HVAC Course Cost Altamont TN

How to Enroll In the Right HVAC College near Altamont Tennessee

air conditioner condensers in Altamont TNNow that you have decided on a career as a heating and air conditioner technician, the next action is to locate an HVAC technical school near Altamont TN. But with so many to pick from, how do you choose the best one to receive the training that you need? Some potential students will make their choice based exclusively on the price of tuition or how close the school is to their residence. While these are necessary concerns, they are not the only ones to take into account. Some of the other factors that you need to look into 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 tackle how to choose an HVAC training program, let’s take a look at what a heating and a/c contractor does to become a licensed professional tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Technician

Altamont TN HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is commonly used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC technicians 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 commonly required to be licensed, although each state and local municipality has its own prerequisites. Earning professional certification is not required, but an alternative way for Altamont TN HVAC specialists to establish that they are exceptionally skilled and experienced in their area of specialization. There are several recognized certifications within the industry that are offered. Following are a few of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC technicians. The certification is achieved 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. Two years of professional experience as well as passing a comprehensive examination are needed for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have three years of experience in addition to a passing result on the professional level exam. Similar to NATE, certifications are provided in various specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is necessary for technicians that work with refrigerants. There are three forms of certification offered, one for small appliances, and the other two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Since licensing might be mandated in your area, and you may also wish to obtain certification, it’s essential that you pick an HVAC vocational school that will train you for both. And since you will more than likely be dealing with refrigerants, make certain that the program you select preps you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Training Programs

radiator heater in Altamont TN homeThere are a number of alternatives available for HVAC training in a technical or trade school. You can earn a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Earning a certificate will take the minimum period of time, often accomplished in as little as 6 months, however some courses are longer. A certificate will qualify you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification applicable to the position. The degree training programs might provide a competitive advantage for securing employment and will provide more comprehensive training than the certificate programs. Following is a short explanation of each credential offered near Altamont TN.

  • Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level residential or commercial HVAC technicians. They provide a solid foundation of skills for employment within the trade.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program provides a more detailed knowledge of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Typically requiring 2 years to complete, some degrees include an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more towards 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 mastering how to service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, you will also study how to design them.

Choosing the appropriate credential program will be based on what your long term career aspirations are, as well as the time and money that you have to commit. One possibility is to begin with a certificate or even an Associate Degree program, and after getting some experience in the field in Altamont TN, subsequently going back to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your strategy, be sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Online Courses

Altamont TN student attending HVAC school onlineAttending an HVAC school online is one alternative to attaining your education and receiving a degree or certificate. Almost all schools will call for some attendance on campus to complete practical training. A number also sponsor internship or work-study programs in addition to or instead of practical lab work. But since the rest of the classes may be participated in on the web, this alternative may be a more convenient solution for many Altamont TN students that are short on time. And some online degree programs are more economical than other traditional options. Even driving expenses from Altamont and study supplies may be minimized, helping to make schooling more economical. And a large number of online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family obligations have left you with minimal time to attend classes, perhaps an online HVAC degree program will make it less complicated to fit school into your hectic schedule.

