HVAC-R technicians will always be in demand. People everywhere need to maintain comfortable living environments in commercial as well as residential buildings. HVAC-R technicians are skilled professionals capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing air conditioning and heating systems. Apart from the units found in residential homes and commercial properties, they also maintain climate control in critical areas like healthcare, medicine storage, storage of food during transport, storage labs, commercial machinery, and natural gas distribution. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of HVAC technicians will increase by 5 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Florida Career College
The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Florida Career College prepares adults for a rewarding career in the field of residential heating and cooling. The program prepares students for two important certifications for HVAC professionals: (1) EPA Section 608 Certification for Stationary Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and (2) Universal R-410A. Students will learn directly from industry experts who will provide foundational knowledge in electric, heating systems, refrigeration and controls. Course topics include basic electricity, motors and HVAC controls, basic refrigeration theory and application, heating systems and boilers, duct design, blueprint reading and load calculation, commercial refrigeration systems, regulation and building automation, air conditioning, troubleshooting and heat pump systems, and electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. Students will learn proper and safe use of HVAC tools residential systems, heating with gas, electricity and oil, and distribution of air via ductwork and blowers. Students will receive a comprehensive training to commence a career in HVAC with confidence. They will be prepared for entry-level positions as HVAC mechanics, HVAC specialists, HVAC installer, refrigeration mechanic, service technician, refrigeration technician, or engineering specialist. The program is delivered in a hybrid format with some modules delivered online. Externship courses are offered residentially. Students will complete a total of 35 semester credits.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician Program
Duration: 10 months
Semester credits: 35
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age – signed permission from a parent or guardian is required for persons under 18 years
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – applicants 18 years or older who are not high school graduates or GED holders may apply as Ability to Benefit students
- Submit a copy of high school transcript that lists the date of graduation
- Submit a completed application to the program
Program cost:
The program cost of $21,500 covers tuition and fees.
- Website: https://www.floridacareercollege.edu/
- Address: 6600-10 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, Florida 32244
- Phone: (888) 852-7272
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Students enrolled in the HVAC-R program at Florida State College at Jacksonville will receive expert hands-on training in all aspects of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration to obtain the skills needed for success in the field. The program includes two additional career certificates within the program – Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration I and Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration II that can be taken separately if the student chooses. program or pursue separately to upgrade skills in a particular area. Classroom sessions will cover current theories of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and electrical systems. The hands-on training will cover piping and brazing techniques, set up, adjustment and troubleshooting. Course topics include introduction to HVAC/R, introduction to HVAC/R lab, air conditioning and refrigeration theory, fundamentals lab, service practices, intermediate service practices, advanced commercial and industrial service practices with lab. Graduates are eligible to apply for national industry certifications.
Program overview:
HVAC-R Career Certificate
Duration: 8 months
Contact hours: 1350
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a US citizen or legal immigrant
- Must submit a completed program application and application fee of $25
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
Program cost:
The approximate cost of tuition and fees is $3,942. Students will have to pay for books and supplies. The program is eligible for financial aid.
- Website: https://www.fscj.edu/home
- Address: 4501 Capper Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218
- Phone: (904) 766-6500
J-Tech Institute
Students enrolled in the HVAC-R program at J-Tech Institute will receive hands-on training that centers on the understanding of different types of HVAC systems, logical diagnostic procedures, effective repair methods, and more. Course modules include electrical systems AC and DC, direct digital control systems, HVAC/R systems design, motor controls, piping systems, residential HVAC/R systems, fabrication and duct design, commercial HVAC/R systems, and transport HVAC/R systems. Graduates will be trained on all the necessary areas that employers are looking for in their technicians and installers. They will be prepared for entry-level employment as commercial maintenance technician, commercial refrigeration technician, HVAC foreman, residential and light commercial maintenance technician, and residential and light commercial installer.
Program overview:
HVAC-R Diagnostic and Career Training
Duration: 9 months
Credit hours: 91 quarter credits
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a US citizen or legal immigrant
- Must attend an admissions interview and campus tour
- Must submit a completed program application and enrollment agreement
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must complete a satisfactory student background check
Program cost:
The program cost of $38,557 includes tuition, courseware, and workshop fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.jtech.org/
- Address: 8813 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Phone: 877-447-0442
All American Technician Academy
The HVAC program at All American Technician Academy prepares students to become qualified entry-level HVAC technicians in 5 or 6 days. The hands-on, innovative training covers all the basics on heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial systems. Each student is paired with an expert trainer who will help to identify strengths and weaknesses and seek to develop students’ confidence. Students will be exposed to real-life scenarios that HVAC techs will encounter in the field. They will industry equipment as they maintain and repair real-world machines to learn how to troubleshoot through practical applications. Apart from technical skills, students will develop interpersonal skills to empathize with and respond to customers. Areas of study include system charging, reading and understanding refrigerate pressures, air filtration and ventilation, proper sizing of duct work, duct sealing, electric meter usage, identification of commonly used parts, gas furnace, and preventative maintenance. Graduates will have the confidence and competence to succeed and will be motivated to get better at what they do every day.
Program overview:
HVAC-R Level I Maintenance
Duration: 5 days
Clock hours: 40
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a US citizen or legal immigrant
- Must complete an admissions interview and campus tour
- Must apply for admission to the program
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
Program cost:
The program cost of $2,482 includes EPA certification.
- Website: https://www.allamericantechnicianacademy.com/
- Address: Jacksonville, FL
- Phone: 770-858-7802