Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the best HVAC schools in New Mexico.
Our list includes trade schools and community colleges that offer diploma, certificate, or associate degree programs.
The programs usually last less than two years and combine classroom education with hands-on instruction.
If the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is the path you want to pursue, we invite you to read further and learn more about the available options.
1S.E. Technical
About the School
S.E. Technical offers preparation for New Mexico state exam preparation for contractors and journeymen.
Training is available for students who want to start careers in the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, sheet metal, pipe fitting, cabling, fire alarms, and HVAC trades.
Courses Offered
Training programs cover the following plumbing and HVAC licenses: MM1, MM2, MM3, MM4, MM98, and MS6.
The school also offers a business and law course, as well as continuing education for workers who want to keep up with the latest technological advances in their specialty.
S.E. Technical is licensed through the International Association of Electrical Inspectors to perform private electrical inspections.
Students can use the school’s online study and classroom live teaching until they achieve their goals.
Classes focusing on math, theory, and calculations are available every Tuesday and Thursday.
Students can also receive one-on-one instruction when the instructor is available.
Contact Information
- Address: 2835 Pan American Fwy. NE Suite D Albuquerque, NM 87107
- Phone: (505) 200-2544
- Website: http://www.turnthelightson.com
2Dona Ana Community College
About the School
Dona Ana Community College offers training programs that prepare students for careers in a variety of industries.
The college has campuses in many locations throughout Dona Ana County.
More than 100 associate degree and industry certifications are available online and in person.
The college offers a flat rate for 12-18 credits.
Tuition and fees for 12-18 credits sum up to approximately $2,064 for in-district students.
This doesn’t include housing, meals, books, and supplies.
Dona Ana Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
Students enrolled in this program learn a variety of skills, including:
- How to service, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment
- Read and interpret technical drawings
- How to evaluate, diagnose, and service mechanical and electrical controls
- Apply math to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration issues
- And more
Students also have the opportunity to become certified in Section 608, EPA Certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
- Phone: 575-527-7500
- Website: https://dacc.nmsu.edu
3Southeast New Mexico College
About the School
Southeast New Mexico College provides more than 50 degree and certificate programs that prepare students for a variety of fields.
Its catalog includes a Building Trades pathway that can lead to a Certificate of Completion or Associate of Applied Science Degree.
The Southeast New Mexico College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program, the campus, and the student’s state of residency.
At the Carlsbad campus, the flat tuition is $492 for New Mexico in-district students who attend between 12-18 credits.
Out-district New Mexico students pay $888 per 12-18 credits.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The Building Technology- Associate of Applied Science degree program available at Southeast New Mexico College covers classes such as:
- Math for Building Technology
- General Building Codes
- Construction Take-Offs and Estimating
- Technical Drawing for Industry
- Woodworking
- Blueprint Reading
- Special Topics
- Building Technology
- And many other classes
In total, the Certificate requires between 28-36 credits, while the Associate of Applied Science degree requires between 60-63 credits for graduation.
Contact Information
- Address: 1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220
- Phone: (575) 234-9200
- Website: https://senmc.edu
4Clovis Community College
About the School
Clovis Community College provides education and training that helps students prepare for careers in a variety of fields.
Tuition is $48 per credit hour for New Mexico in-district students and $59 for New Mexico out-of-district residents.
A $10 per credit technology and facility fee also applies.
Students can enroll 13-18 credits for the same cost as 12 credit hours.
Clovis Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Industrial Technology program.
This program prepares students for careers in the field of operating and maintaining industrial equipment in production plants and wind farms.
Graduates are ready for careers in the fields of industrial production, industrial maintenance, and power generation.
This program can be completed in just three semesters and one summer in total.
Two associate degrees are available for students enrolled in this pathway:
- Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Technology with Concentration in Plant Operation and Equipment
- Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Technology with Concentration in Wind Energy
Contact Information
- Address: 417 Schepps Blvd. Clovis, New Mexico 88101
- Phone: 575.769.2811
- Website: http://www.clovis.edu
5Santa Fe Community College
About the School
Santa Fe Community College helps students find their path to academic and professional success.
Tuition at Santa Fe Community College is $49 for in-state in-district students.
Students pay flat tuition of $588 for 12-18 credit hours.
In-state out-of-district students pay $61 per credit hour or a $732 flat fee for 12-18 credits.
Students who are 65 years of age or older and have a New Mexico residency for tuition purposes pay $5 per credit for up to ten credits.
Santa Fe Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Santa Fe Community College includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program that includes classes on topics such as:
- Basic Commercial Refrigeration
- Air Conditioning and Electric Motor Applications
- Refrigeration Management
- Air Movement, Distribution, Heat Load Calculations
- Basic Blueprint Reading
- Basic Electricity and Controls
- And many other topics
Graduates are ready for employment as maintenance technicians, heating and cooling specialists, gas fitters and installers, and solar thermal installers, just to name a few of the available options.
Contact Information
- Address: 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
- Phone: 505-428-1000
- Website: https://www.sfcc.edu
6Central New Mexico Community College
About the School
Central New Mexico Community College offers a variety of training programs with a wide range of courses, degrees, and certificate options available.
