You learn many important skills in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning training that can help you build a career. From the basic science of electrical and HVAC systems to detailed instruction on how to cut and weld pipes, install circuitry, and wire thermostats, you gain knowledge and hands-on experience. Are you thinking about an HVAC career? Find training that will teach you the skills you need:

Learn About HVAC Systems

There are several kinds of HVAC systems you need to be familiar with to maintain, service, troubleshoot, and repair them as an HVAC Technician. Your program should teach you the basics of gas and oil heating systems, boiler, chiller, and cooling towers, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems. You need to understand a wide range of concepts and systems to work in HVAC including circuits, fuels, refrigerants, combustion systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, thermostats, electronic modules and boards, and ignition approaches.

Work on Electrical Systems

HVAC systems run on electricity. When you install an HVAC system, you also need to install the proper wiring so the system can turn on and shut off. In your HVAC training courses, you learn how an HVAC electrical system works. You observe the different types, sizes, and colors of the wires and learn to label them properly. You also practice wiring thermostats and installing circuits, which provide a path for the electricity to travel through.听

Read Blueprints

Whether you install HVAC systems in newly constructed or existing buildings, you need to know how to read blueprints. Without this knowledge base, you won鈥檛 know where to install the system and its ductwork. In your training, you learn about building specs and design and common construction processes. You learn to identify the symbols and codes that stand for various HVAC parts and how to mimic the detailed layout drawn up in the set of blueprints.听

Cut and Weld HVAC Pipes听

HVAC systems require pipes听 to circulate and drain fluids.听 In HVAC training, you learn about the types of pipes used in an HVAC system and how they fit together. In the workshop, you learn to cut and weld pipes, and to identify cracks or other problems that could affect the HVAC system.听

Solve Technical HVAC Problems听听

Sometimes being an HVAC technician requires you to put a detective hat on. A client might hear a funny rattling noise coming from their AC, or they might not feel much air coming through a vent but not know the cause of the problem. In these situations, it鈥檚 up to you to identify the problem and find a solution. This requires problem-solving skills, which you can develop in class through your lab work and classroom case studies.听

Practice HVAC Professionalism

Although the HVAC job requires more of your hands than your voice, you still should know how to communicate with clients and co-workers. Throughout your training, you learn to be professional and to collaborate with co-workers to make the job flow more smoothly. You also learn to break down technical terms for your customers, clearly explain the problem and proposed solution to them, and to answer their questions patiently and in language they can understand.听

Provide HVAC Customer Service听

In the real world, how you treat your customers is often just as important as your knowledge of HVAC systems. Without a good sense of customer service, your clients can pick a competitor instead of coming back to you for their next service call. During your training, your instructors will teach you how to interact with customers in a way that鈥檚 patient, friendly, and understanding.

Abide by HVAC Safety Protocols

Safety is critical when you work with hand tools, welding torches, and electrical systems. One of the most important parts of your HVAC training will be proper safety protocol required in the HVAC industry. You learn how to dress and protect your body when working with extreme heat or electricity. You also learn how to handle chemicals and refrigerant, how to lift heavy equipment correctly, and how to safely perform your job during inclement weather.听

Are you ready to hone all of these skills and more? SM调教社区College offers a Certificate in HVAC/R that can prepare you for entry-level work in the field. Our instructors have years of HVAC experience and they鈥檙e ready to pass their knowledge on to you. The program can also be completed in as few as 10 months and is offered in blended learning format. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.听

When Shannon Ayzie鈥檚 infant daughter was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, her world was turned upside down. For the next three months, Shannon shuttled back and forth to the hospital, doing what she could to make sure her daughter had a shot at a healthy life.

“My daughter鈥檚 illness made me want to learn more about care and medicine. I wanted to know everything about her treatments and antibiotics. I realized the importance of understanding healthcare because I wanted to be a better mom,鈥� says Shannon.

Today, her daughter is healthy and enjoying life, but from that early introduction to medicine, Shannon dedicated her career to healthcare, starting as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and later pursued a master鈥檚 in public health, combining her practical experience with academic expertise. She used this knowledge to climb the ladder and become an associate dean of healthcare programs. That’s when she discovered another calling: teaching.听听

Experience is the Best Teacher

Shannon applied for a position at SM调教社区College’s Farmington Campus. Her first month was spent in the Career Services Department, where she played a pivotal role in helping students navigate the transition from education to employment. She assisted students with resume building, interview preparation, and the job search, ensuring they had the tools to thrive in their chosen careers. Shannon was then offered the lead instructor role for the Medical Assistant Program and was back to doing what she loved.

