U.S. Career Institute

HVACR Technician

Fort Collins Administrative Campus
Fort Collins, CO
Certificate · 100% Online
HVACR Technician
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
100% online, self-paced classes you can take on your phone or computer.
Catalog tuition for the HVACR Technician program is $1,539.
Complete in 3-5 months, part-time; the program is 225 clock hours.
A one-time $29 application fee applies, waived when you pay in full.
Payment plans plus military, MyCAA, employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation funding are accepted.

HVACR Technician is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 225 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $1,539.

Program Overview

U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online HVAC trade school will prepare you for certification and a role as a HVAC technician in as little as 3 months.

As the HVACR field grows, so does the need for knowledgeable HVACR technicians. Our comprehensive online HVACR training course will include how to install, test, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Graduates of this course will learn the necessary skills to professionally perform the duties of an HVACR Tech. Students get an introduction to the field of HVACR including theories, regulations, systems, procedures, safety and equipment. There are no in-person HVAC classes to attend and no schedules to keep.

What sets this Program apart

  • 5-day money-back commitment
  • DEAC Accredited
  • 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
  • Complete in 3-5 months, part-time
  • One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
  • Start learning today - no waiting period!
  • A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
  • The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Lead instructor/course expert. Thomas Carlton holds his certification in HVAC with additional certifications as a journeyman HVAC, refrigeration service EPA Types II and III, EPA 608 Universal and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). He also holds New York FDNY Q01 Refrigeration Engineer certification. He earned his Certificate in HVACR Technology from the Lincoln Technical Institute in New Jersey.

Admission Requirements and Process

To qualify for enrollment in the HVACR Technician Program, an applicant must:

  • Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
  • Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
  • Be at least 16 years of age.

U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.

General Requirements

  • Minimum age
    You must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
  • High school diploma or GED
    You need a high school diploma or GED, or college-level coursework; otherwise you may use test evidence to show you can benefit from the program.
  • English
    You must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
  • Basic information
    The enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
  • Enrollment agreement
    You must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Ask your questions
    Request information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
  2. 2
    Provide basic information
    The form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
  3. 3
    Pay for your tuition
    You can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
  4. 4
    Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures
    Enrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  5. 5
    Start your first lesson
    Upon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.

Program Schedule

The HVACR Technician program is 225 clock hours, delivered in 21 lessons with 21 quizzes. Students can complete it in 3-5 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.

The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.

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
≈ $1,539

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your HVAC training affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt! c

  • Option 1, pay in full: $1,239 (save $300); the application charge is waived.
  • Option 2, monthly auto payments: $1,539 in total at $79 a month, with a first payment of $79, plus a one-time $29 application charge.

First payment includes $50 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.

Military and VA benefits. Use your military and VA benefits to further your and/or your spouse's career. U.S. Career Institute is approved for or affiliated with VA education benefits including GI-Bill® benefits and MyCAA benefits. Reservists may also qualify for veterans' training. If you think you may be eligible, contact your base's Education Officer or the Veterans Administration. "GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.

All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.

Required Courses

Name
Instruction Pack I: Introduction to the World of the HVACR
Instruction Pack II: Fundamental HVACR Skills, Part 1
Instruction Pack III: Fundamental HVACR Skills, Part 2
Instruction Pack IV: Certification Levels and Practicum

Career Outcomes

In addition to earning your HVACR Technician Certificate through U.S. Career Institute, we help prepare you to become an EPA Certified HVACR Technician. After completing our HVAC School you’ll be prepared to sit for the nationally recognized Type I, II and III EPA 608 certification exams, administered by independent third parties. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all HVACR techs who handle, work with, or buy refrigerants must be certified in proper refrigerant handling. You are not required to take a certification exam, however, taking this additional step can help you market yourself to potential employers and validate your HVACR knowledge.

Your EPA 608 exam fees and preparatory manual are included in your tuition – up to $185 value As of March 8, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure (or licensure is exempt) in all states besides WA. Job growth for HVAC technicians is almost 2x greater than all other jobs by 2034. No prior experience is required to become an HVAC tech. A career as an HVAC tech offers you the benefits of security, potential for advancement, a good, steady income, a varied work environment, and the ability to make a difference. New construction of commercial and residential buildings, along with the rising number of complex energy efficient, climate-control systems will increase the need for qualified heating, air conditioning and refrigeration installers and mechanics. And with the increased priority on pollution reduction and energy efficiency, more HVACR Technicians will be needed to upgrade, retrofit or entirely replace outdated systems.

