InterCoast Colleges

HVAC Technician

West Covina
West Covina, CA
Certificate · Hybrid
HVAC Technician
Credential stated in the current official catalog.
West Covina campus.
$18,000
720 clock hours, 39 credits.
InterCoast Colleges is institutionally accredited by ACCET.
Available to eligible students.

HVAC Technician is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by InterCoast Colleges in West Covina, CA. The program takes 32 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $18,000.

Program Overview

The HVAC Technician Program is designed to prepare individuals to specialize in installing and maintaining heating and air-conditioning units in residential homes, retail stores, and other buildings. Upon completion of all requirements the student will be awarded a Certificate.

Program Objectives: This program will prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The program includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

What Sets This Program Apart

The goal of this program is to prepare students for entry level employment in any of the related areas of the trade such as Service Technician, HVAC Service Technician, HVAC Technician, HVAC Installer, HVAC Specialist, Air Conditioning Technician (AC Tech), and HVAC Mechanic.

Admission Requirements & Process

To enhance the success of its graduates and to ensure that only qualified applicants are accepted, InterCoast Colleges carefully considers each applicant's prior educational background, career interests, motivation and availability of time prior to acceptance. All applicants participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the training program.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    A high school diploma or GED is required for enrollment. Students must provide written proof of graduation, which must include a copy of a high school diploma or a GED, a high…
  • Ability-to-Benefit Alternative
    Students who do not hold a diploma or GED may qualify under the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative by passing an independently administered, nationally standardized test…
  • English Language Proficiency
    All courses are taught in English, and the institution does not provide English-as-a-Second Language instruction. The level of language proficiency is the 12th grade level,…
  • Admissions Interview
    All applicants will participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the…
  • Interest, Motivation and Time
    Of prime importance is the student's desire to succeed, along with the availability of time to actively participate in classes and additional time to complete projects,…
  • Computer and Internet Access
    Online and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required…
  • HVAC Program Requirements
    A criminal background check, a driver's license record acceptable to the employer, EPA Section 608 Certification, OSHA-10 Safety Certification and CPR/First Aid may be required.…
  • Veterans Waiting Period
    Veterans, eligible spouses, or dependent applicants must wait at least 24 hours from their initial inquiry to sign an enrollment agreement.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Complete a short form and the InterCoast admissions team will contact you within one business day to help you find the right program and campus.
  2. 2
    Interview with an Admissions Representative
    Meet with an admissions representative for an interview that usually lasts approximately one hour. The representative will discuss the various aspects of training, programs offered, tuition, and entrance requirements.
  3. 3
    Tour the Campus
    Applicants are encouraged to take a tour of the facility virtually or in person and may observe classes if they desire.
  4. 4
    Complete the FAFSA
    Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and the financial aid team will help you through the process.
    FAFSA Code for West Covina: 025594
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  5. 5
    Review the Catalog and Fact Sheet
    Review the school catalog and the School Performance Fact Sheet for your program, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
  6. 6
    Complete Your Application and Enrollment Agreement
    If qualified, contact admissions to fill out application forms and complete the enrollment agreement, or return to enroll at a later date. Enrollment Agreements require the final approval by the authorized school official.

Program Schedule

Hybrid Program. 720 Hours. 32 Weeks to Complete. Maximum Student/Teacher Ratio: Lecture 45:1, Lab 24:1. CIP Code: 47.0201. SOC - O*NET: 49-9021. This program prepares graduates for the following occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

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
≈ $18,000
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Financial Aid

InterCoast Colleges is an eligible institution under the Pell Grant, SEOG, Direct Loans, Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Programs. Students may also qualify for various alternative loan programs. For more information regarding eligibility for any of the programs, contact the InterCoast Financial Aid Office. Students will be asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applications for all available loan programs, including alternative and institutional loans will be discussed. The student will be notified of his/her financial award.

InterCoast participates in various tuition assistance programs, including but not limited to Veteran's Educational Benefits (VA), WIOA, TRA, Vocational and State Rehabilitation, tribal programs, alternative loan programs, and employer-sponsored programs, and such programs must be approved by the providing agency. Financial Aid is also available through the Title IV Programs under the U.S. Department of Education for those who qualify. Per ACCET standard, students are not financially obligated for greater than a one-year period at any time.

InterCoast is approved for training Veterans utilizing Veteran Administration Education benefits. InterCoast Colleges complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 and will not assess or implement any late fees for covered individuals who are using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 VA Educational Benefits.

The catalog states the same amount as tuition and total program charges.

Curriculum

  • ATP104 Intro to Trades, Construction Math, OSHA Safety & NEC
  • ATP105 Electrical Theory and Ohm's Law
  • ATP106 Practical Applications of Electrical Theory
  • HVAC101 Basic Refrigeration Components & Applications
  • HVAC102 EPA608 Transition & Recovery
  • HVAC103 Heating Systems
  • HVAC104 Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
  • HVAC105 Air Distribution & Installation

The required courses below are from InterCoast Colleges's published catalog.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
ATP104Intro to Trades, Construction Math, OSHA Safety & NEC5
ATP105Electrical Theory and Ohm's Law5
ATP106Practical Applications of Electrical Theory5
HVAC 101Basic Refrigeration Components & Applications5
HVAC 102EPA608 Transition & Recovery5
HVAC 103Heating Systems5
HVAC 104Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems5
HVAC105Air Distribution & Installation4
Totals39

Career Outcomes

Graduate Employment Assistance Services

InterCoast Colleges offers job placement assistance for all students upon graduation at no additional charge; however, no guarantee of job placement, level of anticipated income, or wage rate is made or implied by the institution or any of its employees or representatives. InterCoast employs a Career Services Coordinator to assist graduates in contacting companies in order to secure employment. The Career Services Coordinator acts as a liaison between students and the employment community. Employment assistance efforts require both the graduate and institution to work hand in hand in the efforts. The graduate is expected to work diligently to secure employment, utilizing the career development training, soft skills training, and technical skills training received.

