Choosing a Refrigeration,
Air Conditioning and Heating School...

As juniors and seniors in high school, you might be overwhelmed by all the college information packets you'll receive and all the web sites you will research. Choosing the right school for you is a very important decision.

First, consider your field of study. How about Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating Technology? It is a field that is not only growing at a rapid rate, but has also evolved into a high-tech industry.

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating systems are used to control temperature, humidity, and total air quality in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. If you shop, work, live in some sort of dwelling, or drive a vehicle, you will feel the impact of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating. Technicians who go into this field are specially trained to design, sell, install, and service these systems.

In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency made it against the law to vent chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere, due to the depletion of the ozone layer. Therefore, mandatory EPA Technician Certification is required to service all Refrigeration and Air Conditioning equipment, and in order to buy ozone-depleting refrigerant. Global warming has become a major environmental issue, and a major concern of the field.

If you choose to study in such a challenging area, you will need to decide if you are going to stay near home or go away to school. Your high school guidance department should be able to assist you.

Once you have made that decision, you should plan a tour of the various schools you are interested in, talk to the Admissions Departments, find out what classes are required, how long the programs are, and what types of Certification you will receive upon graduation. Financial aid and scholarships are generally available to those who qualify, but most programs have deadlines early in the year. Get your application in early!
And before you apply, don't forget to check with a school's Job Placement Department to give you information on the job market, salaries, and placement information for past graduates.

Apply as soon as you have made your decision. Begin your financial aid and scholarship applications.

And once you've been accepted, make sure you attend the Orientation for new students. It will give you valuable information on your road to success.

Provided by Diane Marsteller, Director of Admissions at ETI Technical College of Niles.