Located in Huntsville, J.F. Drake State Technical College has more than 1,300 students, most of which are from Madison, Jackson and Northern Morgan Counties. The average class size at Drake is only 20 students, allowing for individualized attention. The school's Career Skills Certificate in heating and air conditioning technology requires only 24 credits of coursework and provides very basic training in refrigeration piping, and HVACr circuits and components. The 44-credit Career Entry program offers additional instruction in troubleshooting and gas and electric heating. The most involved program is the 59-credit diploma program, which includes an internship and an examination test for the state exam. J.F. Drake offers scholarships and work-study programs in addition to federal and state financial aid. Career placement assistance is also available from the school.
J.F. Drake State Technical College
3421 Meridian St. North
Huntsville, AL 35811
(256) 539-8161
cc.al.us
Central Alabama Community College operates locations in Alexander City, Childersburg and Talladega. The school was formed in 1989 with the consolidation of Alexander City State Junior and Nunnelley State Technical Colleges. The school offers one program in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, a 27-credit certificate. To complete the program, students take courses in refrigeration piping, electricity, circuits, heat pumps, sheet metal processing and construction wiring. For financial aid, the college offers work study programs, scholarships, vocational rehabilitation and military service benefits. The college also offers an accelerated program that allows students to enroll part-time in technical programs like heating, cooling and refrigeration while completing their studies. Upon receiving their high school diploma, graduates also get their certificate from the college and are prepared to begin their new careers.
Central Alabama Community College
1675 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, AL 35010
(256) 234-6346
cacc.edu
In addition to its main campus in Opelika, Southern Union State Community College offers branch locations in the towns of Wadley and Valley. The college offers a two-year Associate in Occupational Technology degree program in heating and air conditioning technology. Students study both commercial and residential HVACr systems as well as general education courses like English, mathematics, computer science, communications, business management and marketing. Due to the risk of injury, students in the program must purchase accident and injury insurance from the university to enroll. Southern Union offers work-study programs as a form of financial aid. Academic advisers help every student select classes and plan for their careers, and additional special-needs counseling is available for students with physical or mental disabilities.
Southern Union State Community College
1701 Lafayette Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-6437
suscc.edu