Key Takeaways
Tennessee’s HVAC workforce is projected to grow 9.8% by 2032, nearly double the national growth rate, according to Projections Central.
Nashville expects to add over 70,000 new housing units in 10 years, fueling residential HVAC demand, according to the Metro Planning Department.
Fortis’ HVAC school in Nashville provides 48 weeks of hands-on training, including EPA certification preparation.
Every building — whether a hospital, factory, or residential home — has a common need for a well- maintained heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system. This is especially true in Nashville where the summers can be hot and muggy and the winters can be cold and windy.
For individuals considering a career in this in-demand field, here is what to expect from an HVAC training program and why attending the Fortis HVAC school in Nashville, Tennessee, can be an especially great place to start.
What Do You Learn in HVAC School?
In HVAC schools, students learn how to install and service HVAC systems in homes, businesses, warehouses, and factories, among other settings. Upon graduating and earning their diploma, students are ready to enter the workforce as HVAC and air-conditioning service technicians.
While the duration of HVAC programs can vary, the Fortis HVAC school in Nashville, TN takes 48 weeks to complete. Students enrolled in this program receive training in the following areas:
Motors and controls
Practical applications of electricity
Gas, oil, and water-based heating systems
Blueprint reading for installation and servicing of HVAC equipment
Troubleshooting, HVAC system assessment, and service calls
Refrigerants, heat pumps, and other essential HVAC parts
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification
Students enrolled in the Fortis HVAC training program will participate in a combination of in-classroom lessons as well as hands-on experiences. Working with experienced instructors and mentors, students get to practice all their skills and use a full range of tools, from hammers and wrenches to sophisticated testing devices.
3 Benefits of Attending HVAC School in Nashville
Students who attend any HVAC training program benefit from learning the skills needed to enter an in-demand field. Those who attend the Fortis HVAC school in Nashville are rewarded with a host of additional benefits:
Cost of Living
Nashville is known as a major metropolitan city with a diverse economy. According to the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville has a lower cost of living than the national average, boasting a per capita income being 5% higher than the national average. Launching a career as an HVAC technician in Nashville could potentially offer a more comfortable income than in other major cities.
Large, Diverse Customer Base
As of 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the greater Nashville metro, which includes Murfreesboro, Franklin, and other surrounding communities, is home to over 2.15 million people. The Census Bureau’s 2023 estimates report there are over 370,000 housing units in Davidson County alone.
In 2025, the Metro Planning Department published a report stating that Nashville proper may add 70,000 new residential units or more in the next 10 years. This rapid growth indicates a steady stream of new potential clients for residential HVAC companies in the coming years.
Prospects are just as strong in the commercial and industrial sectors. The chamber says the Nashville area is home to about 60,000 businesses in multibillion-dollar industries, such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and entertainment. Each sector has its own needs, giving new HVAC professionals plenty of room to find their market.
Career Opportunities
While Nashville’s large HVAC customer base can be advantageous for professionals entering the workforce, it is also a great environment for more experienced professionals, as well. After gaining experience, Fortis graduates can work as independent HVAC contractors; open their own service companies or become high-level supervisors and consultants for large, and lead facilities departments for a wide array of companies throughout the metropolitan area.
HVAC Job Outlook in Nashville
Projections Central, a federally supported labor market tool, expects employment for HVAC technicians in America to grow 5.5% by 2032. This faster-than-average growth is equivalent to over 37,000 job openings each year, indicating a strong national demand for HVAC professionals.
However, projections for Tennessee are even more positive. Projections Central expects the state’s HVAC technician workforce to grow 9.8% by 2032 — close to double the national rate. This translates to an average of 1,000 job openings in the state each year. As Tennessee’s biggest city, Nashville is likely to be at the center of this fast-growing job market.
Start Your HVAC Training Today
Becoming an HVAC technician can be a pathway to a fulfilling and stable career. However, learning all the skills needed to succeed in this field can be intimidating. At Fortis, our HVAC training program in Nashville, Tennessee, is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to succeed.
From installing new HVAC systems to servicing and repairing old ones, Fortis students get a well-rounded education in every aspect of their new careers. While practical skills and hands-on learning are at the core of this program, the Fortis team of experienced educators also strive to equip each student with the critical thinking skills they need to solve any of their customers’ HVAC issues.
To find out more about the Fortis HVAC school in Nashville, Tennessee, and how it can help you launch a new career, request more information or contact the admissions team today.
Recommended Readings
HVAC Technician: Job Description, Requirements, and Outlook
The Career Path for HVAC
What I Like Best About Working in HVAC