The National Center for Education Statistics currently recognizes three accredited schools in Pittsburgh that provide professional HVAC training: the Community College of Allegheny County, Dean Institute of Technology and Triangle Tech.
Certificate, diploma and associate degree programs are available. Training ranges from two semesters to two years in duration. Both Dean Institute of Technology and Triangle Tech offer an associate in specialized technology degree. The Community College of Allegheny County provides both a certificate program and an associate of science degree. Dean Institute of Technology offers a 10-month diploma program consisting of evening courses.
HVAC training in Pittsburgh is comprised mainly of hands-on instruction and practice with some basic theoretical coursework. Coursework includes foundational electrical concepts, heating systems, safety standards and regulations, air-conditioning systems, installation and maintenance, residential and commercial refrigeration systems, technical math, blueprint reading, control systems, thermal loads, pneumatic controls, duct and hydronic system design, sheet metal fabrication and welding, environmental engineering and electronics. Degree programs also include additional general education coursework in the liberal arts and sciences.
The HVAC technician profession does not have a mandatory national certifying association or regulatory licensing body. While some individual states do provide certification, Pennsylvania does not require licensing. However, there is a continental organization that provides voluntary certification for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration technicians. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) provides certification tests in several industry specializations, including air conditioning and distribution, gas and oil furnaces, heat pumps and commercial refrigeration. Graduates of HVAC training programs in Pittsburgh may wish to seek certification as it reflects a high level of service and professionalism.
Employment prospects for HVAC technicians are excellent. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the demand for heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers will grow by about 28 percent until 2018. The bureau estimates that HVAC technicians working in Pittsburgh can expect to earn just under $17.00 an hour, as of 2009.