Trade Schools
If you live in Minnesota and you want to become an HVAC technician, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the top training programs in the field of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
Most Certificate and Diploma programs are designed to be completed in under a year.
Two-year programs are also available for students who want to pursue an associate degree.
If you’re worried about expenses, you should check out the financial aid options available.
Some training programs are also open to high school students and allow them to earn college and high school credit at the same time.
We invite you to read our list of top HVAC schools in Minnesota to find out more about the training options near you.
1Anoka Technical College
About the School
Anoka Technical College offers hands-on training that prepares students for their future careers.
The school provides more than 70 programs.
Tuition at Anoka Technical College is $183.33 per credit for regular programs.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog presents a Construction, Engineering, and Technology path that includes a variety of training programs, such as:
- Construction Electrician- a diploma program
- Architectural and Construction Technician- a diploma program
- Quality Technician- a program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Pipe Welder- a certificate program
- Basic Welding- a program that leads to a certificate
- And more
The Construction Electrician program teaches students about electrical codes, theory, and materials needed to install and troubleshoot all types of electrical equipment and controls in different types of buildings.
Anoka Technical College also offers several professional and workforce training programs, including one in HVAC.
The HVAC program is 100 hours long and covers theory, troubleshooting, operations and maintenance, electrical components, commercial applications, as well as controls and motors.
An EPA Section 608 course is also available and takes eight hours to complete.
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: (763) 433-1100
- Website: http://www.anokatech.edu
2Hennepin Technical College
About the School
Hennepin Technical College offers a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program that prepares students for career opportunities.
Graduates are ready for employment in the residential/commercial air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industry.
Students learn the skills needed when working on heat/cool rooftop units, air furnaces and hydronic boilers, chillers and large-building computerized energy management control systems, ice cube machines, freezers, and display cases.
The HVAC program is accredited by HVAC Excellence and affiliated with the Refrigeration Service Engineering Society.
Classes are available during the day and evening to accommodate students’ schedules.
The school has two campuses: Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie.
The following awards and certifications are available for students who want to start a career in the field of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration:
- Commercial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (EP)- a program that leads to a Diploma
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (BP/EP)- an Associate in Applied Science Degree program
- Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (BP/EP)- a Diploma program
Contact Information
- Brooklyn Park Campus: 9000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Eden Prairie Campus: 13100 College View Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55347
- Phone: 952-995-1300
- Website: https://hennepintech.edu
3Midway Vo-Tech
About the School
Midway Vo-Tech offers testing preparation for students who want to start a new career and continuing education classes for those who want to keep up with the latest advancements in their profession.
Test preparation is available for students who want to prepare for the Journeyman or Master State Plumbing tests and St Paul & Minneapolis Competency test for:
- Plumber/Glassfitter
- Warm Air Ventilation
- Refrigeration
- Gas Fitter
- Steam and Heat Water
Courses Offered
The following testing preparation classes are available at Midway Vo-Tech:
- Advanced MN Plumbing: Master/Journeyman/City Comp Test Prep- an eight-module tutoring program
- HVAC-Advanced MN Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code- with the following modules:
- Gas
- Ventilation/Warm Air
- Steam
- Refrigeration
Each of the above modules costs $400.
MN Advanced Mechanical & Fuel Gas- all sessions cost $1,600
The school’s instructors help students keep up with the state codes.
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 Geneva Ave N #102, Oakdale, MN 55128
- Phone: 651-646-8319
- Website: https://www.midwayvotech.com
4Dunwoody College of Technology
About the School
Dunwoody College of Technology offers educational programs that prepare students for employment in a variety of high-demand fields.
The college’s Construction Sciences & Building Technology department provides an HVAC Installation & Residential Service program.
This program prepares students for a career in a variety of fields in the HVAC industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
Graduates can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in two years.
The program is accredited by HVAC Excellence.
The curriculum combines classroom lectures with hands-on training.
Students get to visit various manufacturing firms throughout the program- where they learn from experienced professionals.
Graduates are ready to sit for the EPA 608 Certification- which allows them to legally handle refrigerants and for the Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Certification.
Courses Offered
The topics covered in class include:
- HVAC Ducts and Fittings
- Cooling Systems
- Heating Systems
- Design and Installation of Residential HVAC Systems
- Commercial Blueprint Reading
Contact Information
- Address: 818 Dunwoody Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Phone: 612.374.5800
- Website: https://dunwoody.edu
5St. Cloud Technical & Community College
About the School
St. Cloud Technical & Community College provides educational programs in a variety of fields.
Its Construction Technology department includes a Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration program.
For most classes, tuition and fees sum up to $195.80 per credit hour.
Financial aid, including loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study is available for qualifying students.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College is a member of Minnesota State and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC credentials are available:
- Heating AC Refrigeration Commercial AAS – 72 credits are needed for this degree
- Heating AC Refrigeration Commercial DIP- a 66-credit program
- Heating AC Refrigeration Residential DIP- a 35-credits program
Students learn how to troubleshoot and repair HVAC/R systems by working with their hands and applying their knowledge and skills to solve programs.
In addition to tuition and fees, HVAC/R students can spend between $2,185 and $2,605 for books, supplies, and materials.
