Southern Careers Institute:HVAC Program

Train for your career working in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC). Learn how to install, maintain, restore, and repair temperature control equipment for residential and commercial properties
Prepare to sit for NCCER, EPA, Green, R410A, Indoor Air Quality certification exams upon completion of the program
Develop the skills for troubleshooting HVAC systems, EP regulation requirements, construction drawing interpretations, green technologies, and more
Choose from convenient day or evening programs to fit your lifestyle

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Your safety and education are priorities for SCI. Until further notice, we’re offering our classes in a hybrid/online teaching environment.

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Become an HVAC Technician in Texas

Vocational training in residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC). SCI’s Certified National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Craft Instructors prepare students to sit for the nationally-recognized certification exams Texas employers seek.

Graduates from the HVAC program learn:

Hands-on training working with a variety of materials and systems including ventilation systems, copper and plastic piping, soldering and brazing, chimneys, vents, flues, and control circuits.
Practical skills for the installation, maintenance, and repair of essential temperature control equipment found in homes and businesses.
Safety skills applicable when using hand and power tools, and techniques for mitigating on-the-job hazards.

Prepare for Industry-Recognized HVAC Certification Exams

Certifications allow you to gain a competitive advantage over other entry-level HVAC technicians in the job market and may increase your earning potential. Becoming an HVAC certified technician demonstrates your knowledge for delivering service competently and skillfully.

SCI’s HVAC training program helps prepare students to sit for the following nationally recognized exams:

NCCER Core Certification*
NCCER HVAC Level 1 Certification*
NCCER HVAC Level 2 Certification*
NCCER HVAC Level 3 Certification*
NCCER HVAC Level 4 Certification*
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-608) Certification*
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification
R410 A Certification
Preventative Maintenance (PM) Certification
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Ready-to-Work Certificate

Take the NCCER and EPA Certification Exams—On Us!

*When taken within three months of completing the program, SCI will pay for graduates to sit for the NCCER and EPA-608 certification exams. NCCER certifications validate specific knowledge and skills in a national registry so you can get hired and continue working toward certification and licensure in Texas and other states.

SCI Students have gone on to work for companies like:

Southern Careers Institute does not guarantee employment.

Build the Skills Needed to Become an HVAC Technician

Students will have the opportunity to learn to install, maintain, and repair essential temperature control equipment found in homes and businesses.

HVAC Course Descriptions:

HVC100 Trade Safety

This course includes information on general safety regarding awareness, tool safety, load, posture, signage, material handling, and environmental concerns. Emphasis will be placed OSHA guidelines, as well as proper personal safety equipment. This course will utilize both in-class and out-of-class learning activities to achieve course objectives.

HVC101 Construction Basics

This course will provide instruction on basic mathematics, terminology, symbols, graphics, measurement systems, and tools for reading and interpreting prints, mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, detail drawings, and fabrication guidelines. This course will utilize both in-class and out-of-class learning activities to achieve course objectives.

HVC102 Introduction to HVAC

This course covers the basic principles of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students will discuss HVAC safety, licensure, and EPA guidelines as well as trade-related math and basic electricity.

HVC103 Heating and Cooling

This course will cover the fundamentals of heating and cooling air. Students will discuss air movement, air measurement, and basic system design.

HVC104 Venting and Ducting

Students will be introduced to materials that move air, fumes, and/or water (vapor) to and from HVAC systems. Students will work with a variety of tools and materials needed to construct these venting and ducting systems.

HVC105 HVAC Electrical

This course will introduce students to transformers, single-phase and three-phase power distribution, capacitors, induction motors, and compressors. Students will study installation, service and repair procedures.

HVC106 Diagnostics and Maintenance

This course will cover maintenance-related materials, guidelines for inspection, maintenance schedules, adjustments, and information on inspection requirements for equipment. Students will be introduced to metering and monitoring equipment used to evaluate HVAC systems. The course will cover leak detection, recovery, evacuation, and charging.

HVC107 Hydronics

This course will cover residential and commercial hydronic systems. Topics such as safe operation, properties of water, and pressure will be covered. Course material will cover both hot water heating and chilled water cooling.

HVC108 Troubleshooting

This course will provide guidance related to troubleshooting heating and cooling systems. Additionally, techniques for evaluating, furnaces, boilers, and various air treatment accessories used with heating and 85 cooling equipment, will be covered.

HVC109 Commercial and Industrial

This course will cover commercial application and use of heating/cooling systems and equipment. The course will cover refrigeration and airside systems.

HVC110 Air Quality and Energy Conservation

This course will cover principles, processes, and devices used to maintain air cleanliness and energy conservation. Heat recovery/reclaim devices, zoned systems, system controllers, and alternative energy sources will be covered.

HVC111 System Design and Construction

This course will cover procedures for the startup and shutdown of HVAC systems. Short- and long-term shutdown, interpretation of construction drawings, and system design and specifications will be covered.

HVC112 Crew Leadership and Placement

This course covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem-solving. Jobsite safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are discussed as well as project planning, scheduling, and estimating.

Invest in HVAC Trade School

Paying for Your HVAC Training Program:

Federal Pell Grant for those who qualify
Federal Direct Loan Program for those who qualify
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) for those who qualify
Institutional scholarship for those who qualify
GI Bill or other Military Assistance Programs
Affordable payment plans at 0% interest available for those who qualify
- Estimated average out-of-pocket payments begin at $101.83 per month

Accreditation

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Southern Careers Institute is authorized to grant associate degrees, grant credits toward degrees, and to use certain protected academic terms at the Austin, Texas campus by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Contact Information:
1200 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX
(512)427-6200

Council on Occupational Education

The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
has been the accrediting body of Southern Careers Institute for
over 25 years.

Contact Information:
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite #325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone (770) 396-3898
Toll Free (800) 917-2081

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Contact Information:
101 East 15th Street, Rm. 226T
Austin, Texas 78778
Phone (512) 936-3100

**Third-party Certification Preparation

Want to learn more about how National Certifications might help you in today’s job market?

or call 1.833.SCI.TEXAS

Is an Exciting Career in HVAC Right for You?

If you are interested in learning more about careers in HVAC and exploring whether this is the right career path for you, fill out our Request Info Form to receive more information. A helpful SCI Admissions Representative would be happy to answer any questions you have and help with everything from scheduling to financial aid. For immediate questions, call 844-783-6569.

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

Valerie D.

* Past students’ outcomes, starting salaries, or job prospects are not indictive of the possible job outcomes for future and current students. SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI.

Speak with an
Admissions Advisor

Call 1.833.SCI.TEXAS

Our mission is to be a leading talent producer by delivering employer-tailored training.