In total, the college offers more than 80 degree and certificate options.
Central New Mexico Community College is accredited by the Northern Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1978.
Courses Offered
The Central New Mexico Community College offers a Plumbing and Gas Fitting course.
The program teaches students how to install, repair, and maintain common residential and commercial systems.
Students can choose between an Associate of Applied Science or a Certificate.
The curriculum covers topics such as Plumbing Safety, Blueprint Reading, Drain Waste and Vent Piping Systems, Backflow Prevention, Commercial Plumbing, System Maintenance and Repair, Hydronic Systems, Plumbing, and more.
Students learn from experienced instructors who help develop their skills in a hands-on lab environment.
Courses in Electrical Trades, HVAC, Welding, Carpentry, and Construction Technology are also available.
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration pathway can lead to the following degrees and certificates:
- Commercial, Industrial HVAC & Building Performance, Certificate of Completion
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology, Associate of Applied Science
- Residential Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Certificate of Completion
Contact Information
- Address: 900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
- Phone: (505) 224-3000
- Website: https://www.cnm.edu
7Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell
About the School
As a branch of Eastern New Mexico University, Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell offers training programs in a variety of areas of interest.
The university’s catalog includes more than 70 certificate and associate degree programs.
Tuition and fees sum up to 1,128 for resident in-district students who carry 12 credits or more.
Resident out-of-district students pay $1,212 for 12 or more credits.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Applicants need high school transcripts from an accredited institution, a satisfactory score on a high school equivalency test, or completion of the University Skills Placement Test.
Additional documentation may also be requested, as needed.
Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
A Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology program is included in the university’s catalog.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- Introduction to Electricity
- Introduction to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Heat Pumps
- HVAC/R Advanced Electricity
- Ice Makers
- HVAC Heating Systems
- Multiplexed Evaporator Systems
- HVAC/R Service & Problem Analysis
- And more
An Internship is also included in the program.
Contact Information
- Address: 52 University Blvd. Roswell, NM 88203
- Phone: 800-243-6687
- Website: https://www.roswell.enmu.edu
8Northern New Mexico College
About the School
Northern New Mexico College gives access to affordable, community-based learning opportunities.
The college serves rural communities within a 40-mile radius of Espanola- the location of its main campus- including eight Native American communities.
Tuition for the summer 2022 semester is $135.85 per credit for New Mexico residents.
A flat rate of $1,630 is charged for 12 to 18 hours blocks.
Scholarships, financial aid, and technical support are available.
Northern New Mexico College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Northern New Mexico College’s catalog includes the following technical trades programs:
- Electrical Technology
- Plumbing Technology
- Plumbing Apprenticeship
Depending on the number of credits acquired, students have the following degree options:
- Electrical Technology Associate of Applied Science
- Plumbing-Non-Apprenticeship Associate of Applied Science
- Electrical Technology Certificate
- Plumbing Concentration Certificate
- Plumbing Apprenticeship Certificate
- Technical Trades, Pipefitting Concentration Certificate
- Pipefitting, Apprenticeship Track Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532
- Phone: (505) 747-2100
- Website: https://nnmc.edu
9UNM Continuing Education
About the School
UNM Continuing Education offers training seminars, meetings, trade shows, and online classes in a wide range of areas of study.
UNM has served people in the community for more than 90 years by offering learning opportunities that prepare new skilled employees and help those who are already licensed to complete continuing education classes.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes the following programs:
- Foundation of Plumbing- this program is available online
- HVAC/R Certified Technician- an online program
The HVAC/R program can be completed in less than 12 months.
The curriculum teaches students about the basic components of vapor-compression and refrigeration cycles, as well as the functions of refrigerants and piping operations.
Proper installation and operation of HVAC systems are also included in the program.
Students also gain an understanding of EPA laws for handling and transporting refrigerants as well as proper recovery and recycling of refrigerants.
Contact Information
- Address: 1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Phone: (505) 277-0077
- Website: http://ce.unm.edu
10New Mexico Junior College
About the School
New Mexico Junior College provides an Energy Technology program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate and prepares students for careers.
This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers as entry-level technicians.
The degree plans are flexible and allow students to take classes for different academic majors at a four-year institution of higher education.
Students learn the skills needed for a profession in the field of Energy Technology as well as safety standards, site security, and environmental protection.
The Associate of Applied Science and Certificate programs are offered fully online, except for the Alternative Energy Technician pathway.
Students learn at their own pace in their environment while also having access to the school’s resources.
The following pathways are available:
- Associate of Applied Science in Energy Technology
- Energy Technician- a Certificate program
- Petroleum Technician- this program leads to a Certificate
- Nuclear Energy Technician- a Certificate program
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs NM 88240
- Phone: (575)392-4510
- Website: https://www.nmjc.edu
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 600 | $48,220 | $23.18 | $62,550 | $30,570 |
| Farmington, NM | 60 | $45,000 | $21.63 | $57,600 | $26,330 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 130 | $47,510 | $22.84 | $64,870 | $31,680 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 90 | $50,980 | $24.51 | $61,200 | $43,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Make sure to gather information about all the factors that are relevant to your decision.
This is an important step, so take your time.
