Trade Schools
If you live in Maryland and you want to start a career as a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the top trade schools and community colleges that offer training in this field.
Most programs last less than two years and prepare students for employment in entry-level positions.
Five or four-year apprenticeships are also available and allow trainees to earn a salary while learning.
1North American Trade Schools
About the School
North American Trade Schools offers trade training that prepares students for new careers.
Its Heating, Refrigeration, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology program equips students with the skills needed for entry-level employment.
The curriculum covers the theory and practice regarding electrical requirements when diagnosing, repairing, and installing systems, ductwork, metal fabrication, and installation.
The program offers the EPA 608 Certificate and many other different specialty certifications in different aspects of the HVACR field.
Certification from National Center for Construction Education and Research is also available, as well as OSHA 10 and various ESCO certifications.
The school has a Career Service department that works closely with teachers to help students find the right job.
The program is designed to be completed in 40 weeks.
Students pay $18,418 if they complete the program within normal time.
Uniforms, books, tools, and an electric reader are provided to students upon fulfilling graduation requirements.
North American Trade Schools is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Contact Information
- Address: 6901 Security Blvd. Ste. 16, Baltimore, MD 21244
- Phone: (410) 298-4844
- Website: https://www.natradeschools.edu
2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech provides training programs that prepare students for careers in automotive technology, skilled trades, and culinary arts at its Columbia campuses.
The Lincoln College of Technology prepares students for careers as automotive technicians, HVAC technicians, electricians, electronic systems technicians, or welders.
Students learn from industry professionals and work with the tools used in the trade-in real-world facilities.
Total costs for the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology program sum up to $27,032, which includes tuition, books, uniforms, estimated cost of tools, registration fee, student fee, and technology fee.
Day and evening classes are available.
The HVAC programs feature hands-on exercises that take place in an outdoor mini house where students work on HVAC components.
The school also uses thermal-imaging cameras to check for energy efficiency.
SimuTech software, which features computer-based simulation bugs, is also available to teach students how to troubleshoot.
Students also receive a tool kit that contains HVAC tools.
Lincoln Tech is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Contact Information
- Address: 9325 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046
- Phone: (410) 290-7100
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
3National Center on Institutions and Alternatives
About the School
National Center on Institutions and Alternatives develops quality programs and professional services.
The Herbert J. Hoelter Vocational Training Center was opened in Baltimore in 2017 and provides training for veterans, returning citizens, opportunity youth, and people who receive financial assistance.
Its vocational training programs are provided for free.
The center has served more than 550 individuals, including 150 veterans.
Courses Offered
An HVAC/R training program is available to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
After completing the 15-week course, students earn the following certifications: section EPA 608 Universal Certification as well as employment-ready certifications in the following fields: Gas Heat, Basic Refrigeration, Electrical Charging Procedures, and Electrical.
In addition to its HVAC/R program, the Vocational Training Center in Baltimore also offers training in automotive repair, commercial driver’s license class B, small unmanned aerial systems, and culinary arts.
Contact Information
- Address: 301 S. Central Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Website: https://vtc.ncianet.org
4All State Career
About the School
All-State Career offers a wide range of career training programs at its Baltimore campus.
The programs are designed by educators and industry professionals to prepare them for entry-level positions.
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program available at this location prepares students for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification test.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to work with air conditioning, control systems, heat pumps, heat systems, and refrigeration.
Graduates receive a diploma and have the skills needed for an entry-level job.
The school offers career placement, holds job fairs on campus, and prepares students for their first job interviews.
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for admission.
A personal interview with admission staff will also take place to help students find the right program.
All-State Career is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
It is also registered with Maryland Higher Education Commission.
The total cost is $22,089 for the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program and it includes tuition, enrollment fee, instructional materials fee, uniform, certificate fee, tools, student kit, MVR/background, and textbooks.
Contact Information
- Address: 2200 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Phone: 410.631.2742
- Website: https://www.allstatecareer.edu
5Chesapeake College
About the School
Chesapeake College offers a variety of skilled trade programs that prepare students for some of the most in-demand careers.
Its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning technician program teaches students how to install, service, and repair a variety of systems that control temperature and air quality.
The program follows the NCCER Electrical program, a comprehensive four-year HVAC curriculum that complies with the standards set by the Department of Labor for apprenticeships.
Instruction combines classroom theory with hands-on lab training.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and pass the College Placement Test for Arithmetic, and Core Training for Skilled Trades.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC courses are available:
- EPA Section 608 Certification Prep & Exam- this costs $245
- HVAC Journeyman Test Prep- a $200 course
- Licensure Prep for Home Improvement Contractors- the course fee is $155
- Basic Pool & Spa Operation Certification Course- a $250 course
- Pool Operator’s Recertification- the course fee for this program is $175
Chesapeake College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 College Circle Wye Mills, MD 21679
- Phone: 410-822-5400
- Website: https://www.chesapeake.edu
6Frederick Community College
About the School
Frederick Community College offers training programs in a variety of areas.
