Trade schools have been a popular choice for students seeking careers in the skilled trades for many years. They offer shorter programs than traditional four-year colleges, and most accredited trade schools deliver high-quality education and training. They can prepare you for a career in a number of skilled trades, including HVAC.
HVAC trade schools offer certificate programs that teach you everything you need to start working as an HVAC technician. These programs typically last 6-12 months. Diploma programs usually run around 16 months, and an associate degree program runs 20-24 months for those looking to move into more advanced roles in the HVAC industry. Either path is a good choice. The right one depends on your career goals.
If you are looking to pursue a career as an HVAC technician, an accredited HVAC trade school is a great place to start. Ohio has a strong list of accredited programs to choose from. Each one offers different programs and courses, so do your research before picking one. Some schools have lower tuition, some are offered online, and some have stronger industry connections in your part of the state.
Below are six of the best HVAC trade schools in Ohio.
Fortis College
Description
Fortis College programs are designed to prepare students for an entry-level HVAC-R career. The mix is classroom instruction, small-group coaching, and plenty of hands-on lab work to develop the skills you need as an HVAC-R technician.
Accreditation
Fortis colleges and institutes are accredited by one of the following:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Fortis was previously also affiliated with ACICS, which lost its U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2022 and has since ceased operations.
Prerequisites
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a completed personal information sheet, and a personal interview to discuss your career goals.
Program Goals
The program prepares students to develop, select, test, and operate heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment. Graduates are ready for an entry-level HVAC industry role.
Program Costs
For current tuition, contact Fortis admissions directly. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Employment
Fortis career services helps with job placement after graduation.
Southern Ohio Technical Institute (SOTI)
Description
Southern Ohio Technical Institute offers a well-rounded HVAC-R program that prepares students to be entry-level installers as well as maintenance and service technicians.
Program Expectations
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to give students the real-world experience and confidence to be solid HVAC-R technicians out of the gate.
Program Costs
SOTI's HVAC-R program tuition is in the $6,500 range, including tuition, supplies, and the registration fee. Confirm current pricing with the school directly since tuition is updated periodically.
Employment
SOTI offers job-placement support after graduation. They have strong connections with HVAC contractors throughout the region.
Curriculum
Each class runs 5-20 hours, with all classes totaling 200 hours. SOTI's course can be completed in roughly 10 calendar weeks.
Class Schedule
Monday through Thursday, 5:00-10:00 PM. Closed Friday through Sunday.
Prerequisites
You must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission is straightforward.
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC)
Description
CVCC's HVAC program teaches you to install, maintain, and repair heating and air conditioning systems. Students get hands-on experience with pipe threaders, soldering iron and gun, oxyacetylene and turbo torches, and the rest of the trade tools.
Program Goals
The program teaches the skills to operate the tools used in HVAC, the techniques for installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems, and the underlying science of heating, cooling, and refrigerant handling. Graduates are prepared for a career in the HVAC industry.
Accreditation
CVCC is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and by PAHRA, the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation.
Certifications
Students taking the HVAC program at CVCC can earn the following certifications:
- OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification
- EPA Section 608 Technician (refrigerant handling)
- H.E.A.T Exam
- Esco Institute Employment-Ready Exams
Credits
Year one: 4.0 elective. Year two: 4.0 elective.
Prerequisites
High school diploma or equivalent, valid government-issued ID, and completion of any required prerequisite courses.
Program Cost
Tuition starts in the $3,500-$4,500 range. Confirm current pricing with CVCC. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Class Schedule
Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00-10:00 PM.
University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH)
Description
UNOH's HVAC-R program teaches the skills required for maintaining, installing, and repairing HVAC units. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with about 70% of class time on HVAC training equipment.
Accreditation
UNOH is fully accredited by PAHRA and holds a 6-year HVAC Excellence accreditation.
