Accredited HVAC Schools in Wisconsin
It is becoming increasingly common for aspiring HVAC workers to obtain training in six-month or two-year programs that have received accreditation.
Currently, two main organizations offer accreditation for local HVAC programs: the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) and HVAC Excellence. Details about the accreditation process for either organization are available on their respective websites. Anyone interested in enrolling in an HVAC program in Wisconsin should research these organizations to learn more about the benefits offered by graduating from an accredited school. There are currently four PAHRA-accredited programs in WI:
As of October 2020, there were no HVAC Excellence-accredited programs in the state.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Aspiring workers who simply wish to complete a degree without committing to the rigors of an apprenticeship program may instead pursue a technology associate degree in HVAC offered by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. The college also offers an HVAC/R technician technical diploma. These programs prepare students for the EPA Refrigerant Handling Exam and help them earn certifications such as OSHA 10, CPR, and AED.
For entry to the programs, students need to submit a completed application, High school transcript or equivalent, high school algebra or equivalent, and a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher.
The diploma program is made up of 53 credit-hours. It includes courses such as HVAC/R electrical fundamentals, HVAC/R refrigeration fund, HVAC/R control circuits, HVAC/R heating fundamentals, HVAC/R heating systems, HVAC/R systems service, and HVAC/R design applications among others. All credits from this technical diploma may be applied toward the associate degree in HVAC/R.
The 62 credit-hour associate degree in HVAC/R includes all courses from the diploma with additional coursework in oral/interpersonal communication, English composition, an introduction to diversity studies, and an introduction to psychology.
Students through these programs will be able to develop, start, service, repair, troubleshoot HVAC/R systems and control circuits, perform performance tests, design HVAC/R piping systems, determine cooling and heating demand requirements, evaluate airflow systems, and communicate and document detailed service reports.
Graduates of these programs can take up roles such as mechanical contractor HVAC/R technician, wholesale service representative, facilities maintenance HVAC/R technician, commercial HVAC/R systems technician, residential HVAC/R systems technician, and industrial HVAC/R systems technician.
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commision
- Expected Time to Completion: Associate degree (four semesters); diploma (four semesters)
- Estimated Tuition: $138.90 per credit-hour
Northwood Technical College
Those looking for formal education may consider a technical diploma in HVAC/R available through Northwood Technical College located in Shell Lake. As an HVAC/R student, graduates can earn various important credentials through the program. They can either earn a 14-credit refrigeration essentials technical diploma, or can continue their education and earn the 27-credit HVAC installation technician technical diploma, or continue further and earn the 55-credit HVAC/R technical diploma.
The curriculum of the program includes courses on alternative energy, principles of AC/DC, air conditioning fundamentals, refrigeration applications, applied information resources, and electronic energy management, among others.
Graduates of the HVAC/R program will be able to install, service, and troubleshoot HVAC/R systems and evaluate designs for HVAC/R systems. They can take up roles such as residential HVAC/R technician, commercial HVAC/R technician, mechanical contractor HVAC/R technician, industrial HVAC/R technician, facilities HVAC/R technician, and wholesale service representative.
On successful completion of the 55 credit-hour program, students can expect to earn a technical diploma in refrigeration essentials, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, and credentials to work as an HVAC installation technician.
- Location: Shell Lake, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: Refrigeration Essentials (Less than 1 year); HVAC installation technician (one year); HVAC/R (two years)
- Estimated Tuition: Refrigeration essentials ($2,312); HVAC installation technician ($4,438); HVAC/R ($9,140)
Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College offers a technical diploma in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology with convenient and flexible learning options. Students are prepared for employment in a variety of areas and learn to service, install, maintain, and sell HVAC systems for residential and commercial applications. Instruction involves the most modern equipment, computers, and test instruments.
Consisting of 55 credit-hours, the program includes beginner to advanced level courses in air conditioning fundamentals for HVAC/R, electrical fundamentals for HVAC/R, refrigeration fundamentals, computerized HVAC/R design, print reading and code, heating systems, HVAC installation, and hydronic systems, among others. In addition to this regular curriculum, the program also features the 26 credit-hour ‘residential HVAC embedded technical diploma’ which can be earned while taking courses within the main program.
After completing the program, graduates will be able to perform HVAC/R repair and service operations, diagnose problems, efficiently complete tasks, service, repair or replace defective components, and promote customer satisfaction. They can take up roles such as HVAC/R service technician, HVAC/R sales representatives, HVAC/R service installation technician, and HVAC/R maintenance technician.
- Location: Janesville, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: HVAC/R diploma (two years); residential HVAC diploma (one year)
- Estimated Tuition: HVAC/R diploma ($8,688); residential HVAC diploma ($4,111)
Western Technical College
Western Technical College offers an associate of applied science degree in HVAC/R for professionals with mechanical skills and an inclination towards technology. Technicians will participate in various areas of HVAC-related work, including sales, design, installation, service, and maintenance of commercial HVAC/R equipment.
Comprising 64 credit-hours, the program includes courses such as HVAC/R electric motors and controls, HVAC/R refrigeration, HVAC/R air conditioning, HVAC/R commercial refrigeration, HVAC/R intro to installation, HVAC/R energy, HVAC/R hydronic and steam systems, HVAC/R commercial systems, and HVAC/R system design, among others.
Graduates of the program will be able to install, service, troubleshoot, analyze, evaluate, and design HVAC/R systems, repair HVAC/R equipment, and choose the best cooling and heating system for different environments.
They can take up roles such as facilities specialist HVAC engineer, HVAC/refrigeration specialist, HVAC estimator, HVAC service technician, maintenance or service technician, and HVAC repair or installation technician.
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- Accreditation: PAHRA
- Expected Time to Completion: four semesters
- Estimated Tuition: $12,700