HVAC/R Technician

The HVAC/R program develops students’ skills and knowledge related to residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. As well as basic principles and practices of propane and natural gas service technicians for small appliance installation and service certifications recognized for licensing in the State of Maine. Topics covered include electricity, thermodynamics, combustion properties, principles of venting and ventilation, systems sizing and code interpretation, psychometrics, diagnostics, forced air furnaces, air distribution systems, and heating/cooling load analysis.

This course provides students with a substantial skill and knowledge foundation typically required for Apprentice HVAC/R technicians. The course content prepares students for entry-level employment, advanced training in HVAC/R, and entry into post-secondary education.

Facilities & Equipment. Students receive hands-on instruction in our HVAC/R lab which is equipped with a variety of industry multi-meters, pumps, refrigeration and air-condition units, fuel tanks, gauges, and tools. Students learn the fundamentals of electricity, types of motors, capacitors, controls, wiring diagrams, schematics, tubing, soldering, and brazing in our lab.

Program Objectives. Practice the highest standards of safety; develop skills with mechanical and electrical applications within residential & light commercial environments; perform preventive and corrective maintenance to electrical, gas, and oil furnaces; develop an understanding with the different types of air conditioning systems; be eligible for an externship program; be prepared to test for the EPA Certification, NORA “Bronze” national certification for Oil Heat Technicians, and Propane and Natural Gas Certification.

• Graduate in 7 months
• Flexible schedules
• Earn national certifications
• Job placement help after graduation

Listed below are general requirements and procedures that NTI has established for all students seeking admission. Some programs have additional requirements and other requirements, which can be found in the individual program sections of this Catalog.

Before any payment is made, all students must take part in an admissions interview with one of our Admissions Representatives. During the interview, the advisor will explain the program, determine eligibility for admission to the program, and discuss financial aid and payment options.

Hybrid Learning. The HVAC/R Technician program is available for Hybrid learning, allowing students to complete a portion of the program via distance education. Please note that Hybrid Learning is not available for those using VA benefits.

Bangor Students. Classroom theory and Hands-On Lab instruction are taught at 1435 Broadway, Bangor, ME.

The program offers a flexible daytime schedule. As part of enrollment each student must also select a Lab schedule. There is mandatory in-person attendance at the shop during the scheduled lab time. If the shop is not attended, attendance for the entire scheduled lab period will be zero. To achieve full time attendance of 30 hours per week a student must participate in labs, attend lectures, and complete weekly assignments.

Start dates. HVAC/R Technician training starts every 10 weeks; start dates and frequency are subject to change.

Tuition & Fees.

• Tuition: $17,312
• Application fee (non-refundable): $60
• Registration fee: $225
• Background check (non-refundable): $110
• Tech fee: $80
• Content access fee: $375
• Shop fee: $450
• Total: $18,612

(Rates subject to change.) Application fees are a one-time fee at NTI and will not be charged to a student who has already paid them upon enrollment.

Additional costs. Estimated tool kit cost: $495.

Cost of attendance (effective 8/24/26). NTI’s program cost report lists tuition of $17,312, fees of $1,240 and $495 of books, supplies, tools or exam costs, for a direct cost of $19,047 for a full-time student. Including estimated food & housing, personal expenses and transportation, the estimated cost of attendance is $33,628 off campus and $26,740 living with parents.

Financial aid. This program is one of NTI’s Title IV eligible programs. The starting point for all financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); NTI’s FAFSA School Code is 041851. Aid programs include the Federal Pell Grant, the Maine State Grant, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and alternative/private loans.

GI Bill® & veterans. NTI is approved by the Maine State Approving Agency for Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits. Veterans must apply for benefits directly with the VA; NTI will certify enrollment and academic progress to the VA. Please note that Hybrid Learning is not available for those using VA benefits.

As an HVAC/R technician you’ll spend your workday installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC/R systems, cleaning units, keeping daily logs and records, and much more.

Because of the nature of their work, HVAC/R Technicians work in a variety of places: factories, office buildings, hospitals, schools, retail stores, residential settings, or self employed. After graduation, you may decide to focus on certain areas of HVAC/R. For example, you might work in all areas, or you may specialize in repair.

Completion, placement & licensure.

HVAC/R Technician, Bangor Branch Campus (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 CPL reporting period). 93% graduation rate; 93% total completion rate; 89% graduation placement rate; 89% total placement rate.

The rates reported for each program follow formulas prescribed by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). COE requires a minimum graduation/completion rate of 60% and a minimum placement and licensure rate of 70% where applicable.