The need for functional HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems to keep residential and commercial buildings comfortable drives demand for HVAC Technicians. As skilled practitioners, HVAC technicians use their knowledge of plumbing, electricity, and refrigeration, and heating systems to manage air temperature through the installation, maintenance, and repair of new or existing systems. The duties of an HVAC technician might include but are not limited to troubleshooting of residential and commercial equipment, installation and repair of residential and commercial gas heating systems, monitoring airflow on air conditioning systems, installation of new heating and cooling systems, and replacement of residential and commercial condensing units, compressors, and motors.
HVAC technicians earn an above-average pay and can make even more with overtime work. They work in construction sites, office buildings, hotels, the airline industry, hospitals, manufacturers, and anywhere there is a need for heating or cooling systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth of HVAC positions in the US is 15,100 for the next decade.
St Philip’s College Southwest Campus
The HVAC Technician I program at SPC prepares students to function as residential HVAC technicians where they would install and repair home heating and air quality systems as well and refrigeration systems. The formal training is particularly recognized by employers who understand the need for continuous education and keeping up to speed with the latest equipment and skills. Students will learn in the classroom and through practical experiences in lab and apprenticeships. Graduates can continue to the next level apply for entry-level employment as an HVAC technician.
Program overview:
HVAC Level I Certificate
Duration: 1 semester
Credit hours: N/A
Prerequisites:
- Must complete the application process by the published deadline
- Submit a completed application for admission to SPC via ApplyTexas
- Request official transcripts of high school and college courses completed and have them submitted to SPC
- High school transcripts must indicate the graduation date
- GED/HSE admissions recipients must submit an official passing score report
- Complete the TSI assessment and submit scores for reading and writing, and math skills – exemption will be granted to applicants who submit satisfactory ACT or SAT scores or those who have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas public institution
Program cost:
Tuition costs $99 per credit for in-district students and $215 per credit for out-of-district students. The cost does not include application requirements, fees, books, materials, uniforms, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs.
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/home/
Address: 2222 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, Texas 78215
Phone: 210-486-7082
Lamson Institute for Business & Technology
Lamson’s HVAC program goes beyond an introduction to HVAC technology. The curriculum includes hands-on practice in electrical theory and controls, welding and soldering using oxy acetylene torches, and basic plumbing. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to install, service and repair residential air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems, commercial air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems, and maintain EPA regulations when troubleshooting and repairing residential and commercial equipment. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for industry-recognized certifications such as ESCO EPA certification, HVAC excellence, 410A, and OSHA. Day classes meet from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:45 pm to 10:45 pm.
Program overview:
Commercial Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning
Duration: 42 weeks
Clock hours: 840 instructional hours and 210 outside prep hours
Credit hours: 35
Prerequisites:
- Submit documents to demonstrate completion of high school or equivalent – a high school diploma, high school transcript, GED certificate, GED transcript, transcript from an accredited institution indicating completion of an associate’s degree, enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program, or completion of at least 60 semester or trimester credit hours or 72 quarter credit hours
- Attend an interview with an admission’s representative
- Attend a campus tour
- Show a valid social security card or government-issued ID
- Attend a financial aid interview
- Pay the registration fee of $40
- Take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam and achieve the minimum acceptable score of 12 for all programs
Program cost:
Tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, and registration fee cost $16,890.
Website: https://lamsoninstitute.com/
Address: 5819 NW Loop 410, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas 78238
Phone: 210-465-1794
Southern Career Institute
Southern Career Institute prepares students for a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC). They will learn how to install, maintain, restore, and repair temperature control equipment for residential and commercial properties. The hands-on training will include opportunities to work with various materials and systems such as ventilation systems, copper and plastic piping, soldering and brazing, chimneys, vents, flues, and control circuits. As students learn how to install, maintain, and repair essential temperature control equipment found in homes and businesses they will gain an understanding of the hand and power tool safety and techniques for mitigating on-the-job hazards. Course topics include Trade Safety, Construction Basics, Introduction to HVAC, Heating and Cooling, HVAC Electrical, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics and Maintenance, Venting and Ducting, Air Quality and Energy Conservation, Crew Leadership and Placement, and System Design and Construction. Graduates will be prepared for nationally recognized exams such as NCCER Core Certification, NCCER HVAC Level 1 Certification, NCCER HVAC Level 2 Certification, NCCER HVAC Level 3 Certification, NCCER HVAC Level 4 Certification, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-608) Certification, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification, R410 A Certification, Preventative Maintenance (PM) Certification, and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Ready-to-Work Certificate. SCI offers convenient day and evening classes to fit working or busy lifestyles. Day classes meet from 8:00 am to 3:10 pm. Evening classes meet from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Program overview:
HVAC Technician
Duration: 36 weeks
Clock hours: 942 instructional hours
Quarter credit hours: 74.50
Prerequisites:
- Interview with an Admissions Representative
- Tour the campus
- Submit unofficial proof of high school graduation or GED – official proof must be supplied within 21 days of starting school
- Complete the SCI enrollment agreement
- Must complete and pass a background check
- Must be able to read, write and speak English
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $20,025.
Website: https://scitexas.edu/
Address: 6963 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 1.833.SCI.TEXAS
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Basic Refrigeration program prepares students to pursue a successful career in commercial and residential HVAC maintenance. Students will acquire the skills to be successful HVAC technician. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and worksite safety. Course topics include air conditioning, electrical systems and controls, heating and heat pumps, and refrigeration. Graduates will be eligible to take certification exams to earn national certification. Morning sessions meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Afternoon sessions meet Monday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Evening sessions meet 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration
Duration: 40 weeks
Clock hours: 800 instructional hours
Quarter credit hours: 50
Prerequisites:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete an application for admission
- Attend an interview with an Admission Representative
- Remit the registration fee to confirm enrollment
- Complete an enrollment agreement
- Must undergo a background check
Program cost:
Tuition and registration for the program cost $18,040.
Website: https://www.stvt.edu/
Address: 734 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214
Phone: (866) 480-9776
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The online HVAC course at UTSA Professional and Continuing Education prepares students for entry-level in the HVAC/R field. The curriculum will cover the basic requirements needed to earn a “work ready” certificate and start an apprenticeship. It will cover vapor-compression and refrigeration cycles, functions and characteristics of system refrigerants, piping operations, proper installation and operation of HVAC systems, recovering, recycling, and retrofitting or refrigerants, and EPA laws related to safe handling and transport of refrigerants. The training will include preparation for certification -NATE Ready to Work Certificate Exam, HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate Exam, and EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification Exam.
Program overview:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration
Duration: 12 months
Clock hours: 162-course hours
Quarter credit hours: N/A
Prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED is not required but recommended
- Register for the course online
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $2,895.
Website: https://www.utsa.edu/pace/
Address: 501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: (210) 458-2411
Email: pace@utsa.edu