Graduates are encouraged to begin their employment search activities during externship and/or clinical internship training or within the last six weeks of schooling if applicable. Many students obtain employment without the assistance of the Career Services staff; however, the institution is available to assist eligible graduates at any time. All graduates will be provided placement assistance unless they are not eligible and/or if the graduate has submitted a valid student waiver of placement assistance.

What to Expect as a Student at InterCoast Colleges

Interactive Distance Learning (Fully Online or Hybrid)

Of equal importance to the student's success is the availability of time to participate in online classes, and additional time to complete classroom projects or homework as assigned. The more time spent on preparation and studying, the better the opportunity for achieving success. Students are required to log in and participate in forums, submit assignments, and/or take quizzes in any given week. Additionally, students will spend a significant time offline reading and studying. The student must manage their time carefully in order to succeed.

Online and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required participation and cannot be relied upon for completing assignments. In addition, prior computer experience, including word processing knowledge, is helpful for success. The online LIRN Library can also serve as an access site to the many referenceable resources to complete all assignments. All online courses are delivered on-demand with weekly participation requirements.

InterCoast conducts classes throughout the year. These classes consist of structured modules, courses, or sections of instruction. Some classes may be offered online and/or in a hybrid format. The institution's system of scheduling modules allows participants to commence training at the beginning of most modules or terms.

Location

West Covina
2235 East Garvey Avenue North
Suite B
West Covina, CA 91791

Accreditation & Approvals

Accreditation

InterCoast Colleges is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by ACCET since 1988. Accreditation is the process whereby an association or agency, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, grants public recognition to a school, institute, college, or university, which meets certain qualifications and educational standards, as determined through initial and periodic evaluations. The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional peer reviewed conclusion as to the quality of the educational institution or programs offered.

Please note: InterCoast Colleges is offering a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Addiction Studies with approval from its accreditor, ACCET. This Bachelor's Degree is not currently approved for Title IV funding. Final approval of this program is contingent upon the success of the accreditor's application to expand its scope with the U.S. Education Department. In the unlikely event that the accreditor does not gain Education Department approval, InterCoast will work with its enrolled students for their continued studies.

Approvals

InterCoast Colleges is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. That approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC §94909(a)(2) and 5, CCR.

InterCoast locations are approved for training through WIOA, VA, TRA, EDD, State and Private Vocational Rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the West Covina campus located?
The West Covina campus is located at 2235 East Garvey Avenue North, West Covina, CA 91791, just off the freeway in a shopping center with nearby restaurants and bus stops.
What programs are offered at the West Covina campus?
Programs offered at West Covina are Electrical Training and HVAC Technician, in a hybrid format, and Alcohol & Drug Counseling Studies, in a hybrid format or fully online.
What are the West Covina campus hours?
The campus is generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and closed Sunday. Hours can vary, so please call (626) 337-6800 to confirm before visiting.
What facilities are available at the West Covina campus?
The West Covina campus has dedicated Electrical and HVAC labs, a computer lab, and lecture rooms. It is centrally air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
What online programs are managed under the West Covina main campus?
InterCoast Colleges offers additional programs online, managed under the West Covina main campus. These include Associate of Applied Science degrees in Substance Use Disorder Counseling and Business Administration, and the Business Office Administration and Mental Health & Addiction Support Services certificate programs.
Is InterCoast Colleges accredited?
InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) since 1988 and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Accreditation and state approval apply to the institution, including the West Covina main campus.
How can prospective students learn more about programs at West Covina?
Prospective students can review the program pages linked above, contact InterCoast Colleges online, or call the West Covina campus at (626) 337-6800 to request program information.
Does this program prepare me for the EPA Section 608 exam?
Yes. EPA 608 certification preparation is a core part of the curriculum. The exam itself is administered by a third-party certifying body — InterCoast provides preparation, not the certification itself.
How long is the HVAC Technician program?
The program is 32 weeks (approximately 8 months) and carries 39 academic credits, in a hybrid format combining classroom and hands-on lab instruction.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. This program is Title IV eligible. Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid. Contact an admissions advisor for details.
Is this program available in all states?
The HVAC Technician program is offered at select California campuses and is not California-exclusive. Contact us to confirm availability at your nearest campus.
What does an HVAC technician do?
HVAC technicians install, service, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in homes and commercial buildings. Their work includes diagnosing faults, testing system performance, replacing components, and following safety codes and manufacturer specifications.
What is the difference between HVAC and refrigeration?
HVAC focuses on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for comfort in occupied spaces, while refrigeration keeps goods such as food and medicine within controlled temperature ranges. The two share core thermodynamic principles, and this program introduces both, along with EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling.
Is the HVAC Technician program offered online?
The HVAC Technician program is delivered in a hybrid format that combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab work at California campuses. Because the trade requires direct work with equipment, it is not offered fully online. Contact admissions to confirm the current schedule at your nearest campus.
What campuses offer the HVAC Technician program?
The program is offered at InterCoast's West Covina, Rancho Cordova, and Riverside campuses in California. Contact an admissions advisor to confirm start dates at a specific location.
What are the admissions requirements for the HVAC program?
A high school diploma or GED is required. Students who do not hold a diploma or GED may be considered under the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative. An admissions advisor can review eligibility and next steps.
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HVAC Technician