Questions For HVAC Training Programs

Questions to ask Altamont TN HVAC training schoolsAfter you have decided on the type of degree or certificate that you wish 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 vocational schools in the Altamont TN area and all over the United States to pick from. That’s why it is very important to have a checklist of relevant qualifiers when making school evaluations. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will probably be the initial two factors you will look at. Following are some additional ones that you will want to investigate before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC trade programs in the Altamont TN area have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They can receive Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, for instance HVAC technology. Make certain that the school and program are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In addition to helping make certain that you get an excellent education, it can assist in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Additionally, some states mandate that the HVAC training course be accredited in order to be approved for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the HVAC schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage or portion of students who enroll in and finish the program. A low completion rate may indicate that students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. It may also mean that the instructors were not qualified to train the students. It’s similarly imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader directory of alumni, which can produce more contacts for the school to use for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only validate that the school has a good reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of Altamont TN HVAC employers to help graduates secure apprenticeships or jobs.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Numerous HVAC vocational programs are taught in conjunction with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating vocational and technical programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of HVAC contractors or trade unions. Check if the schools you are reviewing have working partnerships with local Altamont TN HVAC companies. An apprenticeship not only provides a valuable experience by providing hands-on training, but it also provides job opportunities and helps to form relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make sure that the school facilities and the tools 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, consult with the HVAC technician you are working under concerning what you should be expecting. If not, ask a local Altamont TN HVAC contractor if they can give you some suggestions. Also bear in mind that unless you are willing to move, the school must be within driving distance of your Altamont TN home. Take note that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there can be higher tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you receive as much one-on-one training as possible, which can be challenging 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 students and instructors. Talk to a few of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, speak to 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 schools you are assessing are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Altamont TN, verify that the schools you are looking at provide those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select permits part-time enrollment. Finally, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, sickness or family issues.

Considering an HVAC School near Altamont TN?

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

Altamont, Tennessee

Altamont was established in 1848 as a county seat for Grundy County, which had been created in 1844. Adrian Northcut, a prominent local farmer and military officer, was the prime advocate for the site's selection.[7] The town's name comes from combining alto (meaning "altitude") and mont (meaning "mountain").[8] Although the Civil War somewhat stunted the town's growth, by 1870 Altamont's population had grown to 217.[9]

Altamont has one of the oldest Mormon congregations in the southeastern United States. The congregation was formed in the 1890s, and a Mormon chapel was built in Northcutt Cove just north of Altamont in 1909. Shortly thereafter, several members of the congregation migrated to Altamont. A Mormon chapel was completed along Main Street in 1947, and a newer chapel was completed just off Viola Road in 1981.[10]

In 1988, Altamont's school building was renovated and now houses the Altamont City Hall and the Altamont Library and Museum. The building was renamed the "Florence R. Scruggs Municipal Building" in 1996, after a long-time teacher at the school.[11]

HVAC Course Cost Altamont TN

Selecting the right HVAC training program is a critical first step toward a rewarding career in the heating and cooling industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding HVAC Course Cost. However, as we have covered in this post, you should pick an HVAC school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC profession. Other factors to look for are lots 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 inspect the campus and talk with both the faculty and current students. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. Additionally, ask about scheduling options and whether or not night or weekend classes are available if needed. And remember to ask about financial aid and student loan options too. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have outlined in our guidelines for evaluating schools, you’ll be able to narrow down your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the appropriate training, hard work and dedication, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC specialist in Altamont TN.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Tennessee

  • HVAC Training Program Lancaster TN
  • HVAC Education Online Palmer TN
  • School for HVAC Technician Jefferson City TN
  • HVAC Class Covington TN
  • HVAC Trade Schools Huntingdon TN
  • HVAC Training Courses Online Arnold Afb TN
  • HVAC Online Courses Dyer TN
  • Schools for Heating and Air Conditioning Pleasant Hill TN
  • HVAC Training and Certification Jacksboro TN
  • Heating and Air Training Maryville TN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 13

    Rose Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    308 W Fort St, Manchester, TN 37355

    Complete Comfort Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    McMinnville, TN 37110

    Airmax Heating & Air
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Tullahoma, TN 37388

    Quality Heating & Air Conditioning
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1326 Thomas Rd, Monteagle, TN 37356

    A-1 Better Handyman
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    McMinnville, TN 37110

    Stuart Service Inc
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Appliances & Repair
    Phone:
    202 W Coffee St, Tullahoma, TN 37388

    Healthy Home Now
    1 Reviews
    Home Inspectors, Home Cleaning, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Signal Mountain, TN 37377

    Superior Electrical Services
    1 Reviews
    Electricians, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Manchester, TN 37355

    Robertson Heating and Air
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    Fayetteville, TN 37334

    Service Now Heating And Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    160 Cornerstone Dr, Jasper, TN 37347