Trade Schools
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems are indispensable in our day and age.
The demand for skilled professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair these systems is expected to grow in the future.
If you’re passionate about mechanics and want to start a rewarding career, you can begin by enrolling at a trade school or community college that offers training in the field.
Some programs are also available to high school students who want to earn college credit.
To help you make an informed decision about your education, on this page we have compiled information about the best HVAC schools in Tennessee.
1Total Tech Training Center
About the School
Total Tech Training Center offers training programs that prepare students for employment in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC-related on-site classes are available:
HVAC Service Protocol- a 100-hour comprehensive program that teaches students modern methodology in a state-of-the-art classroom and lab.
Classroom lessons are interactive to keep the learners engaged.
Students also participate in daily lab assignments.
Service call scenarios are used as a training method both in the classroom and lab.
The HVAC Service Protocol course typically includes 80 hours of lab training and 20 hours of classroom training.
An HVAC Replacement Protocol course is also available and can be completed in five days.
This course teaches students how to remove, install, and start up new equipment.
The HVAC Service Protocol course costs $4,725, while the HVAC Replacement course costs $2,350.
Contact Information
- Address: 909 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN, 37217
- Phone: (615) 459-8024
- Website: https://www.totaltechschool.com
2Tennessee College of Applied Technology
About the School
Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Murfreesboro provides a variety of technical education and industry training programs.
The college’s main campus is located in Murfreesboro but training programs are available at other locations as well- including Smyrna.
The total tuition cost is $251 for 1-40 trimester hours.
This includes maintenance, student access, and technology access fees.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes a Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration program designed to provide technical training for those who want to start a new career and for those who already work in the field and want to keep up with the latest advancements.
The HVAC program is self-paced and consists of lectures, demonstrations, textbooks, and hands-on study.
The following credentials are available:
- Assistant Installer- a 432-hour Certificate program
- Maintenance Assistant- 864 hours are needed for this Certificate
- HVAC Technical Studies- a 1,296-hour Diploma program
- HVAC Variable Refrigerant Flow- a Diploma that includes $1,464 hours of training.
Contact Information
- Address: 1303 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Phone: 615-898-8010
- Website: https://tcatmurfreesboro.edu
3Southwest Tennessee Community College
About the School
Southwest Tennessee Community College prepares students for rewarding careers through programs that can be completed in two years or less.
More than 110 academic programs are available for students to choose from.
Eligible high school graduates and adult learners can complete their training tuition-free.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Southwest Tennessee Community College is 19:1
Dual enrollment programs are also available for high school students who want to earn college credit.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes:
- Electrical/Electronic Fundamentals- a program that leads to a Technical Certificate
- Electrical Engineering Technology- an Associate of Applied Science Degree program
- Electronic Technology- and A.A.S. degree program
- Mechanical Engineering Technology- an A.A.S. program with two concentrations: Manufacturing and Mechanical Design
Contact Information
- Address: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
- Phone: 901-333-5000
- Website: https://www.southwest.tn.edu
4Fortis Institute
About the School
Fortis Institute provides a variety of educational programs at its Cookeville campus.
Located a short drive from Sparta, Livingston, and Algood, the school offers career education in the healthcare, medical, and HVAC fields.
Fortis Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offers
The Institute offers a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program that teaches students how to install and repair HVACR systems.
The program prepares students for entry-level employment as HVAC mechanics or installers.
Students take classes in computerized diagnostics, which will help them service and repair today’s complex systems for commercial refrigeration, gas heat, air conditioning, and heat pumps.
This program costs $18,996 in total.
This includes tuition, enrollment fee, uniforms, textbooks, tool kit, and certification fee.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 1025 Hwy. 111, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Phone: (931) 526-3660
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/tennessee/cookeville.html
5Tennessee Valley Technical Programs
Tennessee Valley Technical Programs offers a variety of online and on-campus courses.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC training programs are available on-site:
- Sealed System & Air Movement
- HVAC Electrical
- Heat Pumps
The on-site program can be completed in two or three days, depending on the course.
Online courses are also available in:
- Complete HVAC Bundle- online video training courses that cover Soldering, Electrical, Seal systems, and Heat Pump, plus EPA Section 608 Universal Bundle
- EPA Section 608- Type I- a course that covers small appliances
- EPA Section 608- Type II- this covers the requirements for high-pressure equipment
- EPA Section 608- Type III- a requirement when working with low-pressure equipment
- Heat Pump Course
- And more
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The online Heat Pump course costs $197, while the three-day Sealed System & Air Movement on-site program costs $697.
The on-site Heat Pump course can be completed in two days and costs $487.
Contact Information
- Address: 267 Gill St. Suite 6, Alcoa, TN 37701
- Phone: 865-973-4822
- Website: https://www.tvtptraining.com
6Northeast State
About the School
Northeast State provides degree and certificate programs in a wide range of industries.
