HVAC Trade Schools in Ohio: How to Get Certified

Trade schools have been a popular choice for students seeking careers in the skilled trades for many years. They offer shorter programs than traditional four-year colleges, and many trade schools are accredited, meaning the education and training you receive will be of the highest quality. Trade schools can prepare you for a career in a number of skilled trades, including HVAC.

HVAC trade schools offer certificate programs that teach you everything you need to know to start working as an HVAC technician. These programs typically last anywhere from 6-12 months, and once you graduate, you will be ready to start working in the field. Some HVAC trade schools also offer diploma programs, which usually take around 16 months. Either path is a great choice, but the one you choose will just depend on your career goals. For those looking to obtain more advanced roles in the HVAC industry, then a 20-24 month associates degree program may be more up your alley.

In any case, if you are looking to pursue a career as an HVAC technician, then an accredited HVAC trade school is a great place to start. There are a number of accredited HVAC trade schools in Ohio, and each one offers different programs and courses. It is important to do your research before choosing a school, as each may have a unique offer and some may excel in one area where another does not. For example, some schools may offer cheaper programs and others may be offered online.

The best HVAC trade schools in Ohio include:

Fortis College

Description

Fortis College programs are made to prepare students for entering the HVAC-R career in an entry-level position. There is some classroom instruction, small group coaching, and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities to appropriately develop your skills as an HVAC-R technician.

Accreditation

Each Fortis college and institute is accredited by one of the following:

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)

Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Prerequisites

For admission, you will need to be a high school graduate or equivalent and complete a personal information sheet. There will be a personal interview as well where you will discuss your career goals.

Program Goals

To appropriately prepare students to develop, select, test, and operate heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment. Once the students complete the program they should be prepared for an entry-level job in the HVAC industry.

Program Costs

For information about tuition, you will need to speak with admissions, although financial aid is available for those who may need it.

Employment

After graduation, Fortis career services will aid you in your job search to ensure you find the job that meets your requirements.

Southern Ohio Technical College

Description

The Southern Ohio Technical College offers a well-rounded HVAC-R program that prepares the students to be great entry-level installers as well as maintenance or service technicians.

Program Expectations

Giving students the knowledge from a classroom but also the hands-on experience with labs. This program will provide the real-world experience and confidence needed to be an excellent HVAC-R technician.

Program Costs

SOTI's HVAC-R program will cost $6,500. This includes Tuition, Supplies, and the registration fee.

Employment

After graduation, they also offer support in finding employment in the HVAC-R Field. SOTI has many connections to HVAC contractors and can be useful when searching for a job after graduation.

Curriculum

Each class has hours that fall into the 5-20 range. All classes total make 200 hours and SOTI claims that the course is completed in "10 calendar weeks".

Class Schedule

Classes are held Monday - Thursday, 5:00 - 10:00 pm. They are closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Prerequisites

There are not many requirements for this school. You must be 18 and have graduated high school or its equivalent. The admission process is quite simple to start as they are eager to have new students.

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center

Description

At CVCC they offer an HVAC program where you will learn how to install, maintain, and repair heating and or air conditioning systems (HVAC). As a student, you will be exposed to many tools of the trade such as pipe threaders, soldering iron and gun, oxyacetylene and turbo torches, and many more.

Program Goals

The goals of this program are to teach you the skills necessary to operate the tools used in the HVAC field as well as teach you the proper techniques for installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems. They will also teach you the science behind heating and cooling along with how to handle refrigerants. After this course, you should be fully prepared for a career in the HVAC industry.

Accreditation

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. CVCC is also accredited by PAHRA, the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration.

Certifications

Students taking the HVAC program at this school will be offered chances to get the following certifications:

OSHA 10-Hour Saftey Certification

CFC Section 608 EPA Technician

H.E.A.T Exam

Esco Institute Employment ready exams

Credits

Year one - 4.0 Elective

Year two - 4.0 Elective

Prerequisites

For admission into the HVAC program at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, you must have graduated high school, have a valid government-issued ID, and have completion of the prerequisite courses if there are any.

Program Cost

Tuition for the HVAC program will cost $3,512.00. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Class Schedule

Classes are held Weekly Tuesday-Thursday from 6:00 - 10:00

University of Northwestern Ohio

Description

Their HVAC-R program teaches you all the skills required for maintaining, installing, and repairing HVAC units. They claim a 70% hands-on learning experience while working with HVAC training aids.