鈥淲hen I got back into the classroom, it was instantly rewarding. I got to see students have those 鈥榓 ha鈥� moments when they understand the topics I鈥檓 teaching,鈥� she says.

Shannon understands that not many students enjoy鈥攐r learn from鈥攋ust classroom lectures. That鈥檚 why she focuses on hands-on and experiential learning.听

“I believe in making learning interactive and relatable. I鈥檒l bring out tools and visual aids and show students how they鈥檙e used,鈥� says Shannon. 鈥淚 think the best way for them to learn is to get them involved.鈥澨�

Just as she had to learn how to properly deal with her daughter鈥檚 illness, Shannon wants to make sure her students are equipped with the knowledge they need to handle stressful medical situations when they arise. And she credits SM调教社区College for giving her both the space and resources to teach her students in her own way.

Shannon鈥檚 Impact on SM调教社区College Students

Shannon’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She goes above and beyond to provide personalized support, addressing individual challenges and guiding her students towards their goals. Shannon’s dedication to student success is evident in the countless stories of her former students who have gone on to secure fulfilling careers in the healthcare industry.

Graduation is one of her favorite times she gets to share with her students, knowing that she played a role in their career journey.听

“Graduation is an awesome time and I always cry. But it鈥檚 not the last time I hear from my students. They鈥檒l send me e-mails or reach out on LinkedIn when they get jobs and it really warms my heart,鈥� Shannon shares.

Do you want to learn more about the amazing instructors and staff at SM调教社区College? Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form.

Amy Swedell started her career as a healthcare referral specialist and that led her to other jobs in the industry. As she worked her way through various departments, she learned a lot about patient care, healthcare delivery, and herself. When she found herself working in Electronic Health Records (EHR) applications, she also found a new passion.听听

鈥淓HR technologies allowed me to test applications before they reached the doctors and clinical staff, then teach them how they work,鈥� says Amy. 鈥淚 really enjoyed the teaching part and sharing my knowledge.鈥澨�

So, Amy decided to take the skills she acquired working in the medical field and bring them into the classroom.听

Amy Begins Her Teaching Journey听

Amy began teaching at Warren County Community College in New Jersey as an adjunct professor of the Medical Assistant program. When the opportunity to teach at SM调教社区College鈥檚 Online Campus arose in October of 2015, Amy jumped at the chance.听She started teaching in the Allied Health program, and is currently a Health Unit Coordinator instructor. Amy says that teaching online was a seamless transition and everyone at SM调教社区College has been supportive, providing her with whatever resources she needs and answering her questions. 听

“My favorite part of SM调教社区is developing courses and getting the support I need,鈥� says Amy. 鈥淎nd everyone makes sure to let you know you鈥檙e doing a good job.鈥�

As she learned the Health Unit Coordinator curriculum, Amy says the Online Program Supervisor from Anchorage was especially helpful. But Amy notes that everyone is encouraging and welcoming despite her being on the east coast while many of her colleagues are on the west coast.

Providing Effective Communication for Online Courses听

Just as the SM调教社区team has made her feel welcome, Amy tries to do the same for her students. Because of the time difference she often encounters, Amy says she tries to be creative within the program to make sure every student gets the attention and education they deserve.听

Amy incorporates a lot of interactive teaching methods to keep her students engaged. She adds PowerPoint presentations, games like Jeopardy, and quizzes into her lessons, ensuring active participation and understanding.听

“I like to make learning fun and interactive,鈥� says Amy. 鈥淪ome of my students know English as their second language, so if they need additional help, I鈥檒l host weekly one-on-one meetings to review material. If they need more time than that, I make sure they have it.”听听

Amy鈥檚 commitment to open communication with her students goes beyond the classroom. She tries to be there for students who may be dealing with external struggles. Amy understands that if her students are dealing with something outside of academics, it can negatively affect their ability to learn. Because of that, she makes herself available via email, text, or phone call if a student needs help.听听

Amy’s dedication to students鈥� success is bolstered by the collaborative support she receives from the SM调教社区College staff and instructors. Their encouragement and constructive criticism drive her to continually grow as an educator.听Just like her students, she鈥檚 always learning.

