Tag Archives: Accredited Heating and Cooling Schools near La Fayette GA 30728

Degree Air Conditioning La Fayette GA

How to Choose the Right Heating and Cooling Training Class near La Fayette Georgia

air conditioner condensers in La Fayette GANow that you have decided on a career as a heating and cooling specialist, the next action is to choose an HVAC vocational school near La Fayette GA. But with so many to pick from, how do you select the right one to obtain the training that you need? A number of prospective students will make their decision based exclusively on the cost of tuition or how close the school is to their residence. While these are important concerns, they are not the only ones to take into account. Just some of the other details that you need to investigate are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. These and additional criteria will be discussed in more detail later in this article. But before we explore how to choose an HVAC trade school, let’s take a look at what a heating and a/c specialist does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

Becoming an HVAC Contractor

La Fayette GA HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is commonly used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC professionals provide services for the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are commonly required to be licensed, though each state and regional municipality has its own requirements. Earning professional certification is not mandatory, but a voluntary way for La Fayette GA HVAC techs to demonstrate that they are highly qualified and experienced in their area of specialization. There are several recognized certifications within the field that are offered. Below are a few of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC technicians. The certification is earned by passing a competency exam and may be earned in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification makes available both a professional and a master specialist credential. Two years of field experience together with passing a comprehensive exam are needed for the professional level certification. Master specialists must have three years of experience along with a passing result on the professional level exam. Similar to NATE, certifications are provided in various specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for specialists that handle refrigerants. There are three types of certification obtainable, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Since licensing might be required in your area, and you may also desire to earn certification, it’s imperative that you pick an HVAC trade school that will prepare you for both. And since you will most likely be handling refrigerants, make sure that the school you select prepares you for passing the EPA Section 608 exams.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Courses

radiator heater in La Fayette GA homeThere are a number of options available for HVAC training in a technical or vocational school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Obtaining a certificate will take the least amount of time, usually completed in just six months, however some programs are longer. A certificate will qualify you for most HVAC positions, particularly if you are licensed and have certification relevant to the position. The degree programs may provide a competitive advantage in the job market and will furnish more extensive training than the certificate programs. Below is a short explanation of each credential offered near La Fayette GA.

  • Certificate. Usually requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are very popular among entry level residential or commercial HVAC professionals. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the industry.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program supplies a more exhaustive knowledge of heating & cooling systems than the certificate program. Generally taking two years to finish, a number of degrees feature an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is suited more towards a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs call for an Associate Degree, while others are a conventional four year program. In addition to being taught how to service and maintain heating and cooling systems, you will also learn how to design them.

Choosing the right credential program will be based on what your future career goals are, along with the time and financial resources that you have to commit. One option is to begin with a certificate or even an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the trade in La Fayette GA, later returning to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your strategy, be sure to ask the HVAC tech school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Classes Online

La Fayette GA student attending HVAC school onlineChoosing an HVAC school online is one possibility to attaining your training and receiving a certificate or degree. Almost all schools will call for some attendance on campus to take part in hands on training. A number also offer internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the balance of the classes can be participated in on the web, this approach may be a more practical solution for many La Fayette GA students that are pressed for time. And many online degree programs are more economical than other on campus options. Even travelling expenses from La Fayette and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more affordable. And numerous online programs are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family responsibilities have left you with limited time to attend classes, perhaps an HVAC online training program will make it easier to fit school into your active schedule.

