Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On HVAC Mechanics And Installers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at LSCS, TCC, HCC, and Central Texas College.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Laredo Community College, South Texas College, El Paso Community College, and Southwest Texas Junior College.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Lee College, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, and St Philips College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Central Texas College, Texarkana College, Frank Phillips, and HCC.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of TSTC Harlingen, Frank Phillips, Clarendon, and Kilgore College.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at TSTC West Texas, Lamar State Port Arthur, TSTC Waco, and Del Mar College.
Working as a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Texas
Heating and cooling system mechanics, or HVAC technicians, install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Heating and air conditioning systems are used to keep rooms in households, institutions and commercial buildings within comfortable temperature and humidity ranges. Refrigeration systems also preserve medicine, live cargo, food and other perishables. HVAC technicians usually specialize as either an installer or a mechanic, but are trained in both specialties. Read a detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer job description and schools overview.
Heating and cooling system mechanics in Texas may find useful resources at Air Conditioning Contractors of America - Texas Chapter.
State Requirements
The State of Texas does not regulate the practices of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers may enhance their career prospects by obtaining certification from institutes like Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
ITT Technical Institute • Dallas, TX
Studying Electrical Technology (completion in 2005)
• 10/14/2011
"It was a great choice in my life. I'm glad I went back to school and I'm glad that I'm here today with a great job. I would go back and do it again in a heartbeat."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I was struggling to make it in life and at points I had questioned how I would get through. But, ITT Tech changed all of that and I am proud to say that it was one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | It is a technical school so I do feel accomplished that I attained my associate's degree there. However, I know that it is not in the top tier of schools in this country. |
| Program Quality | 6 | ITT Tech provided me with a quick and flexible schedule. I truly think that it is a good school, especially for the value it provides. |
| Instruction | 7 | The faculty there prepared me for a future and gave me a good foundation. I still email my old mathematics professor every few weeks to ask him questions. |
| How Difficult | 8 | It was probably harder for me considering it'd been so long since I'd been at school. But, it was nothing that I (or anyone) couldn't handle. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | There is a lot of hands on material in specific classes, but not much in others. I believe my major definitely was a hands on one, but others might not have been so much. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | It was very helpful. I know for a fact they offer online classes, but they helped me to take classes at night. I had a full time job, and they worked with me to help me complete my associates in just two and a half years. |
| Academic Facilities | 6 | The school was very small, but I prefer it that way. The buildings were nicer than a lot of the ones I've seen at other campuses. Everyone helped give the campus a nice environment and I would truly say it was very helpful. |
| Social Life | 7 | I, honestly, wasn't there to make friends. I wanted to get in, get work done, and leave. There were no sports teams and I rarely, if ever, hung out with friends I made there. |
| Placement Services | 7 | They had a strong career center and truly helped me find a good job. It was nice to see that they take care of you during school and even after. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | The alumni network was almost irrelevant to the school which was a large disappointment. But the support there from everyone was tremendous. |
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.