Accreditation

The University of Northwestern Ohio is fully accredited by PAHRA and has also been granted a 6-year HVAC Excellence accreditation.

Curriculum

Classes for this HVAC Program can include:

• Service and Procedures
• Refrigeration Systems and Controls
• Electrical and Electronics
• Air Conditioning Systems and Controls
• Heating Systems & Controls
• Heat Pump Systems & Controls
• Applications of Refrigeration and Temperature Controls
• Solar and Wind Powered Technology

Credits

At UNOH there are two programs available for the HVAC-R career, Associates degrees, and Diploma programs. The length of the course will depend on which program you choose.

Associates Degree:

1331 Total Hours for Graduation, this is broken into 984 Technical hours and 347 general hours. Lasting 20 months with 88 total credit hours.

Diploma Programs:

1078 Total Hours for Graduation. 971 Technical hours and 107 General hours. Lasting 16 months with 61 total credit hours.

Program Costs

On the University's website, there is a tuition cost calculator to help determine the tuition cost personalized for you. UNOH also states that 94% of its students receive financial aid and that there is no out-of-state tuition.

Program Goals

This program is geared to teach you a working knowledge of residential and commercial units, a good understanding of government regulations in the HVAC-R industry, and the skills to repair and install HVAC systems.

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Miami Valley Career Tech Center

Description

The HVAC-R adult program trains technicians to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

ACT WorkKeys Levels required for admission: Workplace Documents Level 4; Applied Mathematics Level 4; Graphic Literacy Level 4

Accreditation

This program holds national accreditation from the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (PAHRA). PAHRA accredited schools meet or exceed rigorous instruction, curriculum, and facility standards for excellence.

Program Goals

• Know the necessary health and safety practices in the trade

• Describe the sequence of operation of HVAC equipment

• Read and use blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer instructions

• Fabricate sheet metal components for ductwork

• Solder & braze fittings for necessary connections

• Perform an HVAC-R load calculation on a complete system

• Properly use pipe cutters, benders, acetylene torches, voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, and manometers

• Diagnose problems, test and overhaul compressors, test relays and thermostats

Courses Taught:  CPR, OSHA 30, NCCER Core, HVAC-R Level 1, HVAC-R Level 2, HVAC-R Level 3

Hours

620

Weeks

48

Class Schedule

Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 - 10:00 pm

Program Costs

$12,700 (Financial aid is available for those who qualify) (Pell & Stafford funding authorized by US Dept. of Education)

Employment Rate

100% Based on data reported to the Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Salary Range

$31,600 - $70,200 annually Based on data from O*Net Online

Prerequisites

• Meets Program Criteria on Work Force Training Assessment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Drug Screen from ArcPoint Lab
• Emergency Information Form
• Financial Aid -- Confirmation of Completed FAFSA (Student Aid Report)
• Financial Aid -- Confirmation of Completed Loan Counseling
• Financial Aid -- Confirmation of Completed MPN (Master Promissory Note)

Great Oaks Institute of Technology

Description

The HVAC program at Great Oaks Institute of Technology is dedicated to teaching you how to repair, troubleshoot, maintain, and install a wide variety of HVAC systems. They can also help teach and prepare you for real-world jobs after graduation.

Accreditation

The Great Oaks Institute of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Great Oaks adult programs are also approved by the Ohio Board of Regents.

Prerequisites

• Attend an online information session
• Fill out an online application
• Start your financial aid process
• Successfully achieve a Level 4 on the WorkKeys® Assessments
• Submit all required documents

Program Length

This will be a 900-hour program

Class Schedule

Monday - Thursday, 4:30 to 10:00 pm. There will occasionally be a class on Fridays 4:00 - 7:30 pm. When there is no class on Fridays there will be two hours of remote instruction.

Tuition

The cost of tuition alone is $8,466. Books and supplies will be $3,464 for a total of $11,930. This total is subject to change from financial aid which is offered for those who qualify.

As with most other colleges and schools, the prices have a relatively wide variety. Some may be out of your price range but just because a school is expensive doesn't make it better than one that may be cheaper. Pick your school based on your own budget and the requirements you want in a school or program.

