Transitions in HVACR Education

Ready or not, the world is moving away from fossil fuels. This transition is transforming the ways in which power is generated and utilized. Two glaring examples of these changes are the automotive and HVACR industries.  

As the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, automotive training programs are being re-tooled, and their instructors, many of whom who have never worked on these vehicles, are seeking to learn about these innovative vehicles. Similarly, HVACR training programs are re-tooling to address new technologies, and requiring their instructors to obtain professional development on cold climate heat pumps, and other inverter-driven technologies.  

With so many industry changes underway, HVACR educational programs are seeking assistance to validate they have the resources and administrative support to incorporate these new technologies into the training they offer. To ensure that the programs are in compliance with nationally recognized standards, many schools have earned third-party, programmatic accreditation through HVAC Excellence, with thirty-four programs being newly accredited this past year.

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation is a process of evaluating an educational program to ensure that it meets established standards of excellence. It is intended to ensure that programs have the necessary resources and support (both industry and administrative) to provide high-quality training to adequately prepare students for entry-level positions in the industry. The process of programmatic accreditation involves a thorough examination of various aspects of the program, including its mission, administrative responsibilities, finances, student services, instructional design, physical facilities, equipment and tools, cooperative training, and instructor qualifications. HVAC Excellence programmatic accreditation is designed to identify programs that have the resources and support to prepare students for success in the HVACR industry.

The Process

To achieve programmatic accreditation from HVAC Excellence, a school must complete a detailed self-study and demonstrate compliance with all required standards. The accreditation review board, having approved the self-study, will send an accreditation team to conduct an intense, onsite review of the program to validate the accuracy of the self-study and ensure compliance with all established standards. The onsite team consists of two professionals, one with experience as an HVACR instructor and the other as a school administrator. After a thorough review of all documentation presented by the school and the onsite team, the HVAC Excellence accreditation review board may grant accreditation to the program.

Benefits of Accreditation

There are many benefits to achieving programmatic accreditation. These benefits include:

• Increased credibility with prospective students and employers
• Improved recruitment efforts
• Ease with which institutional credits can be transferred
• Opportunities for self-improvement and program growth
• Organizations such as the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA) may offer advanced placement opportunities to graduates as a result of their HVAC Excellence credentials.
• HVAC Excellence accredited programs are listed in the official directory of accredited programs.

Learn More About Accreditation

If you are interested in learning more about the standards, accreditation process, or meeting team leaders, etc., click here or call us toll free at 800 394-5268.