Important Considerations When Comparing HVAC Trade Schools
Are you thinking about attending an HVAC trade school? What about an HVACR trade school? What is the difference? NETTTS provides career training programs at our locations across the Northeast, including HVACR technician training at our campuses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Here, we discuss what you may want to consider when deciding between HVAC trade schools.
What Kinds of Training Do You Provide?
One thing you may want to know is what type of training the school provides and what the training involves. At NETTTS, we offer an HVACR Technology program that teaches students how to install, adjust, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The program consists of both in-classroom instruction and hands-on training to help prepare students for their licensing exams. Topics include:
- EPA Universal License prep and exam
- Hours toward refrigeration license
- Hours toward natural gas license
- Hours toward propane license
- Hours toward pipefitter license
- Oil burner service training
- Residential and commercial equipment
- Refrigeration units
- Heating systems
- Air conditioning equipment
- Ventilation systems and duct work
- Electrical wiring and circuitry
Hours and licensing requirements for HVACR professionals vary from state to state.
This training program teaches the necessary mechanical and electrical knowledge and skills required of entry-level HVAC technicians.
Do You Teach Refrigeration As Well As HVAC?
Refrigeration can be an additional component of HVAC training, which means that not all trade schools offer HVACR. If you think you might be interested in refrigeration, make sure the school you choose teaches it. Furthermore, you may want to choose an institution that is accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Because NETTTS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) , federal financial aid is available for those that qualify. At NETTTS, our HVACR program also provides training hours toward applicable refrigeration licenses, unlike other programs that may only focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioner repair and installation.
What Are the Program Requirements?
Another factor to consider about HVAC trade schools are the requirements to attend. Depending on where the school is located, different regulations can apply. At NETTTS, the general admission requirements for the HVACR Technology Program include:
- Possession of a valid high school diploma or its equivalent (GED, HISET, TASC) before starting training
- Completion of an HVACR entrance exam with a minimum score of 80%
- Being physically able to participate in hands-on training
- Completion of a personal interview with a NETTTS Authorized Representative
Applicants must also be older than the compulsory attendance age of secondary education in their respective states and cannot be attending another school at the secondary level.
How Long Does the Program Take to Complete?
The time it will take to complete an HVAC program depends on the trade school. At NETTTS, there are a few different training schedule options. The NETTTS HVACR program is 44 semester credit hours (1200 clock hours) over 52 weeks for the day program or 60 weeks for the evening program.
How Often Do New Classes Start?
If it’s the middle of the year when you decide you want to start HVAC training, don’t fret — simply make sure the school you choose offers multiple starting times. At NETTTS, classes begin day, night, and weekend schedules every few months, so students have several chances to get started during the year.
What Is the Graduation Rate?
It’s a good idea to learn about the graduation rates of each HVAC school you’re considering, to see how many students complete the program. Current graduation rates can be found in our Student Consumer Information.
Do You Offer Financial Aid?
If you think you may need financial assistance to attend an HVAC trade school, it’s important to know whether the school offers financial aid. At NETTTS, we offer financial aid to those who qualify, including:
- Federal Pell grants
- Federal direct loans for parents
- Federal direct loans for students
- GI Bill® education benefits
- Agency and state workforce funding options
NETTTS also offers in-school and extended payment plans to our students, even after they’ve graduated.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Do You Offer Career Services?
Once you complete your HVAC training program, it helps to know if your school will provide any career assistance or services. NETTTS offers career services support to our students, including:
- Resume writing
- Finding and evaluating possible future employers
- Job interview preparation
- Following up post-interview
- Upcoming campus events
Other services provided to students include student advising, human service referrals, and housing and transportation referrals.
Do You Have Flexible Class Schedules?
Whether you have family obligations or a full-time job to juggle along with HVAC training, it’s helpful to consider whether your trade school offers flexible class schedules. At NETTTS, we want to help make HVACR training more accessible to busy people, which is why we offer daytime and evening training schedule options, and even weekend training classes. Day training courses run, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 2:15 pm. Evening courses run, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Weekend HVACR training are on Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Is The School Accredited?
NETTTS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education, and which helps ensure quality education that enhances student success in the workforce.
Does Your School Offer Other Training Programs?
It can be good to know if the trade school you choose offers any other programs beyond HVAC, in case you end up wanting to switch to another program. NETTTS also offers CDL training for Class-A and Class-B commercial driver’s licenses.
Attending NETTTS for Career Training
NETTTS was founded in 1965 in Somers, Connecticut, by a former truck driver and trucking industry executive who saw a need for well-trained professionals. NETTTS began offering CDL training courses at our campuses in RI, MA, and CT, and HVACR courses at our Pawtucket and North Andover locations. For 60 years, NETTTS has provided career training to our students, and now with benefits including:
- Financial aid available for qualified students
- Experienced instructors who understand the industries
- Career services support
- Payment plans that let you pay with small monthly payments, even after graduating
- Simulated online labs for HVAC programs
For more information about career training at NETTTS, visit our admissions page.
Apply to One of NETTTS HVAC Trade Schools Today
If you’re interested in completing HVAC training, the HVACR training program at NETTTS can help prepare you with the knowledge you need for the industry. It is available at our North Andover, MA, and Pawtucket, RI, locations. To learn more about the career training program available at our HVAC trade schools, contact us today.