10 Best HVAC Schools inVirginia

1Tidewater Tech

About the School

Tidewater Tech helps students start new careers by teaching them trade skills that are in high demand.

Students gain real-world experience.

The programs are designed to prepare them for today’s workforce.

Courses Offered

The school’s catalog includes an HVAC Technician pathway designed to prepare students for careers in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

The curriculum covers topics such as Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Commercial Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Comfort & Psychometrics, Heat Pumps, and many other skills.

Full-time students can graduate in as few as 48 weeks.

Graduates are ready to pursue careers as AC technicians, HVAC engineers, HVAC installers, wind turbine technicians, and more.

Students get prepared for the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Refrigerant Transition Certification, OSHA-10, Industrial Competency Exam, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations in preparation for Journeyman’s HVAC Certification.

Contact Information

• Address: 4535 East Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
• Phone: (757) 858-8324
• Website: https://tidewatertechtrades.edu

2Advanced Technology Institute

About the School

Advanced Technology Institute provides training programs for students who want to start rewarding careers in Automotive Technology, HVAC/Refrigeration, Heavy Vehicle Technology, Commercial Driving, and Welding.

The Institute has 2 campuses in the Hampton Roads area.

Courses Offered

Advanced Technology Institute provides an Associate in Occupational Science trades Leadership with a Specialization in HVAC Technology.

Students enrolled in this program gain practical knowledge and experience in the classroom and shop.

They use modern equipment and tools and are trained by seasoned professionals that have many years of experience in the field.

Trainees get ready for HVAC Excellence, Section 608 EPA, and R410A Refrigerant Safety and Handling Certification.

The curriculum includes classes in Fundamentals of Technology, Introduction to Computers, Safety, Science and Principles of Air Conditioning, Pipe Brazing/ Duct & Air Movement, Heating Systems, and Sheet Metal Fabrication.

In total, 1,500 class hours are included in this 60-credit program.

Students attend classes four days per week with various schedules.

This program is approximately 18 months in length.

A 48-credit hour Air Conditioning and Heating Technology diploma program is also available and can be completed in 15 months.

Contact Information

• Address: 5700 Southern Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462
• Phone: 888-346-2315
• Website: https://www.auto.edu

3Center for Employment Training

About the School

Center for Employment Training offers year-round open enrollment for students who want to prepare for new careers.

Programs are designed to be completed in under one year by full-time students.

Courses Offered

An HVAC Specialist program that prepares students for a career in the field of air conditioning, ventilation, and heating unit installing and servicing.

Students learn safety, hand tools, equipment, basic electricity, and plumbing skills related to HVAC equipment.

The program also covers concepts about refrigeration, ductwork, silver brazing, and soldering.

Trainees also learn about job preparation, interview, and resume skills.

Graduates have many employment opportunities.

They can find jobs as HVAC installers, Refrigeration Mechanics, Air Conditioning Installers, Commercial/Residential HVAC Installers, and other related positions.

This program costs $12,736- which includes books, project supplies, and tools.

Grants, scholarships, and federal student loans are available for qualifying students.

Contact Information

• Address: 6295 Edsall Road Plaza 500, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22312
• Phone: (703) 461-9767
• Website: https://cetweb.edu

4Atlas Institute of Technology

About the School

Atlas Institute of Technology offers training programs for people who want to start a career in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

The programs are taught in Spanish with English terminologies.

A comprehensive Air Conditioning and Electricity course is included in the institute’s catalog, as well as many other certifications.

The school’s instructors work by the students’ side to help them apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations.

Students have access to the most up-to-date equipment and learn how to use it according to work standards.

Trainees learn how units operate and the structure of electrical installations through intensive practical training.

Assistance for job placement is also available.

Students also learn how to communicate with potential employers.

Atlas Institute of Technology is nationally approved by the US Department of Occupations and Regulations.

Contact Information

• Address: 14101-G, Parke Long Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151
• Phone: 703 352 7777
• Website: https://atlassinstitute.com

5Virginia Technical Academy

About the School

Virginia Technical Academy prepares students for careers in high-demand trades, such as HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Appliance Repair, and Building/Property Maintenance.

The academy also provides 1-2 day accelerated courses designed to prepare students for certification tests.

Virginia Technical Academy HVAC/R facility and course programs have been approved by the Department of Labor Industry.

Courses Offered

The HVAC/R career track programs available at Virginia Technical Academy include 180 hours of classroom and lab learning.

The following programs are available:

• HVAC/R Level I- 120 hours that cover basic principles and fundamental operating concepts.
• HVAC/R Level II- 180 hours that cover theory and operations of induction motors, compressors, heat pumps, and metering devices- this includes 410-A Safety Certification course and exam
• HVAC/R Level III- the third level includes 167 hours of training and teaches students how to troubleshoot a variety of equipment
• HVAC/R Level IV- the fourth level includes 160 hours of training and teaches about indoor air quality, energy conservation equipment, building management systems, and many other skills.