Curriculum
Classes for the HVAC program include:
- Service and Procedures
- Refrigeration Systems and Controls
- Electrical and Electronics
- Air Conditioning Systems and Controls
- Heating Systems & Controls
- Heat Pump Systems & Controls
- Applications of Refrigeration and Temperature Controls
- Solar and Wind Powered Technology
Credits
UNOH offers two HVAC-R paths. The associate degree is 1,331 total hours (984 technical + 347 general) over roughly 20 months for 88 credit hours. The diploma program is 1,078 total hours (971 technical + 107 general) over roughly 16 months for 61 credit hours.
Program Costs
UNOH offers a personalized cost calculator on its website. UNOH reports that 94% of its students receive financial aid, and there is no out-of-state tuition difference.
Program Goals
The program teaches working knowledge of residential and commercial units, government regulations in the HVAC-R industry, and the skills to repair and install HVAC systems.
Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Adult Education
Description
The MVCTC HVAC-R adult program trains technicians to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
ACT WorkKeys levels required for admission: Workplace Documents Level 4, Applied Mathematics Level 4, Graphic Literacy Level 4.
Accreditation
The program is nationally accredited by the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). PAHRA-accredited schools meet or exceed rigorous instruction, curriculum, and facility standards.
Program Goals
- Know health and safety practices in the trade
- Describe the sequence of operation of HVAC equipment
- Read and use blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer instructions
- Fabricate sheet metal components for ductwork
- Solder and braze fittings for necessary connections
- Perform an HVAC-R load calculation on a complete system
- Properly use pipe cutters, benders, acetylene torches, voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, and manometers
- Diagnose problems, test and overhaul compressors, test relays and thermostats
Courses taught: CPR, OSHA 30, NCCER Core, HVAC-R Level 1, HVAC-R Level 2, HVAC-R Level 3
Hours: 620
Weeks: 48
Class schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30-10:00 PM
Program costs: Tuition is in the $12,000-$13,000 range. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, with Pell and Stafford funding authorized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Employment rate: Reported at 100% based on data submitted to the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Salary range: Recent graduates land roles between roughly $40,000 and $80,000 annually depending on certifications and experience, in line with the broader Ohio HVAC labor market.
Prerequisites
- Meets program criteria on Workforce Training Assessment
- High school diploma or GED
- Drug screen from ArcPoint Lab
- Emergency information form
- Confirmation of completed FAFSA (Student Aid Report)
- Confirmation of completed loan counseling
- Confirmation of completed Master Promissory Note
Great Oaks Career Campuses
Description
The HVAC program at Great Oaks Career Campuses teaches you how to repair, troubleshoot, maintain, and install a wide variety of HVAC systems, with strong job-placement support after graduation.
Accreditation
Great Oaks is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Great Oaks adult programs are also approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Prerequisites
- Attend an online information session
- Fill out an online application
- Start your financial aid process
- Achieve a Level 4 on the WorkKeys assessments
- Submit all required documents
Program Length
900-hour program.
Class Schedule
Monday through Thursday, 4:30-10:00 PM. Friday classes occasionally run 4:00-7:30 PM. When there is no Friday class, students complete two hours of remote instruction.
Tuition
Tuition is in the $8,000-$9,000 range, plus around $3,500 in books and supplies, for a total of approximately $12,000. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and changes the actual cost meaningfully.
School pricing varies, but expensive does not always mean better. Pick the school that fits your budget and matches the requirements you care about. Every school in this list is a solid HVAC option, but always research the schools you are interested in before committing.
Enrollment Steps
Enrolling in a trade school can feel overwhelming, but the path is well worn. Here is the typical sequence:
- Pick a school. Match the program to your budget, schedule, and career goals. Read reviews, compare programs, and visit if possible.
- Apply and pay any application fees. Treat the application like a first impression. Most schools are looking for evidence that you will see the program through.
- Gather transcripts and proof of residency. High school transcripts or GED, government ID, and any other documents the school requires.
- Complete the financial aid process. Most students will file the FAFSA. The school's financial aid office walks you through the rest.
- Fill out school-specific paperwork. Each school has its own forms.
- Attend orientation and register for classes. Orientation is required and where you set up your class schedule.
- Start classes.
Difference in Degrees
Associate Degree
A two-year degree offered by community colleges and trade schools. Excellent option for starting your HVAC career with a solid base of technical knowledge.
