Online Schools with Air Conditioning Technician Programs: How to Choose

Prospective students who wish to enroll in an online air conditioning degree program can choose between certificate programs and associate's degree programs in the field. Online certificate programs in air conditioning technology are typically short, while associate's degrees require two years of full-time study.

How to Select an Online Air Conditioning Technician Program

Course Interactivity

On-campus air conditioning technician programs require that students complete many hands-on exercises. These experiences serve to demonstrate the knowledge learned from classes in theory. The online learning experience for air conditioning students is different. Many programs are 100% online and do not offer students the opportunity to complete any exercises in person. In order to fill this gap, schools ensure that their courses are as interactive as possible.
For example, some schools utilize animations, images and video clips to simulate hands-on practice. Prospective students who are in the process of choosing an online air conditioning technician program should consider the interactivity of the course content being offered by a college or university. An air conditioning technician program that excludes dynamic course content may put students at a disadvantage.

Program Comprehensiveness

Another important consideration for prospective air conditioning students is the comprehensiveness of a program. Stand-alone air conditioning degree and certificate programs can be found; however, they are also commonly combined with other closely related vocations. For example, prospective students can choose to enroll in an online HVAC program.
HVAC is an acronym that means heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These programs include instruction in areas that are closely related to air conditioning. The advantage of these online programs is that they broaden students' knowledge and give them the opportunity to compete for jobs that require knowledge of more than air conditioning technology.

List of Common Online Air Conditioning Technician Programs

Online Certificate in Air Conditioning Technology

Online air conditioning technology or HVAC programs may differ in length. For example, some online programs require at least 320 hours of study, while others consist of a single course. However, these single-course online air conditioning certificate programs often contain many modules that cover topics such as HVAC electrical components, air conditioning systems and heating systems. Other multi-course programs include courses such as air conditioning fundamentals, air flow methods, thermostats and common installation standards.

Online Associate of Science in Air Conditioning Technology

Associate's degree programs in air conditioning technology require students to commit to two years of full-time study. The major difference between associate's degrees and certificate programs in air conditioning technology or HVAC is the inclusion of general education courses. Among associate's degree programs in the field these courses can vary but generally include English, science, general math and a communications course. Core air conditioning courses may vary slightly from program to program. Typical classes include topics such as air conditioning applications, commercial refrigeration systems and HVAC electronics.