As Amy reflects on her journey, she says she finds fulfillment in witnessing her students’ achievements. Whether guiding them through coursework or preparing them for certification exams, Amy takes pride in nurturing their success and preparing them for careers in healthcare. Would you like to learn from a dedicated instructor like Amy? Call SM调教社区College at 888-200-9942 or fill out the form.听

There鈥檚 a shortage of healthcare workers across the U.S. and Montana hasn鈥檛 escaped the problem. Especially in rural areas, there is demand for all kinds of healthcare workers. In fact, For a variety of reasons, Montana lacks enough well-trained healthcare professionals to fill the gap. The Global pandemic may have ignited the crisis, but the shortage shows no signs of abating. What鈥檚 going on?

Montana Baby Boomers Need More Care

in the country. It鈥檚 estimated that . As Baby Boomers age, their need for medical care will increase. That means the need for medical workers, including medical assistants, will increase too. In Montana alone, Baby Boomers compose .

The Montana Workforce is Retiring听

It isn鈥檛 just the general population that鈥檚 aging in Montana鈥攊t’s the workforce too. According to the Montana Hospital Association, the healthcare workforce in the state is among the Many healthcare professionals have retired or are heading in that direction soon. There are more open positions that need to be filled by younger workers. Some medical workers have also expressed high levels of burnout recently. The number of healthcare workers is projected to decline further over the next year. According to a recent study from Elsevier, .

Montana Is Medically Underserved

Most of Montana鈥檚 counties have been designated as HPSAs, but they鈥檙e also designated as MUAs, or . This means there鈥檚 a shortage of primary healthcare services in an entire county, group of counties, urban census tracts, or civil divisions. This is reflected in the state鈥檚 employment statistics for healthcare workers. For example, the number of medical assistants employed across the state is 1,920, but the state’s population is over 1.1 million. With so few workers for such a large population, the need for healthcare professionals in the state is apparent.听

Can you help tackle the healthcare shortage? If you want a career where you can make a difference in the lives of others, consider joining the healthcare workforce. At SM调教社区College, we provide a variety of healthcare training programs in Billings, Montana. Consider training to become a Medical Assistant. You can complete the program in as few 10 months and be on your way to a rewarding healthcare career. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.听

Your resume looks like EVERY other resume out there, but if you think funny fonts and crazy colors are the way to turn from boring to brilliant, you鈥檙e rushing down a misguided path. In the , what they鈥檙e looking for is substance. Does yours have any? In that tiny amount of time, you need to capture their attention, stand out from the crowd, and make them want to learn more about you. If you haven鈥檛 received many callbacks lately, it鈥檚 time to inject some new life into your old resume.

Choose a Simple, Professional Resume Design听

Substance matters more than sizzle, but how your resume looks is still important. It needs to be well-organized, clear, and clean. You can use a template from Canva or Microsoft Word or just follow a traditional outline listing your most recent jobs and educational achievements at the top. Unless you鈥檝e been in the workforce for years, your resume should be one page. Use a font that鈥檚 both professional and easy to read. Don鈥檛 cram too much text onto your resume and use white space to give each section breathing room. If you want to add color, choose a neutral background like a light gray or beige to make your resume stand out. For digital versions of your resume, be sure to create a pdf.听

Ditch the Objective at Top of Resume

Don鈥檛 list an objective at the top of your resume. Employers know that your objective is to be hired, so don鈥檛 waste precious space to state the obvious, no matter how well-articulated. Instead, swap it out with a personal branding statement. This tells the employer a bit about yourself and why you鈥檙e the best fit for the job. For example, if you鈥檙e applying for an office manager job, you could write: 鈥淚鈥檓 a business office manager with five years of experience managing data, coordinating meetings and events, and providing excellent customer service to large-scale organizations.鈥�

Connect Your Experience to the Job

Because most resumes first travel digitally to a hiring manager, it鈥檚 easier than ever to customize. Make sure to align your skills to the job requirements. Even if your experiences don鈥檛 exactly match what the employer is looking for, you can use transferable skills. For example, maybe you鈥檝e worked a cash register. That requires some customer service. And that means you have experience working with people which is valuable across professions.听