Questions For HVAC Training Programs

Questions to ask La Fayette GA HVAC training schoolsOnce you have chosen the type of degree or certificate that you wish to earn, either on campus or online, you can start to limit your selection of schools. As you are probably aware, there are numerous HVAC vocational schools in the La Fayette GA area and throughout the USA to select from. That’s why it is extremely important to have a list of relevant qualifications when making school evaluations. As earlier stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will undoubtedly be the initial 2 factors you will consider. Following are some additional ones that you should research before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC trade schools in the La Fayette GA area have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They can receive Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to an individual program, such as HVAC technology. Verify that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved accrediting organization, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In addition to helping make certain that you obtain an excellent education, it may help in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Furthermore, many states require that the HVAC training program be accredited for it to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Air Conditioning schools you are reviewing what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and complete the program. A low completion rate could indicate that students were unhappy with the course and quit. It may also indicate that the instructors were not competent to instruct the students. It’s also essential that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader directory of graduates, which can produce more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only validate that the school has a good reputation within the field, but additionally that it has the network of La Fayette GA HVAC employers to assist grads secure apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  A large number of HVAC technical programs are taught together with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating vocational and technical programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of HVAC contractors or trade unions. Ask if the schools you are considering have working partnerships with local La Fayette GA HVAC companies. An apprenticeship not only offers a rewarding experience by furnishing hands-on training, but it also provides employment opportunities and helps to build relationships in the regional HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make certain that the school facilities and the equipment that you will be instructed on are state-of-the-art and what you will be using on the job. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the HVAC tech you are working with regarding what you should be looking for. If not, ask a local La Fayette GA HVAC contracting company if they can give you some pointers. Also keep in mind that unless you are able to move, the school needs to be within driving distance of your La Fayette GA home. Take note that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, in addition to moving costs there may be increased tuition charges compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s important that you receive as much individualized training as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can monitor some of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and experience the interaction between instructors and students. Speak to some of the students and get their comments regarding class sizes and instruction. Last, speak with some of the teachers and find out what their level of experience is and what certifications or degrees they have earned.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the programs you are evaluating are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near La Fayette GA, check that the programs you are reviewing offer those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Also, find out what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near La Fayette GA?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the La Fayette Georgia area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

LaFayette, Georgia

LaFayette (/lʌˈfeɪɛt/ luh-FAY-et) is a city in, and the county seat of, Walker County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 6,702, which rose to 7,121 in 2010. It was founded as Chattooga.

LaFayette was founded as Chattooga, in 1835, as the seat of newly formed Walker County.[4] The county was named after the former United States senator Freeman Walker.[5] Chattooga was renamed LaFayette in 1836 after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat who fought in the American Revolutionary War.[6]

LaFayette is located at 34°42′35″N 85°17′2″W / 34.70972°N 85.28389°W / 34.70972; -85.28389 (34.709704, -85.283862).[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.1 square miles (21 km2), all land.

Degree Air Conditioning La Fayette GA

Picking the right HVAC training course is a crucial beginning toward a fulfilling career in the heating and air conditioning industry. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Degree Air Conditioning. However, as we have addressed in this post, you should pick an Heating and Cooling vocational school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the HVAC community. Other things to look for are plenty of hands-on training and modern facilities. You need to go to each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to tour the campus and talk with both the current students and faculty. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. Also, ask about scheduling options and whether night or weekend classes are available if needed. And don’t forget to ask about financial assistance and student loan options as well. If you ask the proper questions as we have outlined in our checklist for assessing schools, you’ll be able to filter your choices so that you can make an educated decision. With the proper training, hard work and commitment, you can ultimately become a licensed HVAC technician in La Fayette GA.

More Hot and Cool Locations in Georgia

  • Schooling For HVAC Lilburn GA
  • HVAC College Courses Monticello GA
  • Air Conditioner and Refrigeration Courses Riverdale GA
  • Air Conditioner Repair School Griffin GA
  • HVAC Night Classes Nicholls GA
  • HVAC Refrigeration Training Metter GA
  • HVAC College Degree Oxford GA
  • How to Choose HVAC Vocational Schools Valdosta GA
  • Air Conditioning Programs Leslie GA
  • HVAC Masters Degree Ringgold GA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 62

    Neal's Heating & Air Conditioning
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    303 N Main St, Lafayette, GA 30728

    Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning
    7 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    404 Spears Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405

    D.C. Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Trenton, GA 30757

    Air Heat
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    12896 N Hwy 27, Chickamauga, GA 30707

    Scenic City Heating & Air
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1285 Scruggs Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736

    ABC Heating & Air Conditioning
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    Flagstone Dr, Ooltewah, TN 37363

    Ted Fugunt Heating & Air
    3 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1105 Mackey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37421

    Fast Response Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    Chattanooga, TN 37450

    Air Comfort HVAC
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    11 S Commerce Dr, Ringgold, GA 30736

    All Seasons Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2534 Bandy Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736