Air Conditioning Technology

Changing markets and technology can cause occupational uncertainty in many fields, but the need for air conditioning is constant.

Overview

OFTC’s Air Conditioning Technology programs prepare students with qualifications to become air conditioning technicians.  

Learn how to safely install, troubleshoot, service, and repair heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems that control air quality in many types of buildings in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for this high-demand career field. 

Air conditioning technicians work mostly in homes, schools, stores, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Some technicians are assigned to specific job sites at the beginning of each day. Others travel to several different locations, making service calls. These technicians may work in a variety of settings, some indoor, some outdoor and may be called upon to work in confined spaces and inclement weather. Technicians can work for others or be their own boss. 

OFTC’s Air Conditioning Technology Program will help you gain the tools you need to start down this reliable career path, stay current with industry trends, and succeed in the field. 

Programs in the Air Conditioning Technology department can be completed between 1 – 5 semesters. 

Features

Job Stability & Security Icon
Job Stability & Security

There ARE an estimated 40,100 HVAC job OPENINGs in the United States, with a projected growth rate of 5% THROUGH 2030. There are currently more HVAC job openings than there are technicians able to fill those roles. 

Little or No Cost to You Icon
Little or No Cost to You

TUITION-FREE ELIGIBLEThis department has programs that are eligible for 100% tuition coverage.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.  

Tuition & Fees Icon
Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Air Conditioning Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,601.00 – $8,105.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $550.00 – $1,400.00 

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

Advancement Opportunities Icon
Advancement Opportunities

The HVAC industry is constantly innovating itself which means advancement opportunities, job security, and excellent earning potential. 

 

Locations

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Visit the  OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and the OFTC campus where it is taught, in part or in its entirety.

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions! 

Admissions Process

 

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog Program Page to view each individual program and its required minimum scores. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 16 years of age.

Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog. 

Need More Info?

 

  • For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor:  
    • 478-274-7870 (Dublin) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

Learning Format

Students can enter Air Conditioning Technology programs any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait. 

Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology. 

On Campus Icon
On Campus

These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.  

Blended Icon
Blended

Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.

Online Asynchronous Icon
Online Asynchronous

These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.

Synchronous Technology Icon
Synchronous Technology

OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.

Flexible Schedule

We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.

Apply Today

Paying for College

At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.   

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. 

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
icon
$
834
M
Georgia awarded over $834 million in scholarships in AY22
icon
62
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship
icon
$
7.3
M
OFTC students received over $7.3 million in financial assistance in AY22
icon
93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY22

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Air Conditioning Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,531.00 – $7,093.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $550.00 – $1,400.00 

*Visit the OFTC Catalog Program Page to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year. 

Career Outlook

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of OFTC’s Air Conditioning Technology program may be eligible for employment as air conditioning technicians, heating and air installation technicians, and electrical technicians for heaters and air conditioning units. With such a broad occupational background, graduates may also be eligible for various other employment opportunities. 

Commercial and residential building construction is expected to drive employment growth. The growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is also expected to increase demand for qualified heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians.  

Repair and replacement of HVACR systems is a large part of what technicians do. The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction is likely to increase the demand for HVACR technicians as climate-control systems are retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely. 

BLS.GOV

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 

  • 2021 Median Annual Pay: $48,630 
  • Job Outlook: 5% through 2030 

What does this mean to you?  There’s a lot of opportunity for someone interested in a career as an HVACR technician. OFTC’s program will help you gain the tools you need to start down this reliable career path, stay current with industry trends, and succeed in the field. 

 

Learn More
99.78
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
87.30
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
57.1
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY22)

Program Benefits

Skills Learned

 

  • Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems 
  • Install electrical components and wiring 
  • Inspect and test HVACR systems and components 
  • Discuss system malfunctions with customers 
  • Repair or replace worn or defective parts 
  • Recommend maintenance to improve system performance 
  • Keep records of work performed 

Job Titles

 

  • Air conditioning technicians 
  • Heating and air installation technicians 
  • Electrical technicians for heaters and air conditioning units 

 

Diverse Settings

 

  • Heating and air contractors 
  • Schools 
  • Stores 
  • Hospitals 
  • Office buildings 
  • Factories 
  • Government buildings

Leadership Testimonials

“If you are looking for a rewarding career that is always in high demand and has unlimited earning potential, the air conditioning industry is the path for you. Due to the industry-wide skilled labor shortage, air conditioning desperately needs qualified, skilled professionals in many different areas of our life.  As you look around where you live, you can see that air conditioning and refrigeration have a major effect on us daily.  An important use is for our comfort, and it also has a large impact in food services, medical, agricultural, educational, commercial, and industrial applications. The list is infinite. Air conditioning technology is a great way to combine your problem-solving abilities with your hands-on skills as you face new challenges every day.”

Bradley Huckabee
OFTC Instructor