Beat AI With Appropriate Keywords in Your Resume

Artificial intelligence is often used to automate parts of the hiring process. Employers can use AI to sift through the first round of resumes before humans do. This eliminates any resumes that may not include the skills, experience, or education listed in the job description鈥攊ncluding yours. To beat the AI game, include appropriate keywords from the job listing. For example, if you鈥檙e applying for a job in cybersecurity and the post lists preferred or required skills in network security, digital forensics, and cloud security, be sure to include those exact words on your resume.听

Use Short Phrases and Active Verbs in Your Resume

What鈥檚 an active verb? It鈥檚 one where the subject of the sentence takes the action. Instead of a passive sentence: The bundle was lifted by Pedro, you want an active sentence: Pedro lifted the bundle. To keep your reader鈥檚 attention, use active verbs like 鈥渃reated,鈥� 鈥渙rganized,鈥� 鈥渄esigned,鈥� or 鈥渓aunched.鈥� Retire tired verbs such as 鈥渟erved as,鈥� 鈥渨orked on,鈥� and 鈥渄uties included.鈥� You also need to get to the point as quickly as you can. Remember, that hiring manager only spends seconds looking at your resume. And lead with the best you have. How have you directly contributed to your team and your company? What have you accomplished that might separate you from your competitors?听

Add Your Skillset to Your Resume

Your skillset is unique to you. This section on your resume shows the employer what you bring to the table, so you should list out your technical and soft skills. Hard skills could be anything from the types of software that you鈥檙e proficient in, to the specific job responsibilities you know how to perform. Make sure you list skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If the position is hybrid or remote, include remote work skills, such as video conferencing software, file sharing apps, or instant messaging. And for soft skills, consider communication, attention to detail, and other important skills that employers like to see in their new hires.

At SM调教社区College, we understand the importance of the job search and want to help you prepare for it. We offer several training programs in areas like Business, Healthcare, Information Technology, and the Skilled Trades. Our faculty are dedicated to your success and our Career Services team can make you ready for the job search with resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and more. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.听

Law is multi-faceted pursuit with lots of areas you might explore as a Paralegal. If you鈥檝e been thinking of entering the field, think of your options. Do you want to spend time on criminal trials or are you excited by big business? Interested in the ins and outs of the real estate market or more by how and why people and companies sue one another. Check out 7 types of paralegals and see which one appeals to you the most.

1. Family Law Paralegal

As a Family Law Paralegal, you help people during some of the best and worst times of their lives. When families want to adopt a child or when marriages dissolve and custody battles ensue, family lawyers counsel and advocate on behalf of their clients. As a Paralegal, you assist with the processes and paperwork. You may interview prospective parents and communicate with adoption agencies on the client鈥檚 behalf. In divorce proceedings, you prepare pleadings or update the clients on the status of their case. In this role, empathy and compassion are important skills to have as your clients feel a range of emotions, both positive and negative, depending on the circumstances.

听2. Corporate Paralegal

If you have an interest in business, corporate law may be the right path for you. As a corporate Paralegal, you assist companies instead of individuals. You work at corporate legal departments or business law firms, drafting documents, maintaining records, conducting due diligence, and assisting with corporate filings. You might help clients renew company licenses or review corporate contracts. You could draft executive summaries, prepare corporate resolutions, and take meeting minutes. You might help with entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and corporate governance. In this area of law, you need to become an expert in state and federal regulations governing businesses so you can ensure they remain compliant in their dealings.

3. Intellectual Property Paralegals

in recent years and the attorneys who protect it are valued across the country. They help their clients obtain copyrights, patents, and trademarks and then protect against infringement. As a Paralegal in this specialty, you help with applications or maintain IP portfolios. From an initial meeting with a client to the development of action plans, you serve as an important member of the IP legal team. You communicate with clients, conduct research, draft applications, handle correspondence, assist with appeals, prepare and file legal documents, and create status reports for all the cases you work on.

