Trade Schools
This page includes information about the best HVAC schools in North Dakota.
Here we also have compiled information about tuition costs, curriculum, program duration, and other factors that may help you decide what program best meets your needs.
Training usually lasts from a few months to two years, depending on the pathway.
Programs are available for adults who want to prepare for a new career and for high school graduates who want to earn dual credit.
1Bismarck State College
About the School
Bismarck State College offers two-year and four-year degree options in a variety of fields.
In-state flat-fee tuition is approximately $2,995 for 12-credit programs in Category 2 (a category that includes the HVAC program).
For 15 credits, in-state students pay approximately $3,092
Certificate options and transfer programs are also available.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program.
This program is designed to teach students how to handle the newest technology in this field.
Students spend a lot of time in a modern, well-equipped lab where they learn how to master installation and repair procedures.
The program also covers EPA standards and safety measures set by OSHA regulations.
The curriculum can be completed in 10 and a half months and prepares graduates for entry-level employment.
Those who complete the program receive a Certificate after earning 44 credits.
Students who complete additional coursework may earn a Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science after earning 60 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 1500 Edwards Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58506, USA
- Phone: 701.224.5400
- Website: https://bismarckstate.edu
2North Dakota State College of Science
About the School
North Dakota State College of Science offers academic programs in a variety of fields, including architecture and construction, manufacturing, science, technology, and engineering.
Tuition is $156.11 per credit for North Dakota residents.
High school students enrolled in dual credit programs pay a subsidized or unsubsidized rate, depending on how and where the classes are taught.
The subsidized rate is $83.89 per credit, while the unsubsidized rate is $148.42.
Financial Aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
North Dakota State College of Science is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology program.
A Certificate or Associate Degree pathway options are available.
Among many other skills, students learn how to repair heating units, maintain supermarket refrigeration systems, troubleshoot electrical problems, and plan indoor air quality systems for hospitals.
The curriculum includes classes on Electrical, Piping, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Design, Installation, and Service, Hydronics, and many other topics.
The following industry-related credentials are also included:
- An Occupational Safety & Health Administration 10-Hour Safety Training Certificate
- Environmental Protection Agency Refrigerant Handling Certificate
- Industry Competency Exam Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076
- Phone: 800-342-4325
- Website: https://www.ndscs.edu
3University of North Dakota
About the School
The state’s oldest and largest university, the University of North Dakota offers more than 225 on-campus and online degrees.
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The university’s catalog includes a Certified HVAC/R Technician training program that is available online.
The program can be completed in less than 12 months.
Students enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program learn core HVAC/R-related skills, such as accurate measurement, conversions, heat-carrying capacity, condensation, vaporization, and air weight and value.
Training can start any time and is available exclusively online.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Safety, Tools and Equipment, and Shop Practices
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Air-Conditioning
- All-Weather Systems
- Domestic Appliances
- Commercial Air-Conditioning and Chilled-Water Systems
- And more
A NATE Core, Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Certification Prep Training program is also available online.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Online HVAC/R Certified Technician program costs $2,895 with a voucher.
An HVAC Technician online Career Builder course with 400 contact hours costs $2,495.
The NATE Code course costs $1,295.
Contact Information
- Address: 3601 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58202
- Phone: 701.777.3000
- Website: https://und.edu
4Minnesota State Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers a variety of training programs at its four campuses and online.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Resident tuition is $180.80 per credit.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program provided by Minnesota State Community and Technical College includes 35 credits and leads to a Diploma.
Students enrolled in this program gain the skills needed for an entry-level career in commercial heating, ventilation, ducting, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
The HVAC program is available at the college’s campuses in Moorhead and Wadena.
The curriculum covers shop skills, such as layout, estimating, installation and repair.
Students enrolled in this program take classes on the following topics:
- Industry Safety
- Layout and Installation of Ductwork
- Design and Fabrication of Ductwork
- HVAC Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
- Layout and Wiring
Contact Information
- Address: 1900 28th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
- Phone: 218-299-6500
- Website: https://www.minnesota.edu
5Turtle Mountain Community College
About the School
Turtle Mountain Community College offers training programs in general studies, undergraduate education, as well as career and technical education, and scholarly research.
Turtle Mountain Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who qualify.
To qualify for admission, applicants need an official high school transcript or GED.
Courses Offered
The College provides a wide range of programs, including two-year degrees and career education courses that can be completed in less than a year.
The college’s catalog includes the following pathways:
- Electrical Technician- a 71-credit Associate in Applied Science degree program
- Building Construction Technician- an A.A.S program that includes 64 credits in total
- Plumbing Technology- nine-month Certificate program
- Building Construction Technology- a nine-month Certificate
The A.A.S. degree program covers topics such as:
- Orientation and Safety
- Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Electrical Services
- National & State Electrical Codes
- Residential Drawing and Wiring
- Job Readiness
- Advanced Electrical Code Study
- OSHA 10-Hour
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 10145 BIA Road 7 PO Box 340, Belcourt, ND 58316
- Phone: 701.477.7862
- Website: https://www.tm.edu
6Western Dakota Technical College
About the School
Western Dakota Technical College is the only technical college in the western South Dakota region.
