Tag Archives: Accredited Local HVAC Courses near Richland SC 29675

Training for HVAC Technician Richland SC

How to Enroll In the Right HVAC Certificate Program near Richland South Carolina

air conditioner condensers in Richland SCOnce you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioner technician, the next action is to choose an HVAC technical school near Richland SC. But with so many to choose from, how do you decide on the right one to obtain the training that you need? A number of prospective students will make their decision based entirely on the cost of tuition or how near the school is to their residence. While these are necessary 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. These 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 look at what a heating and a/c professional does to become a licensed qualified tradesman.

How to Become an HVAC Contractor

Richland SC HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is frequently used in the trade that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC contractors specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and heating systems. As professional tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, however every state and regional municipality has its own prerequisites. Attaining professional certification is not compulsory, but a voluntary means for Richland SC HVAC technicians to prove that they are highly skilled and accomplished in their area of specialization. There are many acknowledged certifications within the industry that are available. Below are some of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC techs. The certification is attained by passing a proficiency examination and can be acquired 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 exam are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have three years of experience as well as a passing result on the professional level exam. Similar to NATE, certifications are offered in multiple specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for techs that handle refrigerants. There are three forms of certification obtainable, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

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

HVAC Degree Training Programs

radiator heater in Richland SC homeThere are a number of alternatives offered for HVAC training in a technical or trade school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Earning a certificate will take the least amount of time, often accomplished in just 6 months, though some programs are longer. A certificate will train you for most HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification relevant to the position. The degree training programs can provide a competitive edge in the job market and will furnish more in-depth training than the certificate programs. Below is a short explanation of each option offered near Richland SC.

  • Certificate. Generally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among entry level commercial or residential HVAC professionals. They furnish a strong foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program supplies a more comprehensive knowledge of heating and a/c systems than the certificate program. Generally taking 2 years to finish, a number of degrees feature an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited 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 appropriate credential program will be dependent on what your long term career goals are, together with the time and financial resources that you have to invest. One possibility is to start with a certificate or perhaps an Associate Degree program, and after gaining some experience in the field in Richland SC, eventually returning to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your approach, be sure to ask the HVAC technician school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Schools

Richland SC student attending HVAC school onlineAttending an HVAC school online is one possibility in attaining your education and earning a certificate or degree. Almost all schools will require some attendance on campus to take part in hands on training. Some also provide internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the balance of the classes can be participated in via the internet, this alternative may be a more convenient solution for many Richland SC students that are pressed for time. And many online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even travelling expenses from Richland and study supplies may be minimized, helping to make education more affordable. And many 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, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it more convenient to fit school into your busy lifestyle.

Questions to Ask HVAC Schools

Questions to ask Richland SC HVAC training schoolsWhen you have picked the type of degree or certificate that you desire to obtain, either online or on campus, you can begin to narrow down your selection of schools. As you are certainly aware, there are a large number of HVAC vocational schools in the Richland SC area and across the United States to select from. That’s why it is imperative to have a list of key qualifications when making school comparisons. As earlier stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will probably be the initial 2 variables you will consider. Following are some additional ones that you should explore before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC technical schools in the Richland SC area have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They may attain Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, for example HVAC technology. Make sure that the program and school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you obtain a quality education, it can assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited schools. Furthermore, many states mandate that the HVAC training program be accredited for it to be approved for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Air Conditioning 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 might indicate that students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It could also mean that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It’s also essential that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive list of graduates, which may result in more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only affirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Richland SC HVAC employers to help grads obtain apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Most HVAC vocational programs are taught along 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 HVAC contractors or trade unions. Check if the schools you are considering have working relationships with local Richland SC HVAC professionals. An apprenticeship not only offers a rewarding experience by furnishing practical training, but it also supplies employment opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the regional HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make sure that the campus facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are state-of-the-art and what you will be working with on the job. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the HVAC specialist you are working under regarding what you should be expecting. If not, ask a local Richland SC HVAC contractor if they can provide some tips. Additionally bear in mind that unless you are willing to relocate, the school must be within commuting distance of your Richland SC residence. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there can be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you receive as much personalized training as possible, which can be difficult in bigger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a few of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and witness first hand the interaction between students and teachers. Talk to a few of the students and get their feedback relating to class sizes and instruction. Finally, speak with some of the instructors and find out what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they have earned.

Flexible Scheduling.  Verify that the class schedules for the schools you are evaluating are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you are only able to go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Richland SC, confirm that the schools you are considering offer those choices. If you can only attend part-time, make sure that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Additionally, ask what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, sickness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Richland SC?

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

Richland County, South Carolina

Richland County is located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2016 census estimate, the population was 409,549,[1] making it the second-most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville County. The county seat and largest city is Columbia,[2] the state capital. The county was founded in 1785.

Richland County was probably named for its "rich land." The county was formed in 1785 as part of the large Camden District. A small part of Richland later went to adjacent Kershaw County in 1791. The county seat and largest city is Columbia, which is also the state capital. In 1786 the state legislature decided to move the capital from Charleston to a more central location. A site was chosen in Richland County, which is in the geographic center of the state, and a new town was laid out. Richland County's boundaries were formally incorporated on Dec. 18, 1799. Cotton from the surrounding plantations was shipped through Columbia and later manufactured into textiles there. General William T. Sherman captured Columbia during the Civil War, and his troops burned the town and parts of the county on February 17, 1865. The U. S. Army returned on more friendly terms in 1917, when Fort Jackson was established, which is now the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army. The South Carolina State House is located in downtown Columbia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 772 square miles (2,000 km2), of which 757 square miles (1,960 km2) is land and 15 square miles (39 km2) (1.9%) is water.[4] Richland County is situated in the center of South Carolina.

Training for HVAC Technician Richland SC

Selecting the ideal HVAC school course is an important beginning toward a fulfilling career in the heating & cooling field. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Training for HVAC Technician. However, as we have addressed in this post, you should select an Heating and Cooling trade school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the HVAC field. Other things to search for are plenty of practical training and state-of-the-art facilities. You need to visit each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to explore the campus and speak with both the faculty and current students. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. Additionally, inquire about scheduling options and whether night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don’t forget to ask about financial assistance and student loan options as well. If you ask the proper 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 educated decision. With the appropriate training, hard work and commitment, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC professional in Richland SC.

More Hot and Cool Locations in South Carolina

  • Air Conditioner Schools Fair Play SC
  • HVAC Degrees Chester SC
  • HVAC Masters Degree Murrells Inlet SC
  • HVAC College Courses Honea Path SC
  • Heating Training Leesville SC
  • How to Choose HVAC Certification Training Wallace SC
  • HVAC College Programs Gilbert SC
  • Air Conditioner Training Course Lexington SC
  • Top HVAC Trade Schools Turbeville SC
  • Associates Degree in HVAC Darlington SC
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 60

    Cool Care Heating and Air
    7 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    3102 Bronx Rd, Columbia, SC 29204

    Mid State Heating and AIr
    6 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    6807 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203

    Celtic Breeze Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Columbia, SC 29212

    On Call Plumbing Heating and Air
    1 Reviews
    Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3770 Fernandina Rd, Columbia, SC 29210

    Kaminer Heating And Cooling
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    110 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210

    Air Necessities
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    7718 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

    Mack Heating & Cooling
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    742 Old Barnwell Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170

    Comfort Services
    3 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    128 Sparkman Dr, Columbia, SC 29209

    Evans Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    1232 Rose St, Ste B, Elgin, SC 29045

    SC Heating And Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Generator Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    Columbia, SC 29210