4. Real Estate Paralegal听

Buying and selling a house is a huge milestone for hopeful homebuyers. But there is a small mountain of paperwork that accompanies the event. As a Real Estate Paralegal, you assist attorneys and clients with a wide variety of legal documents. You might prepare offer letters and draft purchase and sale contracts. You might review seller disclosures, contract addendums, title insurance policies, home inspection reports, or overall deed language. You keep track of important deadlines and keep all parties on the same page. If a zoning or boundary issue arises, you might help clients understand their options and assist with schedule coordination and paperwork if they need to go to court. And you help prepare the closing documents.听

5. Litigation Paralegal

As a Litigation Paralegal, you work in a law firm that handles civil or criminal cases. Civil litigation is when one person sues another, while criminal litigation is when the state brings a suit against an individual or corporation. From the initial case investigation to post-trial procedures, you help attorneys do their jobs better. You may draft legal documents, conduct research, organize case files, and coordinate schedules with clients, attorneys, and court personnel. You might interview witnesses and investigators and help prepare them for trial. Or you may help with the discovery process or analyze legal statues and previous cases for information that could help the case. And you may take notes for the lawyer during the trial and help manage the public perception of the case.听

6. Immigration Paralegal

As an Immigration Paralegal, you assist people who are trying to move to the United States for work, family, or personal reasons. You help immigrants complete naturalization papers and file petitions for permanent residency. You could also help foreign college students obtain work visas so they can study in the U.S. Another part of immigration law assists people seeking political asylum or those in the country without papers who need to fight deportation. Being able to speak multiple languages would be an asset in this area of law. And while you might work in a law office for an immigration lawyer, you could also use your skills in immigration law to work for a nonprofit or government agency.听

7. Bankruptcy Paralegals

Bankruptcy is the legal process that helps people with debts they can鈥檛 afford have them forgiven. Whether you serve on the debtor or creditor side, as a Bankruptcy Paralegal, you prepare lots of standardized forms. You need to understand what they are, how they need to be completed, and where and when they should be filed. You may need to analyze financial documents, prepare bankruptcy petitions and schedules, communicate with creditors, and coordinate bankruptcy hearings. Your job is to file the right forms and provide documents that support your side. For example, if a creditor is trying to get paid, you may have investigators look for evidence that the debtor has more assets than they claim. If you work for the debtor, you would compile tax returns, pay stubs, and bills to prove that your client is financially unable to pay.

Whether you’re passionate about litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, or another legal field, there may be a paralegal role suited to your interests and skills. By exploring these seven types of paralegals and their respective responsibilities, you can gain insight into the diverse opportunities available in the legal profession. Are you ready to begin a career as a paralegal? Contact SM调教社区College today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal that can prepare you for an entry-level career in legal field. Our program can be completed online in as few as 15 months, so you can get to work faster. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.听

Imagine getting up every day knowing that you make a real difference in the lives of others 鈥搕hat what you do matters. Medical Assistants do what they do because they want to help others. But that鈥檚 not the only motivator to become a Medical Assistant. Is this the career for you? Check out some reasons it might just be.

Medical Assistants Make a Difference

As a Medical Assistant, you provide direct patient care that can have a positive impact. You make a difference on a very personal level, helping patients facing health challenges and supporting them in their time of need. Whether you assist with daily activities, take vital signs, or just listen to patient concerns with empathy and compassion, you have an important role. And that individual contribution has also been shown to improve overall patient outcomes in the healthcare system. You鈥檙e part of something much bigger than just you!听听

Be Part of a Healthcare Team as a Medical Assistant

Being part of a team that鈥檚 part of a respected industry may be another reason to consider a Medical Assistant career. You work with skilled professionals like doctors, nurses, specialists鈥攁nd other Medical Assistants鈥攖o provide your patients with the best care possible. Your knowledge and talents help the team help others.

Medical Assistants are in Demand

emand for Medical Assistants continues to trend upward, and pursuing this career can offer you a pathway to long-term job security and stability. As a Medical Assistant, you learn a variety of skills that can translate across healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and specialized care facilities. Whether you prefer the large-scale environment of a hospital or the personalized care of a private practice, you may find a position at many levels of patient care.