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
- Phone: (800) 222-1009
- Website: https://www.sctcc.edu
6Dakota County Technical College
About the School
The HVAC & Refrigeration Technician program offered by Dakota County Technical College can lead to an Associate in Applied Science Degree or a Diploma, depending on the path chosen by the student.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree can be earned by students who achieve at least 60 credits, while the Certificate requires 39 credits.
The program combines group discussions with lectures and hands-on laboratory experience.
The curriculum teaches students how to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair today’s HVAC/R systems.
Students are required to pass the EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification exam- this credential will allow them to handle refrigerants.
Tuition is $185.49 per credit, while additional fees sum up to $21.45 per credit.
This brings the total cost to approximately $12,400 for the Associate in Applied Science Degree and around $8,100 for the Diploma program.
Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Contact Information
- Address: 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068
- Phone: 651-423-8000
- Website: https://www.dctc.edu
7South Central College
About the School
South Central College offers a variety of career-ready programs designed to prepare students for employment in high-demand industries.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The total cost is $198.84 for the fall 2021-spring 2022 semester.
This includes tuition, student activity fee, MSCSA, technology fee, parking fee, and health services fee.
The cost for online courses is $230.84 in total.
Courses Offered
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration pathway available at South Central College includes the following credential options:
- HVAC/R Associate in Applied Science Degree
- HVAC/R Advanced Diploma
- HVAC/R Foundation Diploma
- Refrigeration Technology Certificate
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (Heating) Certificate
The curriculum covers electrical theory, heating, and cooling concepts, refrigeration cycle theory, equipment operation, component specifications, and a variety of other related topics.
The program starts in the fall and spring semesters.
Graduates are ready to work in the residential or commercial HVAC/R industry.
Contact Information
- Faribault Campus: 1225 Third Street SW, Faribault, MN 55021
- Phone: 507-332-5800
- N. Mankato Campus: 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003
- Phone: 507-389-7200
- Website: https://southcentral.edu
8Northland Community & Technical College
About the School
Northland Community & Technical College offers a wide variety of career and technical programs.
The College has four campuses in Minnesota: East Grand Forks, two in Thief River Falls, and one in Roseau.
An online division is also available.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition is $187.53 for Minnesota residents.
Loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options are available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes the following HVAC-related programs:
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Diploma- a 37-credit program
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Construction Plumbing- a 70-credit A.A.S. program
Both programs are available in East Grand Forks.
The programs prepare students for entry-level employment.
Students gain a technical understanding of HVAC systems, and the practical skills needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot the equipment.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Construction Safety
- Electrical Calculations
- Blueprint Reading
- Sheet Metal Design
- Control Electricity
- Air Handling
- Heating Systems Maintenance
- HVAC Troubleshooting
- And more
Graduates have knowledge and skills in electric theory, motor, and heating-air conditioning controls, switching relays, pumps, compressors, design variables, and code requirements.
Contact Information
- Address: 2022 Central Avenue NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
- Phone: 218.793.2800
- Website: http://www.northlandcollege.edu
9Century College
About the School
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program offered by Century College covers the design, repair, installation, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration equipment.
The program covers the hands-on and classroom instruction needed for entry-level employment in the field.
The curriculum emphasizes residential and commercial HVAC-R systems.
Students have the opportunity to sit for the EPA’s Section 608 Clean Air Act Certification while attending classes.
Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, which allows it to keep tuition rates lower than private colleges and universities.
Courses Offered
The HVAC program includes courses on:
- Emerging Technologies
- Diagnosing Electrical Circuits Using Wiring Diagrams and Electrical Testing Equipment
- Refrigeration and Heating Theory and Practices
- Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
- Soldering and Brazing Techniques
- And many other skills
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
- Phone: 651-779-3300
- Website: https://www.century.edu
10Minnesota West Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota West Community and Technical College provide a variety of educational programs that can lead to degrees, certificates, or diplomas.
Tuition is $188.35 per credit.
The total cost, which also includes student life fee, MSCSA fee, Technology Fee, Health Service Fee, and Access/Parking fee is $209.55.
Courses Offered
The Minnesota West Community and Technical College catalog includes a Heating Technology Certificate program available at Pipestone Campus.
The curriculum teaches students about tools and equipment, fabrication and testing, maintenance and repair, as well as hydronic and residential heating systems.
Students also learn how to read blueprints, math, and other skills needed for an apprentice position in the HVAC field.
During the program trainees also utilize and study water pumps.
The program includes classes in:
- Print Reading
- Heating & Air Conditioning Electrical Codes & Circuits
- Heating & Air Conditioning Fundamentals
- Heating & Air Conditioning Installation & Services
- Sheet Metal Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 1593 11th Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241
- Phone: 800-658-2330
- Website: https://www.mnwest.edu
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 180 | $63,030 | $30.3 | $99,640 | $36,220 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 120 | $63,920 | $30.73 | $80,820 | $40,000 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 2,910 | $75,490 | $36.29 | $108,590 | $47,000 |
| Rochester, MN | 200 | $65,450 | $31.47 | $91,760 | $38,670 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 380 | $61,500 | $29.57 | $77,460 | $47,900 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota is home to many trade schools and community colleges that include HVAC/R training programs in their catalogs.
Most programs focus on hands-on training to get students ready for employment after graduation and are designed to fit different learning styles and schedules.
Now that you have read our list, it’s your turn to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
This is an important step, so take your time and gather information about all the relevant factors.
