Ayers Career College

Heating/AC/Refrigeration

Shreveport Campus
Shreveport, LA
Diploma · On Campus
Heating/AC/Refrigeration
Ayers Career College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents.
On campus in Shreveport: evening classes Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., with hands-on lab training.
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This program takes about 60 weeks to complete (720 clock hours, 42.0 quarter credit hours).
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify; Ayers Career College’s Federal School Code is 004621.

Heating/AC/Refrigeration is a Diploma program offered by Ayers Career College in Shreveport, LA. The program takes 60 weeks to complete.

Program Overview

Objective. This program is designed to prepare graduates to install, repair, service and maintain residential and light commercial heating, cooling and refrigeration systems and introduce students to basics of industrial and chilled water refrigeration.

Ayers Career College’s HVAC Technician Training Program in Shreveport, Louisiana, prepares students for entry-level careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration in as little as 36 weeks. The program covers EPA Section 608 certification preparation and is designed for beginners with no prior experience.

What You’ll Learn. HVAC/R system fundamentals; electrical and diagnostics; installation and maintenance; tools and safety procedures; and exam preparation for EPA Section 608 and NATE certifications.

The program is structured in three phases: Phase 1 (weeks 1–10), fundamentals — HVAC/R system operation, refrigeration theory, safety procedures, and hand tools; Phase 2 (weeks 11–22), electrical and diagnostics — electrical theory, motor controls, system troubleshooting, and wiring; Phase 3 (weeks 23–36), installation and advanced skills — equipment installation, commercial refrigeration, energy efficiency, and EPA 608 exam prep.

What sets this Program apart

Since 1979, Ayers Career College has trained thousands of men and women for careers in the HVAC/R industry. The program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), covers EPA Section 608 certification preparation, and is designed for beginners with no prior experience.

Employer partnerships. Ayers Career Services actively connects HVAC graduates with area employers. Companies across Shreveport, Bossier City, and West Monroe consistently hire from the Ayers program. Greg Jackson of Sabre Industries notes that their relationship with Ayers allows graduates to learn from the ground up, becoming reliable, well-rounded technicians.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admissions Officers at Ayers Career College make a point to meet prospective students face-to-face. Ayers feels that this is the best way to assess an individual’s commitment to their educational goals. A student may be accepted into a program of study once they satisfy all of the admission requirements below, sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay their enrollment fee.

General Requirements

  • Age
    The student is at least 18 years old.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    The student has a high school diploma from a high school recognized by the state in which it is located or a recognized equivalent such as a GED certificate, and provides a copy…
  • Admissions interview
    An applicant must request and complete an appointment for a personal interview with an Admissions Officer.
  • Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
    All applicants must meet the minimum score of 15 or higher on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam; an applicant who does not pass may retake another version of the exam within 24…
  • Enrollment Agreement and financial plan
    The applicant must sign an Enrollment Agreement, pay the enrollment fee and have a financial plan on file.
  • Driver’s license and screening
    Applicants for the HVAC program must possess a valid driver’s license and may be subject to a criminal background check and drug screening; applicants with charges on their…

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Call 1-800-317-0131 or fill out the form to set up a time to speak with an Ayers representative and request an appointment for a personal interview with an Admissions Officer.
  2. 2
    Take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
    Applicants must meet the minimum score of 15 or higher on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.
  3. 3
    Meet with a Financial Aid Officer
    Students requiring assistance must make an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Officer and complete a FAFSA (Ayers Federal School Code 004621); the student must have a financial plan on file.
  4. 4
    Sign the Enrollment Agreement
    The applicant must sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay their enrollment fee, after which the applicant is admitted into Ayers Career College.
  5. 5
    Complete program admission
    Provide your high school diploma, transcript or GED scores within 5 school days of starting; HVAC applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and may be subject to a background check and drug screening.
  6. 6
    Begin classes
    A new student must begin attending classes within two (2) school days following the official start date; all new students start on a 21-day Conditional Enrollment period with no financial obligation beyond the registration fee.

Program Schedule

Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in a period of sixty (60) weeks. Evening students are provided a 10-minute break each hour. Both programs cover the same curriculum and lead to the same diploma; the longer timeline is designed for students who are currently employed or have daytime commitments.

Start dates. Courses begin every ten weeks for evening students attending the Heating/AC/Refrigeration program; the next evening start is November 30, 2026.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • November 30th, 2026

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Cost of attendance. The catalog’s Tuition and Fees table prices Heating/AC/Refrigeration only for the 36-week day schedule; no separate evening tuition is published. The non-refundable registration fee is $100 and required program materials total $869.50.