Medical Assistant Structure and Employee Benefits

Most where they have set daily schedules that might be from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but you could also work at a hospital or clinic. In those locations, you may work nights and weekends, but you will know your schedule ahead of time. And because you work in healthcare, you can expect healthcare benefits including medical and dental. You may also be entitled to 听 paid time off, and sick leave.听听

Gain Knowledge and Experience for Future Education

Your training and career as a Medical Assistant can prepare you for further education and opportunities. You may want to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas or explore roles in healthcare administration. Whether you want to become a nurse someday or work in the office of a healthcare administrator, your role as a Medical Assistant gives you unique perspective, knowledge, and experience.听

Are you ready to start a career as a Medical Assistant? SM调教社区College offers a that can prepare you for entry-level work at a hospital, clinic, or doctor鈥檚 office. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

If you鈥檝e been to a doctor鈥檚 office or stayed in a hospital, you鈥檝e probably been cared for by nurses and medical assistants. They may seem similar to you, but they have very different responsibilities. Medical assistants help doctors during patient exams and procedures, and they handle the administrative side of an office or department. Nurses provide direct patient care and they have more autonomy than medical assistants. They follow doctor鈥檚 orders, but they do a lot on their own. Here鈥檚 a closer look at the differences between these two professions:听

Nurses Must Complete More Training than Medical Assistants

Because nurses have more responsibilities than medical assistants, their training and education is more in-depth. They learn how to treat severe wounds, provide IV, and insert catheters. Aside from the classroom lectures and coursework, nursing students must also complete a clinical rotation at a local hospital or healthcare facility. This allows them to practice patient care under the supervision and guidance of doctors and nurse leaders. Nurses also need an associate degree to become a Registered Nurse, while medical assistants can find employment with a certificate. Finally, nurses need to be licensed in all 50 states while only some states require licensing for medical assistants.听

Nurses Have a Broader Scope of Responsibility than Medical Assistants

Nurses have a much broader scope of responsibility than medical assistants. Their primary focus is patient care, and this can include administering medication and vaccinations, inserting catheters, performing diagnostic procedures, and creating patient care plans 鈥� duties that a medical assistant is not allowed to perform. On the other hand, a medical assistant tends to handle more administrative work than a nurse. Medical assistants are typically the first person a patient encounters in a doctor鈥檚 office or medical unit. They answer phones and emails, help patients fill out paperwork, schedule appointments, and submit insurance claims. Nurses need to add to patient medical records and they may do some administrative tasks in small facilities. Generally, though, administrative tasks fall to the medical assistant so the nurse can concentrate on patient care. In some facilities, a medical assistant may report to a nurse, but a nurse will never report to a medical assistant.

Nurses Must Be Licensed

The reason nurses have a broader scope of responsibility is because they have more in-depth education and training. Before they graduate from nursing school, they must sit for the NCLEX exam, a national test that validates their knowledge of medical terms, patient care procedures, infection control, medication, and more. Once they pass this test and submit the proper paperwork to their state board, they can earn a license and begin to practice nursing. A medical assistant may not be required to attain a license, but some employers prefer licensure or certification. Medical assistants must perform their duties under the supervision of a doctor or even a registered nurse.听

Nurses Typically Work in Hospitals

while some work in long-term care centers. Medical assistants commonly work in doctor鈥檚 office and some work in hospital units, usually specializing in either clerical or clinical work.听

Are you interested in a career in medical assisting or nursing? Contact SM调教社区College today! We offer a Certificate in Medical Assistant at several campuses and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at our Anchorage campus and can prepare you for entry-level work. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.听

Are you thinking of joining the HVAC trade? Hands-on training from the right people with the right equipment can get you started, but how do you choose the right HVAC school? They may all seem alike from the outside, but when you take a closer look, you find their curriculum, instruction style, delivery mode, and required length of commitment may all be different. Here are a few important components you should look for in an HVAC school:

Comprehensive HVAC Training and Curriculum

The HVAC program you choose should offer a comprehensive curriculum that provides in-depth training in heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration. The courses should cover important topics like HVAC science, electrical work, refrigeration, duct work, piping, and fuel systems. They should teach you about residential and commercial AC and heat pumps, gas and oil heating systems, and energy conservation as it relates to HVAC units. You also need to learn about building codes and blueprints, industry regulations, and safety protocols.

Well-Equipped Lab Space for HVAC Training

Another hallmark of a good school is a quality lab where you can put your newfound knowledge into practice. The lab space for students should be well-equipped with the latest tools and machinery that HVAC technicians use, including cutters, multimeters, and gauges. It should include a variety of replica HVAC units that you can practice on to gain a better understanding of their mechanisms, parts, and common issues. If your program covers refrigeration, you might also find refrigerators and commercial ice machines that you can learn to diagnose and repair. The lab should also contain workspaces where you can sharpen your skills in electrical work and air ducts.

