HVAC/R Installer/Servicer

Our HVAC training program gives students the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to begin a rewarding career in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. Specifically, you'll receive practical training in installation, maintenance, and service, all under the close supervision of experienced instructors who are dedicated to your success.

If you're looking for a career where you can work with your hands, while solving problems with your mind, consider becoming an HVAC/R technician. At American Trade School, our students are mechanical thinkers who enjoy learning new concepts and immediately applying them in the shop. Whether you're starting fresh or changing careers, our HVAC classes prepare you to enter the workforce with confidence and real-world skills.

The HVAC/R program offers a hybrid learning format, combining classroom and online instruction. The 8-month program consists of two courses: Fundamentals and Advanced - each is 16 weeks in length. The program is approved by the US Department of Labor and prepares students to pass the EPA 608 refrigerant certification through ESCO.

HVAC apprenticeship. Our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program is recognized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, St. Louis as well as the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. Because of this, our graduates receive related instruction hours towards three registered apprenticeship paths: HVAC Installer/Servicer, Sheet Metal Workers, and Pipefitters.

Objective. This program is designed to prepare the graduate with the theory and working knowledge in HVAC/R installation, maintenance, and service to go into the field at an entry level position.

When it comes to technical schools in St. Louis, American Trade School stands out as a pioneer providing hands-on education to equip you with the skills employers value. We've established strong relationships with industry professionals in the Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Electrical trades.

Hands-On Learning. Our programs emphasize hands-on training, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This approach enhances your confidence and job readiness.

Small Class Sizes. With fewer students in the class, instructors can provide more individualized attention to each student. This leads to tailored instruction and support.

Experienced Instructors. Our experienced instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom. This ensures you receive practical insights and guidance that goes beyond textbooks.

Career-Focused Curriculum. Our curriculum is carefully designed to align with industry standards and trends. This means you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills employers are actively seeking.

Career Services. Our commitment to your success doesn't end with graduation. Our career services department assists in finding job opportunities and preparing for interviews.

HVAC apprenticeship. Our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program is recognized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, St. Louis as well as the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.

Students enrolling at American Trade School for regular programs must be 17 ½ years old. In addition, prospective students must have a valid high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (GED/HiSET).

Academic qualifications are important. Equally important, student motivation and personal interest for success in a chosen career field is of high consideration. No student will be admitted until it is determined that he or she is capable of benefiting from the training.

American Trade School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school administered programs.

The program offers a hybrid learning format, combining classroom and online instruction. The 8-month program consists of two courses, each 16 weeks in length.

Hybrid schedule. All classes meet Monday – Thursday: 2 days in-person / 2 days online.

Day classes: Monday – Thursday from 8:30am to 1:00pm. Evening classes: Monday – Thursday from 6:00pm to 10:30pm.

Start dates. Upcoming start dates are February 15, 2027, June 14, 2027 and October 11, 2027.

Classes are not held on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Tuition and fees. From the school’s Tuition Information Sheet (Rev 09/18/2025; prices are subject to change):

• HVAC 101 - Intro to Refrigeration & Electricity Systems (Core), 16 weeks: tuition $5,900.00, registration fee $100.00, lab fee $2,500.00, books & supplies $370.44, estimated sales tax $24.21; total $8,894.65.
• HVAC 102 - Air Conditioning and Heating, 16 weeks: tuition $5,900.00, registration fee $0.00, lab fee $2,500.00, books & supplies $125.00, estimated sales tax $14.05; total $8,539.05.

Program total: 32 weeks; tuition $11,800.00, registration fee $100.00, lab fees $5,000.00, books & supplies $495.44, estimated sales tax $38.26; total $17,433.70.

Optional costs (listed on the same sheet, not included in the totals above): HVAC Tools tool kit $2,552.41 plus estimated sales tax $280.46, total $2,832.87.

Paying for trade school. While federal financial aid (Title IV funding) is not available for our programs, we offer expanded financing options to help make tuition affordable for every student. American Trade School partners with Lumion, a trusted education financing provider, to offer students affordable trade school payment plans with interest rates ranging from 0% to 8%.

• Flexible payment terms to match your financial situation.
• Quick and easy application process with fast approval decisions.
• No prepayment penalties, so you can pay off your balance anytime.
• Low or no-interest options available.
• Not based on credit history, everyone is approved!

How to apply for financing. 1. Plan a visit to American Trade School to speak with an admissions representative to discuss your program and tuition. 2. Review Lumion financing options to choose the plan that best fits your needs. 3. Submit your Lumion application for a quick approval decision.

Tuition policy. Tuition may either be paid in full upon enrollment or complete payment must be accounted for on the Information Sheet for Student Tuition Financing (Tuition Proposal). If a student repeats any portion of the program, the student must pay the current tuition and fees applicable to such portion of the program.

Scholarships. The school lists the Mike Rowe Foundation, SkillPointe Foundation and Bring Back The Trades scholarships. American Trade School is also an approved training provider for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).

Credit for previous training. Students with documented previous training or work experience may request credit and must pass the school-developed competency test with 70% or better; the non-refundable testing fee is $50.00 per test.

Our graduates are in demand by residential, commercial and refrigeration employers.

HVAC/R career pathways:

• HVAC Service Technician
• HVAC Installer
• Commercial Refrigeration
• Maintenance Technician
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Pipefitter

Industry-recognized certifications: EPA 608 (ESCO Certification); OSHA 10. The OSHA 10 and the EPA Section 608 certification tests are administered during HVAC101.

Apprenticeship. Our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program is recognized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, St. Louis as well as the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. Because of this, our graduates receive related instruction hours towards three registered apprenticeship paths: HVAC Installer/Servicer, Sheet Metal Workers, and Pipefitters.

Our job placement advisors provide a combination of advising and skills assessment and help with resume writing and interviewing techniques. As a matter of ethics, no school can guarantee placement or starting salaries.

Placement assistance. Our job placement advisors provide a combination of advising and skills assessment. They will also help with resume writing and interviewing techniques. American Trade School strives to match graduates with employers based on qualifications and abilities. As a matter of ethics, no school can guarantee placement or starting salaries.

Housing. To accommodate students with housing needs, American Trade School will assist students with referrals to various property management companies and apartment complexes in the area.

Library resources. The library contains several computers with internet access and appropriate printed resources. Students will also have access to an online library called the Library and Information Resources Network (LIRN).

Student advising. All members of the administrative staff are available to any student needing assistance with personal, academic, vocational and/or financial problems. Parking is available for students.