Employment in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) can be a promising career, especially in Ohio. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment in HVAC is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. That means about 40,600 openings are projected each year, on average. That’s a lot of openings to fill. And the flexibility to work with HVAC in both commercial and residential industries means professionals have options for securing contracts and finding employment.
While technicians can work on HVAC equipment in a limited capacity without licensure, Ohio requires state licensing to work as independent contractors on commercial projects and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 licensure to work with refrigerants.
State licensure in Ohio requires at least five years of work in the trade, and the right training and background can help applicants secure entry-level positions. Additionally, while technicians can sit for the EPA Section 608 licensure exam — which allows them to work with refrigerants — without meeting specific educational requirements, an HVAC training program helps students prepare for the exam and provides the foundation for a rewarding career.
What Is an HVAC Program?
HVAC programs are educational courses designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary for HVAC-R careers. They generally cover how to install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems; assess both commercial and residential systems using computer-aided diagnostics; and critically approach problems that arise in the field.
The Fortis HVAC training program in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, takes as little as 48 instructional weeks to complete, and graduates are prepared for entry-level HVAC work. Fortis’ HVAC program is designed as a combination of classroom study and hands-on lessons, allowing students to learn from passionate instructors who bring real-world experience to the program.
What Will You Learn in an HVAC Program?
The comprehensive curriculum in the Fortis HVAC program in Cuyahoga Falls offers students the opportunity to build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to enter the HVAC field after graduation. Students take courses covering topics such as the following:
Background in Skilled Professions: Various roles available in the HVAC trade, safety essentials, and basics of using HVAC equipment
Thermodynamics: Principles and theory of thermodynamics used in an HVAC-R career
Electricity Applications: Practical applications of electricity in HVAC-R systems and electrical panels, including how to read wiring diagrams, principles of electrical circuits, how to service and maintain electrical components in HVAC devices, and safe handling of electrical components and wiring
HVAC-R Controls: Principles and theory of controls, including using Ohm’s law for circuit analysis, characteristics of different types of motors, and how to identify different types of controls
Refrigerants: Physical science of refrigeration cycles and the relationship between temperature and pressure used with refrigeration devices
Residential Air-Conditioning: Basics of air-conditioning systems used in residential buildings, including indoor air quality issues and the various components of air-conditioning systems
Commercial Refrigeration: Components, controls, and accessories used by commercial refrigeration systems and how to diagnose and service them
Electric Heat and Heat Pumps: Principles and theories of heat pumps, their components, how they work, how to maintain and test them, and how to trace electrical schematics
Gas and Oil Heating Systems: How to service, maintain, and install gas heating systems under supervision, as well as gas and oil furnaces, the combustion process, and proper safety etiquette
HVAC Troubleshooting: How to troubleshoot equipment issues and how to respond to service calls in both residential and commercial environments
EPA Certification Preparation: Refrigeration and air-conditioning fundamentals necessary to pass the EPA Section 608 Universal exam, which allows technicians to work with any type of HVAC refrigerant
HVAC Program Requirements in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Students interested in enrolling in the Fortis HVAC program in Cuyahoga Falls must first earn a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, such as a GED certificate. They must also be at least 17 years old, provide a personal information sheet, interview with an admissions advisor or other program administrator, and achieve a minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.
Prepare for a Career in HVAC
The Fortis HVAC program in Cuyahoga Falls is designed to help students prepare for rewarding careers in the skilled trades. With a well-rounded, in-depth curriculum featuring a blend of classroom and lab instruction, students can gain an understanding of HVAC theory and technical knowledge along with practical, career-ready skills. The Fortis HVAC program helps students develop the foundation to pursue entry-level roles in the HVAC field.
Make your next career move in HVAC with Fortis.
Recommended Readings
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