Experienced HVAC Instructors

An instructor who鈥檚 an expert in textbook knowledge of HVAC units is helpful, but an experienced instructor who鈥檚 spent years in the industry can be invaluable to your career. Find a program that鈥檚 taught by instructors who are also licensed HVAC technicians. This validates the quality of your education because you get to learn from people who know what it鈥檚 like to work as a tradesperson. They can share the lessons they鈥檝e learned, explain the differences and similarities in commercial and residential work, and offer tips on how to deal with clients. Their insight can prove even more useful than the information you get from textbooks and manuals.

Flexible Format for HVAC School

As an adult learner, you need more flexibility than you did in high school. If you have a family, a job, or other adult responsibilities, you need a program that can work with your schedule, not against it. Choose an HVAC school that offers training in a blended learning format. This means that some classes will be offered on campus while others can be taken online. The online coursework can be accessed when it鈥檚 most convenient for you. The on-campus classes include your lab time so you can make the most of in-person learning.

Are you looking for an HVAC school? Contact SM调教社区College today. We offer a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration that could be the right for you. With our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art training facilities, you can prepare for an entry-level career in HVAC in as few as 10 months. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

As a single mother, Breanne Mimms is no stranger to putting the needs of others before her own. So, when her grandfather became ill, helping him out wasn鈥檛 just a responsibility she accepted; it was a privilege she embraced.

鈥淢y grandfather was my 鈥榩erson,鈥� says Breanne. 鈥淔rom the time he was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer鈥檚 in 2010, and until he passed away, I helped take him to appointments and cared for him at home. He was one of the reasons I wanted to be hands-on with patient care.鈥�

Choosing a Passion and a Career

Breanne had been planning a move to Arizona for a job, but when the pandemic hit, those plans changed. Maybe it was time to continue her education.

Breanne had originally gone to school for Medical Administration, but when she thought about restarting her college career, she thought of her grandfather. Caring for him made her realize what she had to give to others and the kind of purpose she wanted for her life.

鈥淚 planned to go back to Pierce College, but I kept seeing TV ads for SM调教社区College all the time,鈥� says Breanne. 鈥淭he online classes seemed to be exactly what I needed so I had to do more research.鈥�

In spite of wanting to learn online, Breanne still wanted a hands-on career.听 She narrowed her options, and decided to attend SM调教社区College for the Health Unit Coordinator program.

By choosing the Health Unit Coordinator program, Breanne felt she was getting the hands-on experience with patients she wants, while still getting the administrative experience the program had to offer.

Balancing Work and School at the Same Time

Breanne had a unique start to her education at SM调教社区College because her courses began on the same day as her new Patient Care Coordinator role at . She was concerned with starting classes while getting acclimated to a new job, but she credits Charter鈥檚 online course format, along with helpful instructors, for making the transition go smoothly. On top of this, she gained a lot of knowledge from her classes that she could directly apply in her role at the time.

鈥淪tarting both at the same time actually helped me learn to be more organized, and the program taught me even more medical information that was directly tied to my role in real time,鈥� Breanne says.

And Breanne loved the program so much that she decided to continue her education and pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health Degree from SM调教社区College.

Positive Experiences and Help from Others

Throughout her time at SM调教社区College, Breanne found so much support from faculty and staff. She particularly highlighted the encouragement and guidance she received from individuals like her advisor, who was one of the reasons she decided to continue her education after she received her first certificate. Even when she was faced with personal medical problems, SM调教社区was ready and willing to work with her and make sure she didn鈥檛 have to miss a significant amount of class time.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to get behind on my work, so I reached out to the faculty, and they worked with me to develop a plan for the work that needed to be done in the time that I would miss,鈥� Breanne explains.

Now with her Health Unit Coordinator certification and associate degree, Breanne looks forward pursuing a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration Degree at SM调教社区College. Although she doesn鈥檛 have a set plan for the future, Breanne would like to become medical case manager. Her long-term career goals remain anchored in her passion for patient care and hopes to make a positive change in patients鈥� lives every day.

Do you want to learn more about the positive people and experiences at SM调教社区College? Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form.