Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Programs

ALTIERUS CAREER COLLEGE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS OR ENROLLING NEW STUDENTS. CLASSES WILL CONTINUE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS, AND THE CAMPUS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT RESOURCES AND CAREER SERVICES THROUGH GRADUATION AND FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THEREAFTER. FORMER STUDENTS MAY REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS ABOVE AND REACH OUT TO THEIR CAMPUS FOR ONGOING CAREER ASSISTANCE.

The ECMC Group Board of Directors, representing the parent organization of Altierus Career College, has made the decision to teach out the three remaining Altierus Career College (ACC) campuses. A teach out means that we will provide the education and support services for our current students and gradually wind down the school’s operations. New students will no longer be accepted. We will continue to provide career services for a period beyond the teach-out to ensure that the program is as successful as possible for students. Altierus Career College will engage in an orderly closure, with campuses remaining open until all current students that are following their academic plans graduate or an acceptable completion plan is identified for remaining degree students

More

On campus 2 days per week

To help balance life and school, you’ll take most of your courses at home through virtual instruction and come to campus for labs two times a week.

9 Months
Diploma

Certification Preparation

Career Summary

As an HVAC or refrigeration technician, you’ll maintain a comfortable environment for spaces in which people live, work, and play. Take pride in knowing your skills help improve energy efficiencies in your community. Check out these frequently asked questions about HVAC careers.

2020 annual national salary for jobs in this occupation*

$50,590

Median Salary

Lowest 10%: $31,910 or less

2020-30 projected growth*

19,000

New Jobs

+5% Growth

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm (visited September 8, 2021).

Program Highlights

As an HVAC refrigeration technician, you'll have the chance to maintain the commercial and industrial refrigeration systems that people rely on in their everyday lives.

For an additional 3 months of HVAC school coursework, you can train to become an HVAC technician through our HVAC program.

This program is HVAC Excellence accredited by the ESCO Group, which is an independent third-party that ensures the HVAC school program prepares students with the skills needed to meet HVACR industry standards.

You’ll receive certification preparation for the EPA 608 Universal Certification, as well as OSHA 10-hour Basic Safety Orientation, and Universal R410A.

  • 9-month diploma program
  • 2 times per week on campus + online coursework (Atlanta has option for 1 time per week on campus)
  • 54 credits
  • 495 lecture hours + 225 lab hours

Get hands-on train with instructors with real-world experience installing, repairing, and maintaining real HVAC refrigeration equipment.

Lab equipment includes professional tools such as:

  • Commercial Ice Machine
  • Commercial Walk-in Refrigeration
  • Rack Compressor System
  • Low Temperature Condenser

Paying for school shouldn’t be an obstacle to achieving your career goals. At Altierus, you’ll have access to a range of financial aid options from Federal loans and grants to other unique programs of our own. For example, the Altierus Student Grant is a multimillion-dollar institutional grant program awarded to students of Altierus schools — owned by ECMC Education — who demonstrate financial need.

All-inclusive tuition—before qualifying financial aid—for the HVAC Refrigeration Technician program is $15,822, which includes a laptop you can keep, professional gear, eBooks, certification fees, and more. The vast majority of our students qualify for financial aid, which can significantly defray tuition. Qualification depends on each individual’s unique circumstances.

Our financial aid specialists can help you navigate the entire financial aid process and help with the following information:

  • Answers to your federal student loan questions
  • Information on scholarships and grants
  • Clear explanations of all your federal student loan repayment options
  • Information on how to reduce or postpone your monthly payment
  • Information on your loan servicer

This and other financial aid is available for those who qualify. Give us a call to see what your financial aid options are and we can help you get started (888) 223-8556.

Click Here to Explore Our Lab

Swipe Video to Explore Our Lab

Step into our lab and have a look around. This 360-degree video allows you to see what it’s like to train in a modern environment set up with industry tools and equipment. Click and drag your mouse around the screen to change your view.

Flexible Blended Learning to Help Balance Life and School

This program features a blend of online and on-campus learning. This is to help make going to school work with your busy schedule. Typically, you will spend 2 days on campus, where you can practice hands-on skills and ask your instructor questions. Complete the rest of your coursework online at home, at your own pace, and on your own time.

All-Inclusive Tuition Has You Covered

As an HVAC technician student, you’ll receive an HVAC tool bag, which includes all the basic tools you’ll use during your program and for working in the field after you graduate. All-inclusive tuition covers a brand-new laptop (which is yours to keep after graduating), Altierus branded shop shirt, your books, as well as test preparation and fees for your certification exams.

Professional Skills Development

Your coursework integrates professional skills development into this program so you’ll have the soft skills employers look for. Gain proficiency in communication, interpersonal skills, self-management, emotional intelligence, and career-building competencies. You’ll also prepare to become a craft professional. This credential is considered the industry standard for verifying performance and knowledge.

Available at:

What You'll Learn

  • Commercial equipment
  • Hydronic systems (boilers and chillers)
  • Supermarket and retail refrigerated display cases
  • Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems
  • Repair or replace worn or defective parts
  • Inspect and test HVACR systems and components

Sample Courses

  • Basic Construction
  • Basic Air Conditioning
  • Electricity for HVAC/R Technicians
  • Commercial Hydronic Systems
  • Refrigeration Systems
  • Refrigeration Controls and Troubleshooting

The course of instruction will cover basic job safety concepts and regulatory requirements, basic math used in the construction trades, the use of common hand and power tools, and an introduction to blueprint reading, material handling, communication and employability skills.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and technology at the core of every air-conditioning system. Topics include a survey of the basic types of air-conditioning equipment, a thorough study of the heat transfer process, the refrigeration cycle, components of an air-conditioning system, and modern refrigerants.

The machinery used to provide heating, cooling, and refrigeration uses electric motors to turn fans, blowers, and compressors and has complex electrical control systems. This course covers basic electrical theory and calculations, using electrical meters, reading schematic diagrams, and basic controls used on HVAC/R systems.

This course covers the basic principles of hydronic technology including the physical properties of water and steam; a survey of equipment used in chilled water systems and boilers; basic controls for hydronic systems; water and steam piping arrangements; system maintenance; and procedures for system start-up and shut-down.

This course covers the basic concepts related to refrigeration in commercial and retail applications including medium and low-temperature systems; commercial refrigeration equipment installation and maintenance; ice machine troubleshooting and maintenance; ammonia refrigeration system components; defrosting equipment and methods; and related control systems.

This course covers the selection, operation, and maintenance of the typical control components and accessories used in commercial refrigeration systems. Subject matter includes electrical switching devices, relays, and contactors; mechanical accessories such as filters, driers, and separators; compressor motors and protective devices; and strategies and techniques for identifying and correcting faults within the refrigeration system.

Instructor straightening copper tubing with students at Altierus HVAC schools

Career Pathways For Women

We have partnered with Women in HVACR to highlight a viable career path for women while helping address the skills gap employers face with a pipeline of new talent.

Important Consumer Information and Disclosures


GA - Atlanta

For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Atlanta Program Disclosures.

For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Refrigeration Technician Program Disclosures.