The college provides more than 85 degree and certificate programs.
According to the college’s website, more than 11,000 students take credit courses annually on the main campus and at off-site locations.
Frederick Community College is a public college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Frederick Community College’s Building Trades program includes courses in Electrical, HVAC, and Welding fields.
Students receive hands-on experience, knowledge, and skills training from industry experts.
The instruction takes place in classrooms and fully-equipped labs.
The HVAC certificate program prepares students for entry-level HVAC positions and apprenticeships.
The courses cover basic thermodynamics, and refrigeration theory while also allowing students to earn an EPA-608 certification.
The EPA certification is required for all persons who work with regulated refrigerants in the HVAC industry.
Tuition at Frederick Community College is $158.34 for in-county residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
- Phone: 301.846.2400
- Website: https://www.frederick.edu
7Carroll Community College
About the School
Carroll Community College offers a variety of academic programs and continuing education classes.
In-county tuition is $136 per billable hour for in-county tuition.
Additional fees include a $34 per hour college service fee and a $2 activity fee which brings the total cost for in-district students to $172 per hour.
Out-of-county in-state students pay $288.25 per hour in total.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes programs that prepare students for high-demand careers in Construction and Trades, including Electrical, HVAC, Construction, Real Estate, and Welding programs.
The four-year HVAC apprenticeship program is approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and offered in partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland.
Instruction-led and online classes are available.
The college also provides OSHA, First Aid, and CPR classes.
Carroll Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157
- Phone: 410-386-8000
- Website: https://www.carrollcc.edu
8Wor-Wic Community College
About the School
Wor-Wic Community College offers a wide range of programs that help students start a career or complete the first two years of a four-year degree.
There are several pathways to choose from, including Business and Hospitality, Education and Human Services, Health Care, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Safety, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Skilled Trades, and Transportation.
The college offers credit and non-credit programs and courses.
Applicants are assigned to an enrollment coach who helps them find the right program/course.
Its catalog includes an HVACR non-credit program that prepares students for a career as installers or technicians.
Wor-Wic Community College is a state-approved two-year college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Financial assistance is available for qualifying students.
Day, evening and online classes are available to meet students’ business schedules.
Contact Information
- Address: 32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
- Phone: 410-334-2800
- Website: https://www.worwic.edu
9James Rumsey Technical Institute
About the School
James Rumsey Technical Institute offers an 11-month program that prepares students for careers in the HVAC/R field.
Students attend classes 30 hours per week.
The program costs approximately $7,640 in total.
James Rumsey Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
The Institute provides advanced career education and high school programs.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including:
- Career Preparation
- Introduction to Construction Math
- Hand and Power Tool Basics
- Basic Employability Skills
- Material Handling Basics
- Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery, and Charging
- Introduction to Control Circuit Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Gas Heating
- And more
Students have the opportunity to earn NCCER certification for each skill set mastered.
Contact Information
- Address: 3274 Hedgesville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Phone: (304) 754-7925
- Website: https://www.jamesrumsey.com
10Harford Community College
About the School
Harford Community College offers a variety of construction and trades programs that helps students prepare for a new career fast.
Many of the programs allow students to earn recognized certificates.
Students also receive job placement assistance and local businesses often hire graduates from Harford Community College.
The college provides degree and certificate programs as well as apprenticeships and dual enrollment for high school students.
Harford Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The following HVACR programs are available:
Heating & Air Conditioning- an Apprenticeship Program that helps students become licensed journeyperson through a partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland.
In-classroom instruction takes place two evenings per week, summing up to 160 total hours per year.
On-the-job training is 2,000 hours each year.
An HVAC-R Pre-Apprenticeship program is also available and includes HVAC/R Certificate and EPA Refrigerant Recovery Certification.
To qualify for admission to the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Apprentices also need reliable transportation.
Contact Information
- Address: 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015-1627
- Phone: 443.412.2000
- Website: https://www.harford.edu
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 3,450 | $63,440 | $30.5 | $87,110 | $39,360 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 210 | $58,270 | $28.01 | $89,010 | $38,860 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 70 | $52,480 | $25.23 | $75,700 | $34,340 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 230 | $51,730 | $24.87 | $69,860 | $35,830 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 680 | $51,030 | $24.53 | $69,060 | $36,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of HVAC educational programs available in Maryland and choosing the right one requires thorough research.
We invite you to take your time and gather information about all the relevant factors before deciding where to enroll.