These are estimated or average prices so take into account that they may go up or down depending on your choice of program and degree. Every school here will be a good choice for the HVAC career field but still make sure to research the schools you are interested in and determine if they meet the requirements you have.

Enrollment

The process of enrolling in a college or trade school can be daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have gone through the process and can help you every step of the way.

Here are the steps you need to take to enroll in college or trade school:

1. Decide which school you want to attend. This can be a difficult decision, but it is important to choose a school that fits your needs and budget. Research the schools that you are interested in. Make sure to read reviews and compare different schools so you are confident in the school you pick.

2. Apply and pay for school. You will need to fill out an application for the school, make sure to put effort into this application. Your application is the first chance you get to stand out and get your foot in the door for the rest of the process. Usually, there will also be fees that are needed for applications and other processes. Make sure to pay those as well.

4. Gather your transcripts and proof of residency. You will need to provide your transcripts from high school or college and proof of residency in order to enroll in school.

5. Fill out any necessary paperwork. Each school will have its own set of paperwork that you will need to fill out. Be sure to read all of the instructions carefully.

6. Attend orientation and register for classes. Orientation is a required event for all new students, and during this time you will be able to register for your classes.

7. Start classes and begin your new journey!

Difference in Degrees

Degree Program

An associate's degree is a two-year degree that is offered by many community colleges and trade schools. This degree is an excellent option for those who are looking to start their career in the HVAC field. An associate's degree will give you the basics you need to start working as an HVAC technician.

A bachelor's degree is a four-year degree that is offered by many universities. This degree is a good option for those who are looking to further their education and pursue a career in HVAC. A bachelor's degree will give you more in-depth knowledge of the HVAC field and prepare you for advanced positions.

Certificate Program

Aside from an associate or bachelors degree, there are many other types of HVAC training programs available. With so many different options, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for you. However, the two most common types of programs are certificate programs and diploma programs.

Certificate programs are typically shorter in duration than diploma programs, and they focus on teaching students the basics of HVAC. Certificate programs are postsecondary degree programs for applicants with a high school diploma and typically last about a year, sometimes less. This is an excellent option for those who are looking to start their career quickly in the HVAC business without going through a lengthy schooling process.

Apprenticeship

Ultimately, you don't need to have a degree or certificate to start a career in HVAC. As long as you have a high school diploma or GED, you could pursue an HVAC apprenticeship. In this role you would be considered a trainee who works with other HVAC maintenance workers to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain residential and commercial HVAC systems and equipment.

Your responsibilities may include assisting with install and maintenance of HVAC systems on or inside commercial and residential properties, which may also involve repairing rooftop units.

Apart from this, you will need to operate a variety of hand and power tools needed for HVAC installation. You will need to learn to diagnose an HVAC system to identify potential problems and make necessary repairs while ensuring that all tools, materials, and equipment are in good working order.

Apprenticeships last between 3 and 5 years with employees receiving an increasing wage at regular intervals, often every 6 months to a year. Apprenticeship usually starts with simple HVAC/R tasks that gradually become more complex as time goes on.

Campus Life

Trade schools and colleges offer a variety of on-campus activities that students can get involved in. These activities can help students to make friends and expand their horizons. It can also be a way to network for after-school opportunities.

Here are some of the most common on-campus activities at trade schools and colleges:

Clubs and organizations

Most trade schools and colleges have a variety of clubs and organizations that students can join. These clubs can provide opportunities for students to meet new people, learn about new topics, and have fun. Clubs can also help you get to know more people interested in similar fields such as HVAC.

Sporting Events

Many trade schools and colleges have sports teams that students can support and cheer on. These events are a great way to get involved in the campus community and have some fun and meet new people.

Arts and Culture Events

Many campuses host arts and culture events that students can attend. These events can provide exposure to new forms of art and allow students to learn more about different cultures.

Volunteer opportunities

Many campuses offer volunteer opportunities for students to get involved in the community. These opportunities can allow students to give back to their community and learn more about the world around them.

Student government

Most campuses have a student government that students can get involved in. This is a great way to learn more about how your campus works and to have a voice in the decisions that are made. Student government is great leadership practice as well and can help you get more comfortable with leading others.

HVAC Careers

There are many different types of careers available in the HVAC field, and the type of career you choose will depend on your interests, skills, and education level. Here are some of the most common careers in the HVAC field:

HVAC Technician

An HVAC technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems. This is a great entry-level position for those who are interested in the HVAC field and working with their hands. This position will get you hands-on experience with HVAC systems and how they work.

