Tag Archives: Accredited Local HVAC Courses near Glenwood AL 36034

HVAC Training Program Glenwood AL

How to Enroll In the Right Heating and Cooling Program near Glenwood Alabama

air conditioner condensers in Glenwood ALNow that you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioner specialist, the next step is to find an HVAC trade school near Glenwood AL. But with so many to choose from, how do you choose the right one to get the training that you need? Many future students will make their decision based solely on the price of tuition or how near the school is to their home. Although these are relevant considerations, they are not the only ones to evaluate. Just some of the other factors 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. Those and additional benchmarks will be covered in more detail later in this article. But before we tackle how to select an HVAC trade school, let’s look at what a heating and a/c professional does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Tech

Glenwood AL HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is widely used in the trade that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC contractors provide services for the installation, maintenance and repair of central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are typically required to be licensed, although every state and local municipality has its own criteria. Earning professional certification is not compulsory, but an alternative means for Glenwood AL HVAC specialists to demonstrate that they are highly skilled and accomplished in their area of specialization. There are many respected certifications within the trade that are available. Below are a few of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC techs. The certification is earned by passing a competency exam and can be received in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification offers both a professional and a master specialist credential. 2 years of field experience as well as passing a comprehensive exam are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have three years of experience together with a passing score on the professional level examination. As with NATE, certifications are provided in several specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is required 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 mandated in your area, and you may also desire to acquire certification, it’s imperative that you pick an HVAC technical school that will prepare you for both. And since you will probably be dealing with refrigerants, make certain that the program you pick preps you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Courses

radiator heater in Glenwood AL homeThere are several alternatives offered for HVAC instruction in a technical or trade school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the lesser period of time, usually achieved in as little as 6 months, although some courses are longer. A certificate will qualify you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification appropriate to the position. The degree programs may provide a competitive advantage in the job market and will furnish more extensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a brief description of each option offered near Glenwood AL.

  • Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among beginning commercial or residential HVAC specialists. They provide a solid foundation of skills for employment within the trade.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program delivers a more comprehensive knowledge of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Generally requiring 2 years to finish, a number of degrees incorporate an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is tailored more for 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 learning how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also study how to design them.

Choosing the right credential program will be based on what your long term career aspirations are, in addition to the time and financial resources that you have to commit. One possibility is to begin with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the trade in Glenwood AL, subsequently returning to acquire 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 Online Training

Glenwood AL student attending HVAC school onlineChoosing an HVAC school online is one option in obtaining your education and earning a certificate or degree. Almost all schools will require some attendance on campus to participate in practical training. Many also sponsor internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the balance of the classes may be participated in via the internet, this approach may be a more convenient solution for some Glenwood AL students that are short on time. And many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus alternatives. Even driving expenses from Glenwood and study materials can be minimized, helping to make education more budget-friendly. And many online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your career or family obligations have left you with little time to attend classes, perhaps an HVAC online training program will make it more convenient to accommodate school into your busy lifestyle.

What to Ask HVAC Certification Courses

Questions to ask Glenwood AL HVAC training schoolsWhen you have decided on the type of certificate or degree that you wish to obtain, either online or on campus, you can begin to narrow down your list of schools. As you are no doubt aware, there are numerous HVAC trade schools in the Glenwood AL area and all over the Country to pick from. That’s why it is very important to have a list of key qualifications when making school assessments. As formerly mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will probably be the initial 2 factors you will look at. Following are some additional ones that you need to explore before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  A large number of HVAC trade schools in the Glenwood AL area have earned either a regional or a national accreditation. They may acquire Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to a specific program, such as HVAC technology. Verify that the program and school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved accrediting organization, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you receive a quality education, it can help in obtaining financial assistance or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Also, many states require that the HVAC training course be accredited in order 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 percentage or portion of students who enroll in and finish the program. A lower completion rate may signify that students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. It might also suggest that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It’s similarly essential that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive directory of alumni, which may mean more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only affirm that the school has a good reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Glenwood AL HVAC employers to help grads acquire apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Most HVAC vocational programs are taught together with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating vocational and trade programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of HVAC contractors or labor unions. Check if the schools you are reviewing have referring relationships with local Glenwood AL HVAC companies. An apprenticeship not only provides a valuable experience by furnishing practical training, but it also supplies employment opportunities and helps to form relationships in the area HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make sure that the school facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be working with on the job. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the HVAC specialist you are working under concerning what you should be looking for. If not, ask a local Glenwood AL HVAC contractor if they can provide some suggestions. Also keep in mind that unless you are able to move, the school needs to be within commuting distance of your Glenwood AL residence. Remember that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, in addition to moving costs there can be higher tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you get as much one-on-one training as possible, which can be challenging in bigger classes. Ask if you can monitor some of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and experience the interaction between instructors and students. Speak to some of the students and get their feedback concerning class sizes and instruction. Last, speak with a few of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is and what certifications or degrees they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the programs you are evaluating are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you are only able to attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Glenwood AL, verify that the programs you are reviewing provide those choices. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Finally, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Glenwood AL?

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

Glenwood, Alabama

As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 191 people, 92 households, and 58 families residing in the town. The population density was 262.8 people per square mile (101.0/km²). There were 118 housing units at an average density of 162.3 per square mile (62.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 69.11% White, 29.84% Black or African American, and 1.05% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 92 households out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the town, the population was spread out with 18.3% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.3 males.

HVAC Training Program Glenwood AL

Enrolling in the ideal HVAC training course is a critical first step toward a gratifying career in the heating and air conditioning field. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding HVAC Training Program. However, as we have addressed in this post, you should choose an HVAC trade school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the HVAC profession. Other factors to look for are lots of hands-on training and modern facilities. You need to go to each of the schools in person that you are most interested in to explore the campus and talk with both the faculty and current students. Try to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. In addition, ask about scheduling options and if night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don’t forget to inquire about financial assistance and student loan options as well. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have outlined in our checklist for assessing schools, you’ll be able to filter your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the right training, hard work and commitment, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC specialist in Glenwood AL.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Alabama

  • Air Conditioning Technician Training Saraland AL
  • HVAC Service Technician Training Florence AL
  • Online Air Conditioning Courses Tuskegee Institute AL
  • Heating and Refrigeration Courses Wedowee AL
  • HVAC Learning Cowarts AL
  • Degree Air Conditioning Jasper AL
  • Associates Degree in HVAC Jackson AL
  • Advanced HVAC Training Summerdale AL
  • HVAC Program Buhl AL
  • How To Become a HVAC Tech Clayton AL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 10

    Season After Season HVAC
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Grady, AL 36036

    Stinnett Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Appliances & Repair
    Phone:
    301 E Grubbs St, Enterprise, AL 36330

    Long's Refrigeration
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    305 W Madison St, Troy, AL 36081

    Prime HVAC
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Dothan, AL 36303

    Wiggins Cooling & Heating
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    814 Forrest Ave, Brewton, AL 36426

    Pollock's Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    4164 Ward Basin Rd, Milton, FL 32583

    Avalon Air Conditioning and Heating
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    5745 San Juan St, Milton, FL 32583

    Lee Heating & Cooling
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    4119 Warehouse Ln, Pensacola, FL 32505

    Coastal Florida Heat Air & Appliances
    3 Reviews
    Appliances, Appliances & Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1326 Border St, Pensacola, FL 32505

    Hollenback Heating & Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    10809 Crosscut Dr, Pensacola, FL 32506