HVAC Excellence granted the accreditation after conducting an onsite evaluation of the Baton Rouge program. The program was reviewed in the following areas: curriculum, faculty, student facilities, placement services, financial aid, training facilities, equipment and safety. It was determined that the program, Walter Nichols (program chair), and staff have met or exceeded all standards set forth by HVAC Excellence which are based, in part, on the National Skill Standards.

The Baton Rouge campus is the first Louisiana Technical College to go through the HVAC Excellence accreditation process. The state of Louisiana is currently working toward accreditation of all the HVACR programs throughout its 42-campus system.

The program is designed to ensure that every person graduating is trained and prepared for employment in the HVACR industry. The program prepares individuals to install, diagnose, repair, and maintain residential and commercial HVACR systems. It also aids local contractors and other employers in identifying technicians who meet or exceed the technical expertise required for their available positions.

In addition, the school conducts technical competency certification. Consumers can identify certified technicians, as they are awarded patches that indicate that they are HVAC Excellence certified.

Nichols’ program covers: Computer Literacy, Applied Mathematics, HVAC Introduction, Principles of Refrigeration, Electricity, Customer Relations, Job Seeking Skills, Room Air Conditioning, Domestic Refrigeration. Residential: Central Air Conditioning - Gas Heating - Electric Heating - Heat Pumps and System Design. Commercial: Air Conditioning and Controls - Refrigeration and Controls.

The school says that students interested in attending the program should apply early, as the average class size is limited to 40-50 students. For more information on the program, visit the Baton Rouge campus at 3250 Arcadian Thruway in Baton Rouge, La., or call 225-359-9227.

Publication date: 03/03/2003