The college offers career-focused programs designed to prepare highly-skilled professionals.
Western Dakota Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an HVAC and Refrigeration Technology program that helps students develop soft skills, theory, and hands-on experience.
Students apply the theory learned in the classroom in the lab through simulations and real-life scenarios.
The lab is equipped with modern HVAC/R equipment.
Students learn under the supervision of trainers and learn how to use simulation software, measuring instruments, and tools.
The curriculum focuses on teaching troubleshooting, problem-solving, customer service, and professional skills, as well as HVAC/R-specific knowledge and skills.
Students need between 61-64 credits for an Associate Degree.
During the training period, they take classes in theory, HVAC electrical applications, installation, practices, law, commercial refrigeration, and many other related topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703
- Phone: (605) 718-2565
- Website: https://www.wdt.edu
7North Valley Career and Technology Center
About the School
North Valley Career and Technology Center allows students to explore a variety of industries, from construction and business to automotive and agriculture.
The school offers career and technical education programs to high school students and adults in the Grafton area.
Students who attend classes at the center learn through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, on-the-job training, and participation in youth organizations.
Courses Offered
The school’s Career Technical Education pathway includes a Construction Technology course that teaches students about building materials, tools care and use, and many other skills needed for a career in the construction field.
Students are also introduced to topics regarding plumbing, electrical installation, insulating, stair construction, and window and door installation.
The program also teaches manual and computer drafting skills.
An Auto Technology pathway is also available at the center and lasts two years.
The Auto Tech program covers safety and tools, suspension and steering, brakes, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and electrical-related topics, among many other subjects.
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 School Road, Grafton, ND 58237
- Phone: 701-352-3705
- Website: https://northvalleyctc.org
8Northland Community & Technical College
About the School
Northland Community & Technical College provides a variety of training programs in the neighboring state of Minnesota.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Diploma in Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning and an Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning/ Construction Plumbing.
The diploma program requires 37 credits, while the A.A.S. program includes 70 credits.
Both programs are available in East Grand Forks.
The curriculum includes classes in:
- Construction Safety
- Blueprint Reading
- HVAC Circuit Theory
- Sheet Metal Design
- Heating Systems Design & Installation
- Heating Systems Maintenace
- HVAC Troubleshooting
- And more
The Diploma program costs approximately $9,740 in total.
This cost includes books, tuition, fees, and tools.
The Associate of Applied Science program costs approximately $17,000 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 2022 Central Avenue NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
- Phone: 218.793.2800
- Website: http://www.northlandcollege.edu
9Williston State College
About the School
Williston State College offers 10 career and technical programs.
Classes are available online and part-time.
Programs are available in different fields of interest, including Agriculture, IT, Massage Therapy, Petroleum, Business, and Welding.
Williston State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition for the CTE Band is $198.60 per credit hour.
Additional fees sum up to $56.36 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The College provides a Diesel Technology pathway that can lead to an Associate of Applied Science, Program Certificate, or Certificate of Completion, depending on the number of credits achieved.
Students enrolled in this pathway take classes such as:
- Maintenance Procedures
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems
- Advanced Electronic/ Fuel System
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Cooling Systems
- Shop Practices/Welding
- And more
The Welding program includes classes on:
- Advanced Welding Technology & Manufacturing Lab
- Blueprint Reading for Welders
- Beginning Fabrication Lab
- Welding Theory, Technology, and Safety
- Basic Metallurgy
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND 58801, USA
- Phone: 701.774.4200
- Website: https://www.willistonstate.edu
10Anoka Technical College
About the School
HVAC-related programs are also available at Anoka Technical College in Minnesota.
Anoka Technical College offers hands-on training that prepares students for future careers in a variety of industries.
The college provides more than 70 programs.
Anoka Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes a Construction Electrician program that teaches about electrical codes, theory, materials, and many other things students need to know before installing and troubleshooting 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 Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
This program includes 100 hours of training 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 at the college and includes eight hours of training.
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: (763) 433-1100
- Website: http://www.anokatech.edu
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 160 | $59,710 | $28.71 | $81,110 | $40,520 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 340 | $63,140 | $30.36 | $81,820 | $40,130 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 90 | $61,380 | $29.51 | $81,130 | $39,950 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
The North Dakota region is home to several trade schools and community colleges that offer HVAC-related training programs.
This page provided you with general information to give you an idea about costs, curriculum, schedule, accreditation, and other factors.
If you live in the region and want to start a career in this field, it’s up to you to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your schedule, learning style, and budget.
