Many educational institutions including trade schools, junior colleges, and even online universities provide six month to two-year training programs for HVAC certification. While there are thousands of traditional colleges and universities that provide this training, online courses seem to be gaining popularity.
Online HVAC training provides the student with the ability to study at his or her own pace, and allows them to choose which HVAC classes they are going to take at which time. Online courses typically cost much less than traditional colleges, universities and trade schools as well.
Other advantages of pursuing an online HVAC education include the different types of support that online learning programs offer. There are typically forums, blogs and other means of communicating with others who are taking the same courses as well as instructors.
While studying HVAC, students take courses related to equipment design, temperature control, equipment construction, electronics and the basics of installation, and repair and maintenance. These courses can all be studied at home, although there may be a period of on the job training required for many employers, just to ensure that the student understands the basics.
Regardless of if the school is brick and mortar or online, the student should ensure that the HVAC program in which they enroll is accredited. Accreditation for academic standards typically comes from one of three organizations: HVAC Excellence, The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA), and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). After completing the online, college, university or trade school studies, new technicians are generally required to receive six months to two years of field experience before they are considered proficient in the field.
There are, of course, disadvantages to studying online, although the advantages seem to outweigh the difficulties. One disadvantage for students who study HVAC online seems to be the high level of self-discipline required. In order to receive all the benefits of education, students must demonstrate the self-discipline to manage their own time in order to ensure they meet the course requirements. One of the main advantages for taking courses online is the ability to study at the student’s own pace. This however, will pose a problem if the student is not disciplined enough to get the work done.
Having the ability to study at your leisure is one thing, but making sure that your studies are completed on time is crucial to retaining the information that you receive through your online courses. Many students choose the online study option simply because it is much less expensive than traditional education institutions. Others feel that the ability to study at their own pace and in the comfort of their own homes is the main attraction for online schools.
For those seeking online courses for HVAC, it is very important to practice self-discipline in order to finish the course work in a reasonable amount of time. It is also important to choose an online school that is accredited for HVAC. Once the HVAC program is complete, it should not be difficult to find an employer that will offer additional training through on-the-job experience.