Required program materials. Cengage Unlimited – 12 mos. $215; Uniform $100; Toolbag $420; Chromebook $100; EPA Exam $26; EPA Exam Review Manual $8.50.

Financial aid. Students requiring assistance must make an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Officer. All students who desire to be considered for Federal Financial Aid must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ayers Federal School Code: 004621.

Grants: Federal Pell Grant; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Loans: Federal Direct Loan; Federal Direct Plus Loans (Parent Loans to Undergraduate Students).

Other federal and state programs. State Matching Funds Grant, Trade Readjustment Act (TRA), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), State Vocational Rehabilitation and Veterans Education and Training Benefits.

Veterans. Ayers Career College is approved to offer education benefits to eligible Veterans and their beneficiaries: Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 35 Survivor’s and Dependents Educational Assistance, Chapter 1606 and Chapter 1607 (REAP). All VA students must provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Conditional enrollment and refunds. All new students are placed on Conditional Enrollment Status for 21 calendar days; students who withdraw during that period owe nothing beyond the non-refundable $100.00 registration fee. A full refund is made to any student who cancels within 72 hours after signing the enrollment contract.

Net Price Calculator: https://ayers.edu/net-price-calculator/

Curriculum

The Heating/AC/Refrigeration program totals 720 clock hours and 42.0 quarter credit hours. A credit hour is equivalent to one quarter credit for 10 clock hours of lecture, 20 clock hours of laboratory, or 30 clock hours of work-based activities.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
ACM110Technical Mathematics for HVAC2.5
ACR114Introduction to HVAC6.5
ACR115Introduction to Electricity and Automatic Controls3.5
ACR116Electric Motors2
ACR117Refrigeration6.5
ACR217Air Conditioning (Heating)6.5
ACR218Air Conditioning (Cooling)4.5
ACR315All-Weather Systems3
ACR325Domestic Appliances1.5
BE770Career Development5.5

Career Outcomes

Ayers Career College HVAC graduates may find employment in any of the following HVAC settings: residential, commercial, maintenance.

Common job titles graduates pursue include Residential and Commercial HVAC/R Technician, HVAC/R Installer, Maintenance technician, Service Technician and Refrigeration technician. Companies across Shreveport, Bossier City, and West Monroe consistently hire from the Ayers program, including Sabre Industries, Ability Air, Fairfield Property Management, Jean Simpson, Moore’s A/C Heating, Storer Services and Whaley Food Service.

Student outcomes (Calendar Year 2025, Consumer Information). Completion: 78%. Placement: 74%. Licensure: N/A.

What to expect as a Ayers Career College student

Ayers Career College provides air-conditioned classrooms and laboratories in their approximately 24,000 square feet building devoted to education. Modern equipment is available at the Shreveport career school and provides students with a wide variety of challenging projects. Consistent safety standards are an integral part of the training at Ayers Career College. A coffee and snack area with WIFI access is open to all students before and after classes and during breaks. There is no smoking allowed in the building.

The training facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities, including those utilizing a wheelchair. Reserved parking places are provided adjacent to the main entrance. Entrances, exits, classroom seating, and restroom facilities are equipped to accommodate students with these special needs.

Career Services. As part of the training program’s curriculum, students attend a Career Development course where they learn how to write their resume, learn effective interview strategies, see how to use social networking to their advantage, and build a professional portfolio. Ayers Career College designs mock interview sessions with students as part of their Career Development course. Although we cannot guarantee you a job, Ayers’ Career Services team will be with you every step of the way.

Campus Address

Shreveport Campus
8820 Jewella Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71108

Why Accreditation Is Important

Ayers Career College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It is licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and adheres to the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Proprietary Schools Advisory Commission.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the Shreveport Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution
Women74.6%(191)
Men25.4%(65)
Race/Ethnicity Distribution
Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
82% · 210 students
Black/African American82% · 210
White12.5% · 32
Hispanic/Latino2.3% · 6
Two or More Races2% · 5
American Indian/Alaska Native0.8% · 2
Asian0.4% · 1
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0% · 0
International Students0% · 0

Testimonials

Training was great! It was very hands-on throughout training. If I ran into issues while I was out working in the field, I would be able to come in and work them out and get new ideas from my instructors.