Bachelor's Degree
A four-year degree offered by universities. Worth considering if you want to move into engineering, design, or management roles in HVAC over time.
Certificate Program
Postsecondary certificates focus on the basics of HVAC and typically last about a year, sometimes less. The fastest path into the field if you want to start working quickly.
Apprenticeship
You do not need a degree or certificate to start an HVAC career. With a high school diploma or GED, you can pursue an apprenticeship working alongside experienced technicians. Apprenticeships typically last 3 to 5 years, with regular wage increases as you take on more complex work. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants and is usually obtained early in an apprenticeship.
HVAC Careers
Several career tracks branch off from HVAC training:
HVAC Technician
Installs, maintains, and repairs HVAC systems. The most common entry-level path and a great way to build hands-on experience.
HVAC Engineer
Designs HVAC systems and oversees how they function. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. A solid choice if you enjoy the design side of the work.
HVAC Salesperson
Sells HVAC products and services. Good fit for people with strong communication skills who want HVAC industry knowledge without daily field work.
HVAC Instructor
Teaches HVAC at a trade school or college. Usually a step taken after years of field experience, when techs want to share what they have learned.
Certifications and Requirements
Becoming an HVAC technician in Ohio combines education and on-the-job experience. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
For commercial contractor work in Ohio, you need a state-issued contractor license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). The state license is at the contractor level, not the apprentice or technician level. Apprentice technicians can work under a licensed contractor without a personal state license. To sit for the contractor exam, you generally need at least five years of qualifying trade experience plus the standard background check, exam fee, and proof of $500,000 in contractor liability coverage.
Cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo also have additional registration requirements, so always check the rules where you plan to work.
Beyond Ohio's state requirements, several certifications matter in HVAC:
EPA Section 608 Certification
Required nationwide to handle refrigerants. Almost every HVAC tech needs this. Available in Type I for small appliances, Type II for high-pressure refrigerants, Type III for low-pressure refrigerants, or Universal for all three.
OSHA 10 or 30 Certification
Demonstrates workplace safety knowledge. Many employers require it.
NATE Certification
North American Technician Excellence is the most widely recognized HVAC certification body. NATE certification typically lifts your hourly pay meaningfully, commonly into the $30-$40 per hour range and higher in major metros, and is renewable through periodic continuing education.
Journeyman
Requires passing a journeyman exam in your state. Combined with EPA certification and apprentice or formal training experience, journeyman pay typically lands in the $25-$45 per hour range, with major-metro and union shops paying more.
Master HVAC Technicians
Master HVAC techs can own a business and hire employees. Pay typically runs $35-$60+ per hour for senior employees, with successful business owners well into six figures.
HVAC Engineer
Needs all of the above plus a bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineers design and build HVAC systems and earn $40+ per hour at the start, climbing with seniority.
What to Do After Graduation
For HVAC jobs in Ohio, start with the local chapters of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). Both organizations have directories of HVAC contractors and can help you connect with employers in your area.
The standard job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn all list HVAC openings in Ohio. Set up alerts so new postings come to you.
Staying current on trade knowledge while searching also pays off; the ultimate HVAC podcast list for technicians is a solid starting point for shows covering refrigerant handling, diagnostics, and running a service business.
Finally, network with your fellow HVAC students and instructors. Many of the best HVAC jobs in Ohio fill through word of mouth before they ever hit a job board.
Conclusion
If you want to get into HVAC, an accredited Ohio trade school is one of the cleanest paths in. The programs above range from short certificate tracks of a few months to associate degrees of about two years, with tuition that ranges from a few thousand dollars at career centers to closer to $25,000 at the longer university programs. Financial aid is available across the board for students who qualify.
Once you get certified, and especially once you start running your own HVAC business, do yourself a favor and look into field service software like Smart Service.
Smart Service for HVAC
If you run an HVAC business, or plan to one day, and want a software stack that handles scheduling, dispatch, customer history, mobile invoicing, and recurring service contracts, Smart Service integrates with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online and iFleet keeps techs in the field synced with the office. Try a free demo to see how it fits!
