Georgia Heating and Air Conditioning Courses
Georgia students seeking heating and air conditioning courses can find them offered in air conditioning repair, electrical technician or air conditioning technology programs addressing installation, repair and troubleshooting practices. These programs typically result in a diploma or certificate and are offered at various technical colleges in the state. Studies typically focus on the fundamentals of system technology. Required credits can range from 12-51, depending on the level of study.
Two Georgia colleges, which offer studies at multiple campuses in the northern and western parts of the state, are profiled below. Find details about courses offered in these programs, and learn helpful facts about each of these schools in the table below.
- Chattahoochee Technical College, located about 20 miles north of downtown Atlanta, provides various technical programs, including one in air conditioning technology.
- At West Georgia Technical College, air conditioning and heating students can earn a certificate or diploma through the School of Trade and Technology. The school services seven counties, with its main campus about 20 miles west of Atlanta in Douglasville.
Comparison of Schools
When making a decision regarding enrollment in a heating and air conditioning program, you should consider all facts about each school. Below are statistics regarding the population, financial aid availability, and retention and graduation rates for the schools discussed here.
| Chattahoochee Technical College | West Georgia Technical College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 8,980 | 6,200 |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Rural |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2021-2022)* | $3,252 (in state) $5,652 (out-of-state) | $3,122 (in state) $5,522 (out-of-state) |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 74% | 94% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | 100% (open admissions) | 100% (open admissions) |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021)* | 57% | 51% |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (Students who began in 2018)* | 36% | 32% |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College offers certificates, diplomas and 2-year degrees in a variety of technical fields, including those in or related to heating and air conditioning. The school was established in 1961, and in 2009 it merged with two other area technical schools, creating an 8-campus institution covering six counties.
Air Conditioning Electrical Technician Certificate
Certificate students can expect to learn about the electrical theory and practices involved in repairing air conditioning controls. Students are educated in testing, installing and troubleshooting electronic components in cooling and refrigeration systems.
Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Certificate
This certificate program is designed to give students the theoretical knowledge to work as air conditioning technicians. Coursework will cover air conditioner components, operational principles and cooling theory.
Residential Air Conditioning Technician
Made up of four courses, students in the residential air conditioning technician program will learn about troubleshooting AC units. Students will also look closes at air conditioning systems' components and their installations.
Air Conditioning Repair Specialist
Five courses can earn students the certificate for AC repair specialists. Students will look at not just AC units, but also heat pumps, motors, and electrical fundamentals in this program.
Air Conditioning System Maintenance Technician
This program consists of three courses. Students will study refrigeration fundamentals, practices and principles. Students will also study HVACR electrical basics.
Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
Chattahoochee Technical College's 52-credit diploma program covers both the electrical and refrigeration aspects of servicing, maintaining or installing air conditioners. Specific courses will focus on electrical motors, thermostats, heating systems and refrigerant handling.
West Georgia Technical College
After a 14-college merger in 2008, West Georgia Technical College became the third-largest technical college in the state. The college's programs are focused on vocational training, but students can also enroll in a program if they're looking to enter a new career field.
Air Conditioning Repair Specialist Certificate
This 20-credit program provides learners the knowledge and practical skills to meet industry standards as air conditioning technicians. The curriculum includes subjects in heat transfer, electronic components and electrical theory. Students will also learn to adhere to safety standards when handling refrigerant materials used in air conditioning units or systems.
Air Conditioning Electrical Technician Certificate
For 12 credits, students can earn this certificate. Students will look at how electrical and motors are used in HVACR systems. Students will also look at controls.
Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Certificate
As above, this 12-credit program can be earned in as little as one semester. This program looks specifically at the refrigeration systems used in air conditioning and the components.
Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Technician Certificate
An additional 12 credits can earn students the installation technician certificate. This looks at the basics of all HVACR areas: refrigeration, heating and electrical.
Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
The 51-credit diploma program discusses heating topics such as gas-fueled devices, heating pumps and ventilation techniques. Students investigate the electrical controls and components of refrigeration and air conditioning units, such as motors and thermostats.