The following HVAC/R accelerated programs are also offered at the school:

• HV-201 HVAC/R MRAC 101
• HV-202 Electrical Controls 101
• HV-2103 HVAC/R Troubleshooting
• HV-2104 HVAC/R Building Integration

Contact Information

• Address: 809 Omni BlvdNewport News, VA 23606
• Phone: 757-586-5322
• Website: https://vtacademy.com

6Virginia Technical Institute

About the School

Virginia Technical Institute provides hands-on courses in a variety of areas of interest, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, plumbing, and more.

The Institute helps high school students and adults achieve a journeyman’s license in their field of choice by attending classes two nights per week, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The school uses a curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

The Institute is certified through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Courses Offered

The HVAC program available at Virginia Technical Institute provides an introduction to HVAC, trade mathematics, soldering and brazing, introduction to cooling, introduction to heating and air distribution systems, vents and flues, heat pumps, basic installation, and many other skills.

This program includes four levels.

The tuition for CORE and Level I classes is approximately $1,870.

Level 2-4 classes cost approximately $1,719 per semester.

Contact Information

• Address: 201 Ogden Road, Altavista, Virginia 24517
• Phone: 434-369-8200
• Website: https://www.govti.org

7Centura College

About the School

Centura College offers educational programs in the fields of allied health and trades.

The college is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The skilled trades pathway includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Diploma.

This program provides students with the skills needed for entry-level employment in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration.

Students learn basic concepts and continue with practical hands-on skills in three HVAC areas: mechanical, electrical, and airflow systems.

The training includes troubleshooting skills for each one of the above areas.

The program can be completed in 12 months.

Day courses take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. while night courses take place from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The curriculum includes courses such as:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Controls
• Heating Systems
• Comfort and Psychometrics
• Heat Pumps
• Advanced Troubleshooting and Service
• And more

Students have the opportunity to earn certifications like OSHA 10-Hour, and the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Refrigerant Transition Certification.

Tuition for the HVAC program is $25,200.

Contact Information

• Address: 4455 South Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
• Phone: 877-523-9528
• Website: https://www.centuracollege.edu

8Norfolk Technical Center

About the School

Norfolk Technical Center prepares students for new careers in a wide range of areas, including business, marketing, technical, engineering, fine arts, and more.

The programs are available for Norfolk high school students in grades 10th, 11th, or 12th and Norfolk public school graduates who are Norfolk residents and are less than 20 years of age.

The programs offer students the opportunity to earn nationally-recognized certifications and gain real work experience through internships.

Courses Offered

The Center provides a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.

This two-year course is designed to equip students with technical knowledge and practical skills in the HVAC field.

The coursework includes the fundamentals of refrigeration science, application and tools, basic refrigeration systems, troubleshooting, servicing, related math, basic electricity, soldering, safety standards, and more.

Graduates are ready for careers in high-demand fields such as Air Conditioning Mechanics, Heating Technicians, Construction, Maintenance and Operations, and a variety of other paths.

Contact Information

• Address: 1330 North Military Highway, Norfolk, Virginia 23502
• Phone: (757) 892-3300
• Website: https://www.npsk12.com/Page/69

9Southwest Virginia Community College

About the School

Southwest Virginia Community College is a two-year institution of higher education that helps students learn skills that will prepare them for a new job.

More than 90 programs of study are available at the college.

The college serves primarily the residents of the counties of Buchanan, parts of Dickinson, Russel, and Tazewell.

Southwest Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

Courses Offered

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program is available at Southwest Virginia Community College.

This program teaches students the basics of HVAC technology.

Graduates are ready to enter the workforce as entry-level maintenance technicians.

The curriculum covers topics such as:

• HVAC principles
• Checking HVAC systems and determining proper repair procedures
• Safely testing and diagnosis of electrical issues
• Gaining a basic understanding of electricity
• Reading HVAC blueprints

Students who complete this program earn:

• NCCR level 1 and 2 certification
• EPA certification
• OSHA 10
• First Aid and CPR Certification

Contact Information

• Address: P.O. Box 1101, Richlands, VA 24641
• Phone: (276)964-2555
• Website: https://sw.edu

10Fortis College

About the School

Fortis College offers training programs that prepare students for careers in nursing, medical, dental, healthcare, massage therapy, and skilled trades.

The programs available at the Institute teach students knowledge and hands-on skills thru a combination of traditional classroom instruction with practical learning experiences.

Fortis College in Richmond is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

An HVAC technician program is available at Fortis College in Richmond.

This program teaches students how to use computerized diagnostics to service and repair commercial refrigeration, gas and electric heat, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems.

Graduates are ready for employment as HVAC technicians or HVAC installers and ready to sit for EPA and RMGA certifications.

This program costs $19,734 in total.

This includes tuition, enrollment fee, uniforms, student kit, certification exams, and textbooks.

This program leads to a Diploma.

Contact Information

• Address: 2000 Westmoreland Street, Suite A., Richmond, VA 23230
• Phone: (804) 323-1020
• Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/virginia/richmond.html