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technicians who graduated from one of the five best HVAC training programs

The 5 Best HVAC Training Programs

The Department of Labor recently released a stat stating that by 2020, the need for HVAC technicians will increase by 34%. As with selecting a school for any other career path, choosing the right place to complete a program in HVAC training is vital to both your education and, more importantly, to obtaining a well-salaried position within the industry. If you have been considering a career in heating, ventilation, and cooling, take a look at this list of the top five schools offering degrees and training programs in the field of HVAC.

  1. Northern Michigan University: Marquette, Mich.
    Kicking off this list is the U.S. News and World Report No. 66-ranked school in the Midwest. The large public school has a 45-credit program in HVAC-R (the “R” stands for refrigeration, giving students additional skills). The program is geared towards graduating students that are prepared to take on roles in various positions that include wholesalers at air conditioning companies, journeyman mechanics, and service technicians. Students also have the option of completing a hands-on internship to help assist with the process of getting acclimated in the industry.
     
  2. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology: Boston, Mass.
    Founded in 1908, this technical institute is complete with all the necessities a prospective student is looking for in a HVAC program. The school helps students become familiar with all aspects of the jobs available in HVAC. From soldering brass pipes and fittings to receiving the proper hours needed for state licensure, the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is a one-stop shop for students.
     
  3. Lewis-Clark State College: Lewiston, Idaho
    Ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 30 colleges in the west, the HVAC program at Lewis-Clark State College has a range of degrees and certifications in the industry. The school offers accredited certification, as well as associate and bachelor’s degrees in HVAC-R. The degrees and certification cover a range of topics that include basic electricity, motors, refrigeration, gas heating, and resistive heating.
     
  4. Florida State College of Jacksonville: Jacksonville, Fla.
    With three separate levels of certification at FSCJ, students are given a well-rounded experience. From bookwork to limited laboratory and fieldwork, prospective HVAC-industry professionals are given everything they need to succeed after school ends. The school also helps students network with industry professionals and businesses to make the transition into the workforce easy and simple.
     
  5. Midlands Technical College: Columbia, S.C. (Online)
    Completing the list is an online degree program that deserves a spot amongst traditional HVAC training programs. Don’t be discouraged by the idea of an online course for such a hands-on career. The school requires each student in its program to arrange for direct supervision by HVAC professionals for the fieldwork component of their training, thus ensuring students still receive a solid amount of training with the tools and equipment they will see every day in the HVAC industry.

Rest assured, there are more than 5 great schools out there that will prepare you for your role in a career in HVAC. These are just some of the best choices available around the country. Make sure you do your research before choosing a program; not all are created equal.

Last Updated: April 22, 2015