HVAC R Programs in Bloomington, Minnesota

Becoming an HVAC-R Certified Technician in Bloomington, Minnesota

Why Become an HVAC-R Certified Technician in Bloomington

Bloomington, Minnesota, is a thriving city known for its vibrant community and landmarks such as the Mall of America and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. With a growing demand for skilled tradespeople, becoming an HVAC-R certified technician in Bloomington can be a rewarding career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for HVAC technicians is around $50,590 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This makes it an excellent time to enter the field.

HVAC-R Training Programs in Bloomington, Minnesota

If you’re looking to become an HVAC-R technician in Bloomington, several local schools offer comprehensive training programs:

1. Hennepin Technical College
   • Location: Eden Prairie, MN (approximately 10 miles from Bloomington)
   • Program: HVAC-R Diploma Program
   • Description: Hennepin Technical College offers a robust HVAC-R program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program covers essential topics such as refrigeration, heating systems, and air conditioning.
   • Link: Hennepin Technical College HVAC-R Program
2. Dunwoody College of Technology
   • Location: Minneapolis, MN (approximately 12 miles from Bloomington)
   • Program: HVAC-R Systems Servicing Associate of Applied Science
   • Description: Dunwoody College provides an in-depth HVAC-R program that prepares students for various certifications and real-world applications. The curriculum includes advanced HVAC-R systems, energy management, and sustainable practices.
   • Link: Dunwoody College HVAC-R Program
3. Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC)
   • Location: Minneapolis, MN (approximately 11 miles from Bloomington)
   • Program: HVAC-R Technician Diploma
   • Description: MCTC offers a comprehensive HVAC-R program that focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Link: MCTC HVAC-R Program

Typical Program Curriculum

HVAC-R programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students can expect to take courses in:

• Basic Electricity and Electronics: Understanding electrical components and circuits.
• Refrigeration Principles: Learning the fundamentals of refrigeration systems.
• Heating Systems: Studying various heating technologies and systems.
• Air Conditioning: Exploring air conditioning systems and their components.
• System Design and Installation: Designing and installing HVAC-R systems.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Diagnosing and repairing system issues.

Programs generally take between 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the level of certification or degree pursued. Specializations such as energy management or sustainable HVAC-R practices may also be available.

HVAC-R Employment Opportunities in Bloomington

Bloomington offers numerous employment opportunities for HVAC-R technicians. Some major HVAC-R companies in the area include:

1. Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
   • Location: Minneapolis, MN (approximately 10 miles from Bloomington)
   • Description: A well-established company providing heating and air conditioning services. They offer various career opportunities for HVAC-R technicians.
   • Link: Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Careers
2. Uptown Heating and Cooling
   • Location: Minneapolis, MN (approximately 12 miles from Bloomington)
   • Description: Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC-R services, Uptown Heating and Cooling is a great place for technicians to grow their careers.
   • Link: Uptown Heating and Cooling Careers
3. Genz-Ryan
   • Location: Burnsville, MN (approximately 8 miles from Bloomington)
   • Description: Genz-Ryan offers comprehensive HVAC-R services and has a strong reputation in the industry. They frequently seek skilled technicians to join their team.
   • Link: Genz-Ryan Careers

HVAC-R Certification Requirements in Minnesota

To become an HVAC-R certified technician in Bloomington, MN, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

State Requirements
– Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI): Requires HVAC technicians to be licensed by the state. Refer to Minnesota Statute 326B.92 for detailed licensing requirements.
– Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID): Oversees the licensing of HVAC technicians. Visit the AELSLAGID Website for more information.

Certifications
– EPA 608 Certification: Required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for technicians who handle refrigerants. More details can be found on the EPA 608 Certification Website.
– NATE Certification: Optional, but recommended by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICE). Learn more on the NATE Certification Website.
– R-410A Certification: Optional, but recommended for technicians working with R-410A refrigerant. Visit the R-410A Certification Website for details.

Local Requirements
– City of Bloomington: No specific licensing or certification requirements for HVAC technicians. More information can be found on the City of Bloomington Website.
– Hennepin County: No specific licensing or certification requirements for HVAC technicians. Visit the Hennepin County Website for details.

Federal Requirements
– OSHA Certification: Required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for technicians working with hazardous materials. More details can be found on the OSHA Certification Website.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an HVAC-R technician in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a promising and rewarding path. With a variety of local training programs and a growing job market, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their HVAC-R programs and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Don’t wait—your future as an HVAC-R certified technician awaits!