating and Cooling Training Eclectic AL
  • Air Conditioning Trade School Livingston AL
  • HVAC Diploma Online Scottsboro AL
  • Associate Degree in HVAC Perdue Hill AL
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Courses Online Tallassee AL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 20

    Metro Climate Systems & Refrigeration
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    239 Lee Road 894, Opelika, AL 36801

    Economy Air Heating & AC
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    N 11th St, Opelika, AL 36801

    AAC Alabama Air Conditioning
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3505 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801

    A Green Planet
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3505 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801

    Farnell Mechanical
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Home Energy Auditors
    Phone:
    2105 Airport Rd, Ste 3, Opelika, AL 36801

    Paragon Industrial
    1 Reviews
    Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    1401 Fitzpatrick Ave, Opelika, AL 36801

    T J's Appliance Service
    1 Reviews
    Appliances & Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    54 Samford Ave, Opelika, AL 36801

    Oasis Heating And Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1026 Co Rd 173, Opelika, AL 36801

    Alabama Air Conditioner
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3934 Hwy 29 S, Auburn, AL 36832

    Dixie Electric, Plumbing And Air
    1 Reviews
    Plumbing, Electricians, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2301 Enterprise Dr, Opelika, AL 36801