What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student

Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.

Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.

Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).

Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.

Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.

Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.

Campus Location

Fort Collins Administrative Campus
2001 Lowe Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Why Accreditation Is Important

U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

Curriculum

The HVACR Technician program totals 225 clock hours, taught in 4 instruction packs, listed below as the course outline.

U.S. Career Institute’s curriculum is developed specifically for the distance education learner by instructional designers who specialize in how to develop content for adults and well-qualified subject matter experts, including a HVACR technician with a degree in electronics who owned his own HVACR business for 25 years, to ensure quality content. The current subject matter expert is a certified specialist that has worked in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry for over 45 years. In addition, USCI works with a program advisory council of non-USCI employee who is a licensed HVAC professional working in the field to review content annually to ensure students receive content that is up-to-date, relevant and accurate.

As the HVACR field grows, so does the need for knowledgeable HVACR technicians. Students get an introduction to the field of HVACR including theories, regulations, systems, procedures, safety and equipment. The program trains students to:

  • Apply mathematical processes and use of formulas necessary for design, evaluation and installation of HVACR systems.
  • Explain usage of HVACR materials, equipment and tools needed for installation and diagnostic tasks.
  • Describe safety procedures and established regulations related to workplace and job requirements.
  • Understand the refrigeration cycle, gas laws and properties of refrigerants required for diagnostic and systems design.
  • Discuss how to use drawings, technical diagrams and specification charts required for installation and repair of HVACR systems.
  • Understand theories and processes for evaluating and installing electrical systems and controls.
  • Describe procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing and maintaining HVACR systems.
  • Explain procedures for following government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery and recycling of refrigerants.

Required Courses

Name

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become an HVAC Technician?
To become a HVAC Technician, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, formal training through an accredited institution, and EPA 608 certification. Many employers also prefer candidates with knowledge in how to install, test, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Most HVAC Technicains follow these steps. Prerequisites: Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Education: Enroll and graduate from an accredited HVAC Technician program that covers the necessary skills including how to test, repair, install, and maintain ventilation, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems. Earn Certification: EPA 608 certification is federal required for all HVACR Technicians to handle, work with, or buy refrigerants Employment: Build a professional resume and apply for an entry-level HVAC position. How U.S. Career Institute Helps You Achieve This: U.S. Career Institute supports you throughout your training: High School Diploma: If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Career Institute can help with our online high school program! 100% online, you can finish your diploma from the comfort of your home, on your schedule! Accredited Education: Our school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring your interactive learning modules meet the highest academic standards. Certification Included: After completing our program, you will be prepared to take the EPA Section 608 Type I or Universal (includes Type I, II and III) certification exams. Your EPA Section 608 exam fee and study materials are included in your tuition. Graduate Career Coaching: Meet 1-on-1 with our career coaches to finalize your resume and practice for job interviews.
Do I need to get certified as an HVAC technician?
Yes, it is federally required to obtain the EPA Section 608 Certification to handle, recover, or dispose of refrigerants. Additional certification requirements vary by state. Students should check their HVAC Tech state guidelines. The U.S. Career Institute HVACR Technician training program prepares you to sit for the EPA Section 608 Type I or Universal (includes Type I, II and III) certification exams. Your EPA Section 608 certification exam fees and study guide are included in your tuition up to a $185 value.
Is this HVAC program accredited?
Yes. U.S. Career Institute is Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
What does an HVAC technician do?
HVAC Technicians are responsible for the care and maintenance of HVACR equipment. They work on cooling, heating, ventilation and refrigeration systems that regulate the air quality and temperature in buildings and refrigerated transport vehicles.
How long does online HVAC trade school take?
The time it takes to complete a HVAC trade school depends on the type of program you take. Typically HVAC trade school programs take anywhere from 3 to 24 months to complete. U.S. Career Institute’s online self-paced HVACR Technician program, students choose how much you study each week and can complete the program in as little as 3 to 5 months
Does this meet my HVACR Technician state requirements?
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.

Other Programs at Fort Collins Administrative Campus

U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO also offers these 33 programs at 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525.

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HVACR Technician