Air Conditioning Technology
settingsChanging 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 equip students with the skills and qualifications needed to begin a career as an air conditioning technician.
In a dynamic, hands-on learning environment, students learn to safely install, troubleshoot, service, and repair heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems—essential systems that regulate air quality in homes, schools, hospitals, offices, factories, and more.
Technicians may work at a single job site or travel to multiple locations for service calls. The job often involves working both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in tight spaces or challenging weather conditions. With these skills, technicians can work for a company or build their own business.
OFTC’s program prepares students for a reliable, high-demand career while helping them stay current with industry trends and technology.
Programs in this field can be completed in as little as 1 to 5 semesters.
Programs
Air Conditioning Electrical Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Air Conditioning Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Air Conditioning Electrical Technician program prepares students in the air conditioning area of study to acquire competencies in electricity related to installation, service, and maintenance of electrical systems. This program supports the needs of the area air conditioning industry by providing a reliable supply of trained electrical installers and service heating and air conditioning technicians.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Air Conditioning Repair Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
Air Conditioning Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Air Conditioning Repair Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit is a series of courses designed to prepare students for positions in the maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems. A combination of theory and practical application provide for the necessary skills to support industry requirements.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit
Air Conditioning Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit is a series of courses that prepares students to hold positions as refrigeration technician assistants.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
Air Conditioning Technology
Diploma
3 Semesters
The Air Conditioning Technology diploma program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in the air conditioning industry. Learning opportunities develop academic, occupational, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of air conditioning theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Interdisciplinary Studies – Air Conditioning Technology degree and have the qualifications of an air conditioning technician.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Technician Technical Certificate of Credit
Air Conditioning Technology
Certificate of Credit
1 Semester
The Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Technician TCC prepares students for careers in the installation of heating and air conditioning systems. Emphasis is placed on the theory and practical application skills necessary to provide the skills for successful employment.
The HOPE Career Grant is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. Learn More
Interdisciplinary Studies – Air Conditioning Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
Air Conditioning Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
3 Semesters
The Interdisciplinary Studies – Air Conditioning Technology degree program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in the air conditioning industry. Learning opportunities develop academic, occupational, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of air conditioning theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Interdisciplinary Studies – Air Conditioning Technology degree and have the qualifications of an air conditioning technician.
Features
Job Stability & Security
About 40,100 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade, with a projected growth rate of 9% THROUGH 2033. There are currently more HVAC job openings than there are technicians able to fill those roles.
Little or No Cost to You
TUITION-FREE ELIGIBLE – This 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
With tuition at $107 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 to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change.
Advancement Opportunities
The HVAC industry is constantly innovating itself which means advancement opportunities, job security, and excellent earning potential.
Locations
Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.
Online
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.
- Submit a completed application and application fee.
- Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable.
- 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.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and HOPE applications online using OFTC School Code: 031555.
NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
General Requirements
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:
Dublin Program Advisor
For additional information on admission to OFTC, contact the Office of Admissions:
Sandersville Office of Admissions
Dublin Office of Admissions
Learning Format
Students can enter an accounting program any semester — because when you’re ready to start on your path towards 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
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
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
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
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 TodayPaying 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.
Sandersville
Dublin
Georgia awarded over $934 million in scholarships in AY24
of OFTC students have some form of Scholarship in AY24
OFTC students received over $6.6 million in financial assistance in FY25
More than 75% of OFTC students received some sort of Financial Aid in AY24
Contact
Sandersville
Dublin
Tuition & Fees
With tuition at $107 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 to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. A budgeted cost of attendance is also available. Costs are estimated and are subject to change.
New 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
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $59,810
- Job Outlook: 9% growth through 2033
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 Morejob placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY23)
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY24)
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 building
"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."