Darrick Roberson
Darrick Roberson
HVAC Technician, Ayers Graduate

When I was still in the Air Force, I knew I wanted to go back to school for something and decided to do AC. Ayers was recommended to be by a friend.

Chris M.
Heating/AC/Refrigeration - Ayers Student

I’m in the Navy and just got back from a deployment. I decided I needed something else to add to my skills. The rest is history.

Minnie M.
Ayers Student (testimonial video featured on the HVAC program page)

There will be a great need for very well-trained Heating and Air Conditioning Techs for years to come.

Leo Savage
Service Experts, Employer Testimonial

Images

HVAC training student at Ayers Career College
HVAC training student at Ayers Career College
Ayers Career College students in Shreveport
Ayers Career College graduates
Ayers Career College campus banner

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience to enroll in HVAC Technician Training?
No. The program is designed for beginners. Students start from the ground up with hands-on instruction that assumes no prior HVAC knowledge.
Do I need a license to get a job after graduation?
Louisiana licenses HVAC contractors, not individual technicians. Graduates enter the workforce as technicians working under a licensed contractor, allowing them to begin right after completing the program and earning their EPA 608 certification.
What is EPA Section 608 certification?
The federal Clean Air Act requires EPA Section 608 certification, so any technician who purchases or handles refrigerants knows how to work with and properly dispose of refrigerants, which can be hazardous if improperly handled. Technicians will learn the four certification types: • Type I for small appliances • Type II for high-pressure systems • Type III for low-pressure equipment • Universal for all equipment types
What is NATE certification?
The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is the leading independent nonprofit certification for HVAC technicians in the US. While certification is voluntary, it is highly looked upon by employers.
Is Ayers accredited, and does that matter for getting hired?
Yes. Ayers is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Accreditation confirms that the program meets national standards for vocational education and that employers and credentialing bodies recognize the diploma.
What is the difference between day and evening programs?
Both programs cover the same curriculum and lead to the same diploma. The day program lasts 36 weeks; the evening program lasts 60 weeks. The longer timeline is designed for students who are currently employed or have daytime commitments.
Will Ayers help me find a job after graduation?
Yes. Ayers Career Services provides job-search guidance, resume assistance, interview preparation, and direct connections to regional employers. Career support continues after graduation. See the employer partners section above for companies that actively hire Ayers HVAC graduates.
How do I apply to Ayers Career College?
To start the admissions process at Ayers Career College, you can choose to call our Admission’s office at 1-800-317-0131 or fill out the form on this page to set up a time to speak with an Ayers representative.
Where is Ayers Career College located?
Ayers Career College is located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Our current address is: 8820 Jewella Ave, Shreveport, LA 71108.
Is student housing available?
Housing is not available at Ayers Career College at this time.
What are the advantages of attending a career college?
There is an ample number of advantages to attending a technical school. From the quick training, spending a fraction of the money on college tuition, and hands-on learning, to name a few.
How do career colleges or technical schools differ from traditional college?
The most significant difference between technical schools and other colleges is the amount of time a student must spend completing their education. Most programs can be completed in about one year, while students who attend other colleges often take a minimum of four years to complete their education.
How much does career training cost?
The cost of attending a career college will vary according to the program you decide to enroll in. At Ayers Career College, students who qualify will have some form of financial aid available for them. This financial aid usually consists of grants, which students do not have to pay back, and/or loans, which will need to be paid back. Of course, for students who can afford it, paying out-of-pocket is always an option as well.
Can I use my Veteran Benefits to help pay for the cost of training?
Yes. Ayers Career College is proud to participate in VA Educational programs that aid veterans, active-duty military, and even spouses and dependents in obtaining their CDL. Visit our Veterans Benefits page for more information.
When can I start my training at Ayers Career College?
We have new classes starting regularly. To learn about our next class start, please visit our Events page or call us at 1-800-317-0131 to talk with an Ayers Admissions Representative.
How long does training at Ayers take to complete?
That will depend on the program you enroll in. Most of our programs are completed in 36-weeks, which is still far less than college. If you know what you are interested in learning, check out our program page for more detailed information.
After I complete my training, will I be able to find a job?
The programs taught at Ayers Career College are careers that are in-demand throughout Louisiana and the United States. Along with attending Ayers, students will also have access to our Job Placement Services, where staff will help students find jobs available that they are now qualified for.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Heating/AC/Refrigeration at Shreveport Campus.
Heating/AC/Refrigeration