Northeast State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Prospective students must submit the following documents before the first day of class.
- A high school transcript or official GED/HiSet, or official transcripts from any colleges that the student may have attended.
- A state ID or driver’s license
The maintenance fee is $171 per credit hour for Tennessee residents.
Additional costs include campus access fees, international education fees, student activity fees, and technology access fees.
Courses Offered
A Certificate program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is available at the college.
This program requires 30 credit hours in total.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- Introduction to Electricity
- Mechanical Transmissions
- Hydraulic and Pneumatics
- Industrial Safety
- Millwright Principles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2425 Highway 75, PO Box 246, Blountville, Tennessee
- Phone: 423.323.3191
- Website: https://www.northeaststate.edu
7Remington College
About the School
Remington College provides degree and diploma programs in a variety of fields of interest.
The college has offered hands-on training to Middle Tennessee residents since November 2003.
Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Diploma and an Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
The coursework included in the program is following the national skills standards for HVAC technicians.
Students who graduate may be prepared for the Type I, II, and III, and Universal EPA HVAC Certification testing.
If these tests are passed, the student is ready to work on air conditioners and refrigeration systems according to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
The curriculum covers classes on subjects such as:
- Residential and light commercial heating and cooling fundamentals
- Domestic air conditioning/refrigeration appliances
- Indoor air quality standards
- Evaporators, compressors, condensers, and expansion components
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2710 Nonconnah Blvd, Memphis, TN 38132
- Phone: 800-208-1950
- Website: https://www.remingtoncollege.edu
8The Crown College
About the School
The Crown College offers an Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technology.
This two-year program is designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level HVAC Technicians who have the skills needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot today’s complex systems.
The curriculum also includes an understanding of environmental issues and indoor air quality.
The Crown College is accredited through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools- an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Undergraduate tuition is $270 per hour for less than 12 hours and $175 per hour for more than 18 hours.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration
- Introductory Algebra
- Safety, Tools, and Service Techniques
- HVAC Shop
- Basic A/C
- Basic Electricity
- Internship
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2307 W. Beaver Creek Drive Powell, TN 37849
- Phone: (865) 938-8186
- Website: https://www.thecrowncollege.edu
9Moore Tech
About the School
Moore Tech offers a variety of Associate of Applied Technology, Diploma, and Certificate programs.
Tuition is charged every trimester.
Full-time day students pay $2,150 per trimester, while half-time students pay $1,315 for tuition and registration fee.
Tuition and registration fees sum up to $980 for night students.
All day students who scored less than 18 on the ACT must pass an admissions exam.
Courses Offered
The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating program available at Moore Tech is available as a two-year day Diploma or Associate of Applied Technology Degree, or a night two-year Certificate program.
The curriculum covers topics on Electricity for HVAC, Basic Domestic Heating, Commercial Heating, Commercial Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning, among other subjects.
Day students also have to take six technical elective classes.
The programs combine classroom study with hands-on experience using modern equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (Main Campus)
- Phone: 901-726-1977
- Website: https://www.mooretech.edu
10Chattanooga State College
About the School
Chattanooga State College offers academic programs in a wide range of areas.
The college has campuses in Dayton, Chattanooga, and Kimball.
Chattanooga State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Applicants have to submit an official high school transcript or approved equivalent.
They also have to submit National ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores.
Completion through the Tennessee SAILS program may also be used for placement within five years.
Courses Offered
Chattanooga State College provides an HVAC/R course that covers the theory, application, and maintenance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
This program includes 30 clock hours of training per week.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 4th Avenue, Dayton, TN 37321
- Phone: 423-365-5010
- Website: https://chattanoogastate.edu
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 800 | $48,490 | $23.31 | $64,600 | $30,760 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 340 | $45,710 | $21.98 | $60,160 | $31,480 |
| Cleveland, TN | 140 | $47,900 | $23.03 | $74,710 | $29,910 |
| Jackson, TN | 180 | $48,580 | $23.35 | $64,830 | $31,600 |
| Johnson City, TN | 220 | $44,440 | $21.37 | $59,170 | $29,560 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 310 | $46,030 | $22.13 | $60,470 | $31,210 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,460 | $50,140 | $24.11 | $70,920 | $36,430 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,980 | $51,340 | $24.68 | $72,260 | $35,810 |
| Morristown, TN | 70 | $40,890 | $19.66 | $58,080 | $28,890 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 3,400 | $52,340 | $25.16 | $73,950 | $35,530 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee is home to many trade schools and community colleges that offer post-secondary training programs in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Choosing the right one can be a time-consuming task because many factors have to be taken into account, but it’s worth the effort.