HVAC Engineer

An HVAC engineer is responsible for designing HVAC systems and how they function. An HVAC Engineer is great for people who have an interest in engineering and designing how they work. This is a great engineering field and shouldn't be as difficult as some of the other types of engineering work.

HVAC Salesperson

An HVAC salesperson is responsible for selling HVAC products and services to customers. Good career choice for people interested in sales. Not too difficult but can still offer a decent paycheck compared to other sales jobs.

HVAC Instructor

An HVAC instructor is responsible for teaching HVAC courses at a trade school or college. This is a more specific career field and is generally for people who have worked with HVAC systems in the past and now want a less physical job. Being an HVAC instructor can be a great teaching opportunity giving you valuable experience.

Certifications and Requirements

Becoming an HVAC technician in Ohio requires a combination of education and experience. The most important requirement is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, in order to become a licensed HVAC technician, you will need to complete an accredited HVAC training program.

In addition to completing an accredited training program, you will also need to have at least two years of experience working in the HVAC field. This experience can come from working as an apprentice under a licensed technician, or it can come from working in another related field such as electrical work or plumbing.

Once you have both your education and experience, you can apply for a license from the state of Ohio. To do so, you will need to fill out an application and provide proof of your education and working experience. You will also need to pay a fee for your license , at which point will be valid for two years.

There are also many different types of certification available in the HVAC field, and the type of certification you choose will depend on your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some of the most common certifications used in the HVAC field:

HVAC Technician Certification

An HVAC technician certification demonstrates your skill and knowledge in the HVAC field as a technician.

HVAC Installer Certification

An HVAC installer certification shows your skill and knowledge in specifically installing HVAC systems.

EPA Certification

An EPA certification demonstrates your skill and knowledge in working with refrigerants as well as HVAC appliances. Since most HVAC technicians will at some point work with coolants, this certification is a must. You can choose a certification in small appliances, low-pressure coolant, high-pressure coolants, or all three.

OSHA Certification

An OSHA certification demonstrates your skill and knowledge of safety in the workplace.

NATE Certification 

North American Technician Excellence is a nonprofit organization that works to make your wish for a great technician come true. NATE certifies HVAC technicians through a series of knowledge and experience-based testing, then initiates follow-up training and testing every two years. Being NATE certified could earn you $30 an hour. 

Journeyman 

Must pass an HVAC journeyman exam to get the license required by your state and be certified by the EPA. High school diploma or experience as an apprentice is also a typical qualification. Working under a Master HVAC technician, you earn about $19 an hour.

Master HVAC Technicians

As a Master HVAC technician, you can own a business and hire employees. You can earn $22 an hour or more depending on your certifications.

HVAC Engineer 

Will possess all of the certifications in addition to a bachelor’s degree. An engineer can design and build HVAC systems and will earn more than $30 an hour.

What to do After Graduation

If you're looking for an HVAC job in Ohio, the best place to start is by contacting the local chapters of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). Both organizations have directories of HVAC contractors in Ohio, and they can help you connect with employers in your area.

Another great resource for finding HVAC jobs is Indeed.com. This website allows you to search for jobs based on location, keyword, and company name. You can also create a job alert to be notified when new jobs matching your criteria are posted.

Finally, don't forget to network with your fellow HVAC students and professionals. Attend industry events and meet-ups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the more opportunities you'll have to find your perfect job.

Conclusion

For anyone looking to get into HVAC, an accredited trade school is just the thing for you. They offer programs that are shorter than the path at a traditional four-year college with affordable options that offer many different forms of financial assistance. There are many types of certificates, diplomas, and degrees available, all of which take different amounts of time to complete. The path you chose will really depend on your career goals, so do your research and choose wisely!

Once you get certified as an HVAC technician and especially if you decide to start your own HVAC business, do yourself a favor and look into a field service software like Smart Service.

The Smart Service software helps businesses streamline their everyday work processes like scheduling, routing, and dispatching. There is even a mobile app available from Smart Service called iFleet that empowers field service techs with the ability to update customer information, take job notes and pictures, and even get optimized directions to their jobs, all in real-time. Try a free demo of this game-changing software today and see how it can enhance your career as an HVAC technician!